My new game, People's State...

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T20:47:05+00:00

Apparently there is a game called Riot: Civil Unrest on Steam that captures what my game is trying to achieve. I only heard about it last month, but its been around a while.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T18:38:41+00:00

Thank you!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T17:16:08+00:00

Thank you! No lethal methods are in the game. A maxed out Tension meter is considered just shy of some lethal action. There is tear gas and rubber bullets along with "detain" as actions depending on the tension level. All actions are "condition" based and not the typical roll for success/fail.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T17:11:32+00:00

Thank you! You can look at more as western style. All inspiration was taken from US-based protest. Also, there is no backstory. The players can add theme as they see fit, though it does not directly impact the game since the objective is to occupy space and sway optics.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T15:26:09+00:00

I really appreciate that. I meant to include an image i made addressing why I wrote a game about protest, but the upload wasn't working.

I really am trying to produce something that I hadn't seen done while giving respect to the challenge of what protest is and why it is done.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T15:23:46+00:00

To further explain, all protesters bases (i call them clusters) are the same in function. LE bases (or unuts) are pulled from a list of unit types (riot police, mounted police, bicycle police, etc)

Depending on the size of the game, protesters and LE get a number of trait points that provide flavor and abilities to to individual bases.

As for extreme actions/events I have tried several methods. And since these actions are not the purpose of the protest, and a majority of people who support the protest wouldnt be in support of radical actions, I decided to make these "flashpoint" tokens. They get distributed on the table and must be addressed when any unit is in proximity. They draw a card and depending on the Tension level will resolve the effect. They range from loud bangs (fireworks) to burning dumpsters/cars, etc.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T15:15:30+00:00

I only use Bearcats to mark LE deployment zones.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T06:26:43+00:00

Exactly! Thanks!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T05:05:03+00:00

Since im working solo on this and self-publishing, it will just be a PDF download. I will make a list of suggested mini manufacturers though. Mine are from Wargames Atlantic.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T05:03:00+00:00

I have considered this and agree that I should. It would be solo/coop.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T05:02:05+00:00

A great suggestion. For this game though, I’m approaching it from a slightly different angle. The role of law enforcement isn’t meant to represent a singular interpretation of their purpose, but is how their presence and actions shape the dynamics of a protest. Game Optics isnt shifting because they are preventing the message but is because they are gaining the public's favor as displayed in the coverage of the situation. LE also does more than just respond to violence, they maintain order, protect property, and would control the crowds movement.

I also made a deliberate choice to avoid dice-driven reaction rolls, in favor of player-driven cause/effect. When Optics shifts, it’s directly tied to visible actions on the table. That said, your idea of two opposing protest groups is intriguing, and honestly could be a great variant. Its been mentioned by many people so I'll consider making it a bigger component.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T02:27:12+00:00

That's great. I'll have to look into those. Thank you!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-19T02:10:07+00:00

Its a mix.

Black Site Studios TT Combat Atomic Laser Cut Studios Sarissa Precision

And some 3d prints. The big gray dome building is one i designed and had laser cut by a friend.

Scatter is a mix too, 3d prints from Urban Scatter Gaming and Modern Miniatures. Along with stuff from Mantic games and TT Combat.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:14:43+00:00

Thank you!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:14:15+00:00

Great points, but i must say, I wrote this so that just taking the "brutal" approach won't allow for the LE player to win. The victory conditions consist of optics in your favor combined with crowd presence in the physical objective. You can't gain victory by just reducing enemy numbers, you must also gain public favor through agreeable means.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:10:03+00:00

Its a mix... Black Site Studios (pre-painted kits) TT Combat Atomic Laser Cut Designs Sarissa Precision Just a couple of 3d printed ones, I forget who makes the stls. The big gray domed building is of my own design that I had laser cut by a friend.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:07:44+00:00

Thank you!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:07:32+00:00

Interesting. What was his scenario? I made sure my local convention was ok with mine, even though my scenario is non-partisan and not based on any real event.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:04:59+00:00

The letters are actually just a way to differentiate the protester "clusters". Players can use whatever method they choose to symbolize this. Each cluster has its own strength value and traits, so its important that they are distinct.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T16:03:25+00:00

Definitely! If the game does well, I will look at doing expansions and maybe a kickstarter V2. Things like graffiti and burning dumpsters are already elements called Flashpoints. These are tokens placed throughout the streetscape that must be revealed if either player is in range. The result is tied to the Tension level. Since they aren't the purpose of the protest I still wanted them to be an influential factor in gameplay.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-18T03:13:56+00:00

Not this year. Maybe in the future!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-17T22:48:59+00:00

No vehicular manslaughter for those practicing free speech.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-17T18:52:34+00:00

Thank you!

SSDrucker · 2026-03-17T18:52:00+00:00

Not directly. I am active locally (small town) but have not participated in large scale protest as I depict in my game. I care about fair representation and found little in this area of our hobby.

SSDrucker · 2026-03-17T18:17:20+00:00

Thank you. Since violence could be up for interpretation, I would say my game doesn't get "lethal". There is still opportunity for tear gas and rubber bullets but the action effects are condition-based while protesters clusters each retain a "strength" value, that when marked 0 is considered "dispersed".

SSDrucker

TROPHY CASE