Backerkit - Bringing Much More Isometric Map-Making Content to MapForge

BattleGrounds Games, the maker of MapForge, has been in the VTT business for over a decade and has been producing mapping software for about half that time. Heruca not only does good work, but he's also a solid supporter of the gaming community.

The current crowdfunding project is precisely what it says on the tin: Bringing Much More Isometric Map-Making Content to MapForge via Backerkit.

This campaign is to fund the creation of 13 new isometric content Add-Ons for MapForge, whose aim will be to allow the creation of Modern Day and Post-Apocalyptic maps. This new content will supplement all the great isometric content that is already available for MapForge.

If you're not already a MapForge user, no problem, since during this campaign you can pledge for a discounted MapForge license as an Add-On to your pledge. So even if you have zero interest in isometric mapping (or perhaps in the Modern Day and Post-Apocalyptic game genres), you can join the growing MapForge user base and go make some nifty top-down or hex-tile maps.

If you're not already familiar with MapForge, here's a quick recap:

• MapForge is easy-to-use software for Windows and Mac OS that makes high-quality maps for printing or for use in virtual tabletop software (e.g., Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, Foundry VTT, Arkenforge, etc.).
• It can be used for free (no license required for low resolution output).
• There are a staggering 60 free content Add-Ons available for MapForge, to start you off with over 9000 mapping assets covering a variety of game genres and mapping styles.
• You can download and try the software out for yourself, to evaluate it and see for yourself if the program is what you want/expect it to be.

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Kickstarter - Even More Isometric Mapping Content for MapForge

Developing great new content to better support isometric mapping in MapForge in various genres.

I'm a huge fan of map-making software and apps for my fantasy RPGs, largely due to my love of maps and my lack of artistic ability. Ah well, you can't win them all.

MapForge is one of the more interesting mapping apps I've found that works on both PCs (WinDoze) and Macs. Yes, as a Mac user, that is a huge selling point for me. You can also give the software a spin for free.

MapForge is easy-to-use software for Windows and Mac OS that makes high-quality maps for printing or for use in virtual tabletop software (e.g., Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, Foundry VTT, etc.).

It can be used for free (no license required for low resolution output).

Comes with 52 free content Add-Ons (covering a variety of game genres and mapping styles).

You can download and try the software out for yourself, to evaluate it and see if the program is what you want/expect it to be.

MapForge is from the same folks behind the BattleGrounds VTT, one of the first VTTs that I got my hands on. Heruca is second to none when it comes to supporting his customers (I've reached out in the past and he's been golden). The current Kickstarter is for Isometric Mapping Content, but you can also grab a license for MapForge itself if you are new to the app. 

                               Talking Crit Live! with Alex Macis - ACKS II

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. The Tavern DOES NOT do "Paid For" Articles and discloses personal connections to products and creators written about when applicable.

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar    

Kickstarter - Isometric content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software (Battleground Games)

I've been a fan of Heruca and Battlegrounds Games for years, it may be even a decade or more. When I was researching VTTs back in the day, the Battlegrounds Games forums were my go-to location to get info and ask questions. sadly, the forums appear to be down right now, but I was always impressed that Heruca was quite happy to have conversations about VTTs that were in competition with his own VTT in his own forums. That took both integrity and confidence in his own work, and it was refreshing.

These days, Battlegrounds Games has been working hard in expanding the content available for its well-regarded MapForge mapmaking software. The current Kickstarter- Isometric content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software, is as it says on the tin, about adding Isometric content to the ever-growing MapForge library.

Isometric maps were made popular by many computer RPGs and strategy games. A lot of people, however, might be familiar with the map style but not necessarily with the technical term "isometric". Maps made with with isometric graphics can create spectacular, richly detailed visuals.

For GMs of pen-and-paper RPGs, such maps are often more useful as visual aids than as tactical battlemaps that you would move tokens around on. However, some virtual tabletop programs (aka VTTs) now support isometric maps, and that number should gradually increase.

While the majority of potential backers of this project will likely be tabletop RPG gamers, isometric mapping is something that non-gamers can really enjoy, too. Creating isometric maps/illustrations is a fun, creative, and rewarding activity that anyone, regardless of drawing skill (or lack thereof) can enjoy.

