I posted a doomsayer's rant back in August asking the FFG forum goers if they thought Runebound was ending (in terms of new content releases in the future), here.

With the recent FFG adventure game releases like Talisman, WoW adventure game, Middle-Earth Quest, and yet to be released Game of Thrones adventure game, I wonder if Runebound has any legs left on which to stand. With the well-received announcement of Runewars (which I'll probably end up getting as it's looking smoking hot, based on a universe I'm familiar with, and designed by one of the greats), I'm thinking this engraved the farwell theme song on the grave stone for Runebound.

What I want to ask is....What do you, Runebounders and non-Runeys, think?

Just read my post on the anouncement article. I explain why I am 100% on board with this. IMO Runebound did very well. There are enough expansions and card decks and characters to have no game ever play the same.

Ruvion said:

What Game of Thrones adventure game? What is that?! Please tell me!

I'm thinking that if Runewars does well, and I can't imagine that it won'*** has "Blockbuster" written all over itit may well inspire further Runebound expansions. I don't think the world is exhausted (there could be Runebound expansions taking the heroes into lands controlled by the other factions such as the Latani Elves or the Undead). My guess is that if there are people clamoring to buy them, FFG will produce them.

I have to admit, with the coming of Runewars, a new edition or really any significant expansion to RB is looking less likely. Descent seems to be picking up the slack by converting old RB expansions (Sea of Blood -> Isle of Dread), so it's unlikely anything new on the D front will motivate new RB material. I do think that us loyal RB fans can still hold out hope for a few small card expansions, especially if we keep talking about that idea on the RB forum (wink.)

I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing, though. RB did have a good run and even if no new expansion material comes out, there's still tons of stuff already published to keep the game fresh and exciting for my gaming group for years to come. The game universe will stay alive through these sister products so we can still dive in and explore the (I think fascinating) background of the Terrinoth world.

Things do change, c'est la vie.

I think that Runebound is fun but old. I'm very exited about Runewars and I will not cry when they close down the line of Runebound.

i think it will be better for FFg and players when the only titles played in the world of terrinoth would be Descent nad Runewars. When I have to chose I wpould buy Runewars instead of Runebound.

Ruvion said:

Let it end. It's huge as it is.

I don't see the two as mutually exclusive, but if RB is going to retire now, so be it. I'll never play it often enough for the available material to grow stale.

Runebound is a great game has plenty of expansions, fortunately i got the Midnight expansion before it was shelved and lots of replayability. For me it doesn't need anymore additional expansions we could still play the game probably 20 times or more before we've exhausted all the character packs, adventure variants and expansions.

But Runewars will most likely take away from putting Runebound back on the table once we have our hands on it. So I am probably going to play Runebound more over the next few months in anticipation of Runewars that way it will get somemore play time.

xenoss said:

Check out this BGG entry here for more info. There isn't much known at the moment, but the fact that Mr. Lang (the lead designer on all 3 LCG and the smoking hot Chaos in the Old World boardgame) is on the job makes it promising.

Ruvion said:

Don't like the AGOT boardgame.

Can't get anyone to play a CCG most of the time.

Can Mr Lang create an adventure game that I'll actually get played? I hope so!

Well Runebound is a special favorite of mine, and while it is true that it does already have the expansions (both mini and no so mini) to keep it fresh for YEARS (I too sngagged a copy of Midnight) I like the game, IF wars does in fact make Runebound redundant, then it should be retired. I do not beleive this will be the case however, as more sustainable products on a given lic. HAS to be better from a buisness point of view. Having said all that, its all conjecture on my part, what I DO know: 1) I don't work for FFG and have no real IDEA what their view on runebound as a game is. 2.) This title itself is a redo from a near 20 yr old game, so even if this DOES do away with current Edit Runebound, the precedent is set that it WILL make a comeback as long as FFG is around. So for me, with all that's availible now, and the promise of the ANNOUNCED future to come, I will just enjoy the ride, they are certainly giving us enough ammunition to do just that!

As an utter newcomer to RB, I will hope that its primary products remain alive for a while. Personally, the Rune "wars" paradigm doesn't interest me as much at Runebound's approach. To each their own... or better yet, both for sake of a diversified clientele.

I can't fathom why the Runewars announcement has people convinced that Runebound is going extinct. If you plan on canceling a game, the last thing you do is base your newest game on it. Further more, if FFG feels that they have too many adventure games already, they wouldn't have made the WOW one or the Middle Earth one, and since they did, they were sure to make them different games, not just rethemed Runebound. The announcement of Runewars should make you ANTICIPATE the next Runebound release, not question its existence. I'd say the square question mark box has a good shot at being a Runebound Expansion. And since Descent campaign expansions use Runebound maps, and all Descent expansions use Runebound heroes and art, it would be silly not to continue both games, making all the compontents go twice the distance.

Finally, I specifically asked if there were plans for a new Runebound expansion at GenCon and was told there was and to expect an announcement at some point.

Runebound is fine. It doesn't conflict with Runewars. If you played Battlemist, you'd understand.

I have a lot of FF board games and I love all of them and Runbebound is still my fav. I would love to see more expansion. Specially card expansions. I have and will continue to buy them all.

And of course I am excited about Runwars too. So far I think I'll be picking up this one too!

i dont think it will end the Runebound line at all. Its a great game i plan to pick up asap ( i have WFRP to get first lol) and i do agree that it could bring in new RB board expantions for sure : ) im looking forward to this EPIC game

Ruvion said:

I think that I still do not have enough cards for the variant boards of Runebound. Therefore I hope they continue developing stuff for my Runebound game!

I will probably save up to buy Runewars, but as I already have Descent I'm probably not going to go for Runebound as well. I guess Runewars has a great visual appeal, but a lot will depend on the rules. I like them simple, without too many gimmicks (which is ironic, as I have Descent - THE gimmick bells and whistles extra rules game). From what I've seen Runewars looks pretty elegant, though. Also, Pegasus Riders? Who can't think flying horses are cool?