Designer Diary #15 – Art for Shotgun Heroes!
Hey everyone! It’s Anne here, Sigfried’s wife. You usually hear all the big game design updates and deep dives from Sig, but I thought I’d give you a little peek behind the curtain from my side of things. It’s been a busy week, as usual, but there are some really exciting things happening with SigTrent Games!
The Art Hunt is Over! 🎉
Honestly, I’m probably just as excited as Sig is about Shotgun Fantasy finally having an artist – Frank Frier! I’ve seen how much mental energy Sig has put into finding the right person, and seeing those early cover sketches come in was just awesome. We looked at them together, and it’s clear Frank’s talent is a fantastic match for what Sig envisions. It’s a huge step forward, and I can already feel the energy shifting now that the visual side of the game is starting to take shape. It’s not just about pretty pictures; it’s about helping people see what this game is all about, and that’s going to make a huge difference.
My Thoughts on Sig’s “Criticism Lesson”
When Sig started talking about how to take criticism this week, I chuckled a bit. He’s so thoughtful about it, and it’s something he practices every day, not just preaches. I’ve seen him read comments, both good and bad, and he really does try to understand where people are coming from.
It’s tough, though. As the person closest to him, I see the effort, the passion, and the long hours he pours into these games. So, when someone is just plain mean or dismissive, it’s hard not to feel it too. But he’s right: separating actual criticism (about the work) from abuse (about the creator) is key. He’s got such a good handle on it, and he genuinely wants to learn and improve, even when it stings a little. I admire that about him. He’s always trying to find the nugget of truth that can make things better, even if it’s hidden in a harsh comment.
Game Design Deep Dives & Playtesting Adventures
I hear a lot about the nitty-gritty of Shotgun Fantasy’s magic systems and class specializations – sometimes more than I can keep up with! It’s fascinating to watch him wrestle with concepts like “essential” cantrips and the difference between a “college” and a “school” of magic. He really wants to make sure everything feels right and adds to the world without being overly complicated.
And the Debatable Actions playtest? That was a fun one to play in! It’s always cool when a system he’s worked on gets put to the test and performs well in a real game. We talk a lot about the challenges of remote play, especially for games that use physical components, but the DM and the other players made it work. It just goes to show how adaptable gamers are, and how much fun can be had even with a few hurdles.
Life at Home (and the Gift Shop!)
Life with Sig is never dull! Between his intense game design work and our home-cooked meals (yes, I do do most of the cooking 😉), there’s always something going on. He mentioned those extra shifts at the gift shop this week, and it’s true, he came home pretty exhausted. But he’s always so positive about it because he knows that work directly helps fund the art for Shotgun Fantasy. It’s a stepping stone, and we’re both looking forward to the day when SigTrent Games can fully support him.
And yes, he did burn his arm on the toaster oven with a frozen pizza! 🤦♀️ I keep telling him to just let me cook, but sometimes you just need that convenience, right? He’s a trooper, though.
It’s tough that his gift shop schedule makes it hard to see friends, especially on weekends and holidays. He really misses those gaming get-togethers. But we both know it’s temporary, and it’s all part of the journey to making SigTrent Games a success.
Thanks for letting me share a bit from my perspective. It’s an adventure being married to a game designer, and I’m incredibly proud of everything Sig is building.
– Anne
PS: Come hang out with us – we’d love to hear from you! Join the Sig Trent Games Discord and talk Shotgun Fantasy!
Also More links for today:
- Follow on Sigfried Plays Games on Facebook
- Artist Frank Freire
- Get Debatable Actions from DriveThruRPG
- Grab your Hero Sheets!