 If you're not already familiar with MapForge, here's a quick recap:

• MapForge is easy-to-use software for Windows and Mac OS that makes high-quality maps for printing or for use in virtual tabletop software (e.g., Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, etc.).
• It can be used for free (no license required for low resolution output).
• Comes with 52 free content Add-Ons (covering a variety of game genres and mapping styles).
• You can download and try the software out for yourself, to evaluate it and see if the program is what you want/expect it to be.

Assets from this KS start at 4 bucks a pack. The full Mapforge Software is 35 bucks, and well worth the price. 

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. 

DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar  

Kickstarter - TileForge: Software to Batch-Generate Mapping Tiles (Mapping Program)

This software for Mac & Windows PCs will create batches of custom geomorphic tiles for use in creating top-down battlemaps for RPGs.

I've been a huge fan of Heruca/BattleGrounds Games for over a decade. Not only did he offer a useful VTT, but he also offered links to the VTTs of competitors, and he also offers links to competitors of his mapping software. 

BattleGrounds Games used to be best known for offering a competitive VTT, but now I believe they are best known for their popular mapping software, MapForge.

The TileForge Kickstarter is BGG's latest offering, to allow one to design and print out battle maps on demand for their game sessions.

25 bucks is a very fair price, especially when you consider the price and storage issues of Dwarven Forge terrain and the like.

TileForge is a new program that I would like to develop, to support the creation of maps for tabletop RPGs (e.g. Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, etc.). It should serve quite well as a companion app to my map-making software, MapForge, but that software is not required.

Whereas MapForge is focused is on creating battlemaps, TileForge is for creating geomorphic mapping tiles and stand-alone assets. These tiles and assets can later be used in your favorite image editor, map-making app, or even in a virtual tabletop app (e.g. Roll20, Foundry, Fantasy Grounds, etc.), to quickly assemble custom map layouts from the modular assets.

Creating geomorphic mapping tiles can be a tedious and labor-intensive process. TileForge will automate that process. Simply choose a few textures (you'll be able to drag-and-drop texture images right onto the app), and TileForge will apply the necessary shape masks, drop shadows, bevels and other effects, and create an entire set of geomorphic map tiles using those textures.

And TileForge won't be limited to creating just modular hallways or roads. You will also be able to create rooms or buildings, including multi-tile ones. Even create them without a background, so that you can place them anywhere on your maps.

Depending on the textures you use, you can make tilesets for a variety of genres: Fantasy, Modern Day, Sci-Fi, etc. Some examples of tilesets you could create include space station/base, dungeon, fantasy castle corridors/rooms, modern city roads, etc.

Entrepreneurs take note: If the textures that you utilize in a tileset allow commercial use, you could sell your TileForge-generated tilesets on sites like DriveThruRPG, the Roll20 marketplace, Etsy, Fiverr, and/or other online stores that cater to RPG fans. Or run your own crowdfunding campaign to deliver your tileset/s printed on card stock designed for use with dry erase or wet erase markers.

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern. 

You can catch the daily Tavern Chat podcast on Anchor, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar 

Kickstarter - Isometric Map-Making (Battlegrounds Games)

"Developing new features to support isometric mapping in MapForge AND creating a wealth of top-notch isometric mapping content Add-Ons."

I've been following and supporting Heruca / Battlegrounds Games for over a decade at this point. It was one of the first virtual tabletops I encountered, and Heruca was always available to answer questions and had quick responses when I needed support.

I was an early backer of Mapforge and seriously need to set some time aside to get back to playing with maps again. I find such to actually be therapeutic and relaxing. Free time in retirement isn't as free as I thought it would be.

Isometric maps, like the ones found in many DCC RPG adventures, are a beauty to behold and tend to spark my imagination more than standard 2d maps.

The Isometric Map-Making Kickstarter is being run to upgrade the original Mapforge mapper to isometric mapping options. How fucking cool is that?

The 5 buck backer level is for owners of the original Mapforge. It gives all stretch goals and helps fund the upgrade. 33 bucks gives you the original Mapforge program plus and 24 add ons. Not too shabby at all.

Need a mapping program? Mapforge may just be your cup of tea.

