Last week we highlighted 2 Game designers at the Boston Festival of Independent games, and you’re in luck because we’ve got one more for you. Meet Patrick Fahy, 3D modeler extraordinaire and Designer of Mech Deck.
Patrick showing off his modular mech designs
Where did the concept for Mech Deck come from?
The concept for Mech Deck came from a love of building things and wanting the piece on the board to look like the giant robot you custom built. Many board games allow you to choose a character, setting them up with equipment and abilities, but the piece on the board is usually static. In Mech Deck the piece on the board was custom built by the player every time they sit down to play.
My second biggest motivation was to capture the fun of really complicated hobby wargames and try to create a more accessible version that doesn’t take all day to play. The goal was to find something that both casual and more dedicated players will find fun.
The awesome painted, customizable Mechs of Mech Deck
How did you create your (beautiful) game pieces?
I modeled all the figures using Rhino and 3D Coat. Their designs came from a collaboration between my illustrator Toni Bell and myself.
Playtesting Mech Deck at BFIG
How does 3D printing help indie game designers like yourself move through iterations to a final product?
For my game 3D printing allowed me to work through the design problems of a modular build-your-own miniature. Without it, a project like this would be unthinkable for anyone but a large game publishing company. The newest magnetic version are my favorite so far. The ease of use and added articulation is just too fun compared to the mini “statues” you usually get in board games.
We love how Mechdeck uses 3D printing to innovate this cool futuristic wargame. Are you also an indie game designer using 3D printing? Let us know in the comments below or share your designs in our forums.
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