Catalyst has updated the product page fore each of the four core BattleTech rulebooks currently available. You can now download the blank record sheets and compiled tables for Total Warfare, TechManual, Tactical Operations and Strategic Operations from their respective product pages on this site. These compiled tables and blank record sheets are taken directly from the back of each respective book and often include additional pages not available in the PDF or print version of the full book; such additions provide additional sheets and/or reference material for more player usability. Additionally, for the first time, the weapons and equipment tables from TechManual are available in the TechManual Blank Records Sheets & Tables PDF.

Over the last two years Catalyst Game Labshas successfully re-invigorated the seminal BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines, with a host of new product releases, including eagerly awaited core rule expansions and the publication of the Origins’ Award winning Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set. This dedication will only continue as Catalyst heads into 2009, the 25th and 20th anniversaries of BattleTech and Shadowrun, respectively.

As Catalyst Game Labs begins to expand its catalog with the launches of several new properties in 2009 (including the Eclipse Phase RPG, casual games like Paparazzi! and High School Drama and more), it is well aware of the need to maintain a strong release schedule of quality books for its core lines. “Stepping up from the BattleTech Line Developer position to Managing Line Developer last year was the first step in allowing Catalyst to begin expanding,” says Randall Bills. “However, the size and scope of the BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines means that something more is needed beyond the line developer and their excellent stable of freelance writers. A dedicated assistant line developer ensures we can continue an aggressive publishing schedule of quality rulebooks, sourcebooks and so on, while we expand into other areas (other games, novel publishing, and so on).”

Jennifer Harding has accepted the post of Shadowrun Assistant Line Developer, while Ben Rome has accepted the post of BattleTech Assistant Line Developer.

This is just a quick update to fix a few BV calculation issues that were discovered. I also modified Username selection for sending site messages. It now provides an auto-suggest list based on the characters entered pulled directly from the database. The Find username button is gone.

[#0811-033] : [Technical Readouts] Rear mounted weapon BV incorrect
[#0811-034] : [Technical Readouts] Swords not accounted for in BV calculations
[#0811-032] : [Site Messaging] Incorporate auto-suggest for Username field

Been a little while since I made a significant update. Well, I would consider this significant. Made a few minor defect fixes, but I did a lot with the BattleMech Technical Readout section. Those changes include adding Battle Value calculations, enhancing navigation, and adding proper support for Artemis IV (was there, but you could design a 'Mech improperly before).

Anyways, see the list below for the complete list...

[#0810-003] : [Account Management] Profile misspelled in 'Edit Profile'
[#0810-007] : [Electronic Request System] Add 'Month' and 'Years' to detail information for resolution times
[#0807-005] : [Other] Create default Versions for non Mordel.Net projects
[#0810-004] : [Technical Readouts] Add Battle Value calculations to each mech
[#0811-002] : [Technical Readouts] Add LRM (OS) equipment for Clans
[#0810-010] : [Technical Readouts] Add previous and next buttons when viewing a TRO
[#0801-047] : [Technical Readouts] Allow selection of TRO if allowed
[#0810-009] : [Technical Readouts] Change how Artemis IV FCS is implemented
[#0811-001] : [Technical Readouts] Equipment scroll bar not appearing in Firefox 3
[#0810-008] : [Technical Readouts] Menu options not re-positioned when window is resized
[#0807-003] : [Technical Readouts] Missing space in title of member review topic

Following the announcement of the shutdown of WizKids Games by Topps Company, the BattleTech and Shadowrun communities (along with retailers) have expressed concern over the continued publication of these perennial lines.



“While it’s understandable that concerns would arise, let me put those concerns to rest,” said Loren Coleman, co-owner of Catalyst Game Labs. “After thorough legal review of our licensing contract, Catalyst is confident that regardless of the ultimate destination of these properties, we can and will continue publications for both game lines.”



Acquiring the licenses for Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun in 2007, Catalyst Game Labs has already published over twenty products for both lines. The November 25th street date of Ghost Cartels and Street Magic continues the revival both game lines are experiencing.

Yay, an update, at last!