Kickstarter - Hex Tile content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software

I'm in a bit of a Kickstarter coverage backlog due to last week's TotalCon and this week's upcoming Gary Con. I'm trying to get in what I can before I fall into "Con Posting Limitations." I'm happy to get a post a day in while at a convention.

Battlegrounds RPG / Heruca has been publishing RPG VTT software for years. One of the most amazing things about the Battlegrounds RPG site is the extensive amount of links to RPG resources, including competition for their own software products. Who the hell does that?

Mapforge is one of the stronger options for creating one's own map tiles for use at the gaming table - virtual or otherwise.

Hex Tile content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software Kickstarter is exactly what it says on the tin:

This campaign seeks to broaden MapForge's current offerings by producing several more fantasy-themed mapping content Add-Ons (equivalent to 8 products' worth of content) which will, for the first time, support the creation of area/regional scale maps (MapForge has thus far been limited to tactical-scale battlemaps).

Note, you'll need Mapforge to get full use of the resources offered in this Kickstarter.

The details are in the guts of the Kickstarter page itself. Read it carefully and pay for the art packs - at low or hi res - that you want.

Neither The Tavern nor myself receive compensation for Kickstarter coverage or Kickstarter posts. Some Kickstarters are brought to the attention of The Tavern by their creators. Such communication does not guarantee coverage here at The Tavern. I do not back every Kickstarter I highlight as my wallet's contents are not limitless but I do find all highlighted Kickstarters interesting for one or more reasons - Erik Tenkar

Kickstarter - More Sci-Fi content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software

I love making maps for RPGs. I lack the artistic talent to draw decent looking maps by hand. Programs like Mapforge put virtual talent into the users' hands.

The More Sci-Fi content Add-Ons for MapForge map-making software Kickstarter is what it says on the tin - an attempt to fund sci-fi assets for the Mapforge software. It's also an opportunity for those that missed last year's MapForge Kickstarter to pick up the MapForge software and still help fund the sci-fi assets.

MapForge is a full-color battle map mapping program from BattleGrounds Games, publisher of one of the longest-running VTTs on the market.

Kickstarter - MapForge – battlemap creation software for tabletop RPGs

I've been following BattleGrounds Games for a long time. They are developers of one of the first Virtual Table Tops I played with, and even though I've settled on Roll 20 for simple ease of use, BattleGrounds was something I kept an eye on.

When I found out that BattleGrounds Games was working on mapping software for RPGs, I was excited. When I got a sneak peek at the Kickstarter page, I was even more so. MapForge reminds me of Dunjinni, but done right and with support.

The Mapforge Kickstarter launched over the weekend with a goal of $9k - its already surpassed $13k.

BattleGrounds Games has always been responsive to my inquiries for support over the years and I expect nothing less from their current Kickstarter.

Here's my one question - any chance of on of the content creators of the map graphics to license their work for commercial publishing? Inquiring minds want to know - and that could be HUGE for some smaller publishers ;)

Anyhow, its $25 to back - but only 40 or so spots left before it goes up to $27. In either case, a huge bargain.

You can increase your pledge for specific art resources - I might pick up a pack or two. Yes, I backed at $25 for now.

Kickstarter - Battlegrounds virtual tabletop Content Drive #1 (Redux)

A short history of my background with Battlegrounds. There was a time period where I was experimenting with, what were then, the main Virtual Table Tops. Klooge, Maptools, Fantasy Grounds and Battlegrounds. At the time, the developer / publisher that was most responsive to feedback / questions sent directly was +Hernán Ruiz Camauër - the man behind Battlegrounds.

In the end, I got use out of none of the above, as I was putting the tool before the group - I didn't have a gaming group at the time.

Still, Battlegrounds was a tight little VTT, and the fact that you could set it up to run board games / war games and the like was and still is, awesome. I really should spend the time to kick the tires on this one now that I'm retired.

So, what does the Kickstarter for Batlegrounds Content Drive #1 strive to do? In the simplest terms, it wants to bring some of Devin Knight's tokens into Battlegrounds as content. If successful, there would be more such drives for content from other artists.

You can also pick up a license for the Battlegrounds RPG GM client at a discount via the Kickstarter. Unlike Roll20, it does not use your web browser.

Yeah, I may need to use this summer gaming downtime to re-explore Battlegrounds. It may be what my gaming group needs, and i do have a GM license with a number of floating clients in my name.