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1999 Response to Herb Levy's review of 6 Billion™ in Gamers Alliance -
Fall '99.I'd just informed Herb that Rio Grande Games were distributing 6 Billion™ in the USA, and Herb had replied asking whether there would be any changes to the game as it stands.
Hi Herb,
No, there are no changes to the game (at least, not in the box that you buy!). I produced 2,500 copies - I have maybe 1,500 left. No, I think the thing to do is think of ways of improving the game as it stands. Namely, via the Internet.
The game is very well supported from my web page - as it has been from the beginning. There is an extensive example of play, an FAQ, play hints, variants and a series of articles related to 6 Billion (see 6 Billion links page). I also encourage feedback, and update these pages as a result. Perhaps you could mention these facts? By the way, in the rush to get the advertisement to you before Essen, I failed to notice that my URL was incorrect. Perhaps you could list the 6 Billion homepage URL? http://members.optusnet.com.au/bnbg6billion/6billion.htm
I also intend to add a living rules page to the 6 Billion web page (DAC: see Version 2 of the 6 Billion rules). Perhaps you would be willing to explain why the thought the rules were so obtuse? There were no examples in your article.
I have to say that I think you overstate the problems with board and pieces - I have played the game with complete gaming novices who seemed to cope quite well. Still, you are entitled to your opinion -and you're not alone. Accordingly, I will be offering small wooden pieces (both 8mm x 8mm 8mm blocks, 16mm discs, available in 7 colours), and for sale from the web page. I also have spare Distance Charts, and packs of cards, which I will offer for sale.
Suggestions about how the second edition of the game could be improved don't help small companies like mine sell their games (like your suggestions about a bar chart map - an idea which I rejected as too ugly). Have you tried playing the game with the little 8x8x8 wooden blocks that we all have in so many other games? Even I would have to agree that it is an improvement over the plastic chips provided.
Still, your article did have some good things to say about 6 Billion and for that I thank you. If you are willing to help improve the existing game with some constructive criticism and suggestions then I would be very grateful.
Regards,
DavidFor a list of articles by me, see the Articles page.