I'm really sorry for the recent lack of new content, folks. But I have no less than three (more or less) good excuses! :)
First of all, MechWarrior, my main building focus for the past years, seems to be on hold for the time being. Not that there still would be that much left for me to build, anyway. Secondly, I have taken to playing World of Warcraft, which is eating a lot of my free time. And last, but not least, I got a new job. In January I have been hired by .... LEGO Denmark to work as a Digital Model Designer! :D

While I am currently helping designing LEGO Universe, the upcoming MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game), I'm doing quite some travelling between Denmark, Germany and the US (where LEGO Universe is being developed). Actually I just returned from the US after a months stay. And I brought some new stuff with me: the Kelswa tank from MW and a preview on new Microspace content, as well as my copy of the Recusant cruiser from Star Wars episode III - along with three 'Mechs!

[b]Hello All![/b]

So, my monthly newsletter has turned into a maybe quarterly newsletter> :-( At least you can't say I'm spamming you. So, with Fall upon us (and it actually almost feels like it here in Columbia, SC), here's what's going on.

[b]Benefits for Users with Big Monitors[/b]

Well, it was a bit unexpected, but some people have actually started using HeavyMetal software on 30" monitors! And guess what? The HM programs pretty much threw up on the screen! ;-) Variable sizes were exceeded, and the programs actually thought the screens were negative in size, which sent them into a tizzy. But the fix was easy enough, so I've modified all of the programs except HMMap to accommodate larger monitors. (Speaking of HMMap, if anyone has it and a monitor with 2560x1600 or so resolution, please let me know how it's working for you.) I think I'm okay until we have million inch monitors now. Anyhow, as usual, you can find the latest updates for the programs on the Program Updates Page at:

[url]http://www.heavymetalpro.com/ProgramUpdates.htm[/url]

For the most part, the only thing that changed is the resolution thing, so most people won't see a difference. However, HMAero does include a mod to help with the new, huge capital weapon ammo, and the BV2 versions of HMPro and HMVee have revised Battle Values for artillery weapons, including artillery cannon, from the latest, upcoming errata (talk about a moving target!).

[b]HeavyMetal Pro 6?[/b]

I think I'll quit making excuses and just say that it's coming slowly, and won't be out for quite some time. Definitely not this year, but I honestly hope not too long into next. Again, I'm sorry. I'm having a tough time with this. Boy, what I'd give to just be able to sit down with a fellow programmer to work through some difficulties. And of course, he could kick me in the butt to get me going. Anyhow, no more excuses. I'm trying. It's coming slowly. Sorry.

Regards,

Rick Raisley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rick@...

HeavyMetal Software
www.heavymetalpro.com
Official Software for Classic BattleTech

Starterbook: Wolf and Blake PDF is now on sale on the BattleCorps.com BattleShop! You can also pre-order a copy there, if you don't have a local game store. Since this book is currently on a boat from Thailand, we'll be waiting to announce a street date until it hits soil, so watch this space for more information!

The next core rulebook, Tactical Operations, is now available in PDF format in the BattleShop at BattleCorps.com. Also available is the pre-order for the print version and the combo PDF/print pre-order package. Check it out today!

Lake Stevens, WA, May 7, 2008—InMediaRes Production, LLC. Acquires Managing Editor for BattleCorps Website.


InMediaRes Production, LLC. Today announced the acquisition of Jason Schmetzer as Managing Editor for the BattleCorps.com website. Schmetzer will be responsible for operation and development of the site and its content, working in concert with Catalyst Game Labs developers in the Classic BattleTech game line to continue the successful publication of fiction to support the game line. He will report to Editor-in-Chief Loren L. Coleman.


“Jason has gone through the fire for BattleCorps already with his Case White series, and handled that exceedingly well.” David Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager for InMediaRes said recently. “We feel Jason’s abilities and drive will be a great match for the exciting directions we’re taking the Classic BattleTech line.”


Schmetzer, who has previously worked as both a staff writer and editor for InMediaRes, offered the following statement. “In the years preceding Catalyst Game Labs’ acquisition of the license, BattleCorps proved itself a dynamic and vital part of the Classic BattleTech experience. I’m very excited to be a part of moving that experience forward in concert with the rest of the line.” Schmetzer’s applicable credits include print and online content in both the Classic BattleTech and WizKids’ MechWarrior lines.


About Catalyst Game Labs
Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality gaming products that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes, presented in a form that allows both beginning players and long-time veterans to easily pick up our games. Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint (publishing house) of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming product with all the benefits of an electronic interface and community, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player.