Why C3G?

[Griffin]

I was going through the graveyard of dead custom threads and group and attempted restoration groups tonight... and I was wondering "Why C3G"? Why did this group work so well, or IS working well? It seems obvious that we have been quite successful, but what do you guys think is the reason for that? Some people have said "C3G is too complicated" and yet, here we are, while others who strove for simplicity, are simply gone. Why C3G?

Please share you thoughts, just be kind to those involved in C3G, and especially those who are not involved in C3G. We don't need a big comparison here of C3G and others, and I definitely don't want to be hurt or hurt in this discussion. I am simply curious what you guys think is the secret ingredient(s) for C3G. I have my thoughts, but I want to get some raw and uninfluenced responses here. I don't care if you love C3G, hate C3G, "meh" C3G, Moderate for C3G, Administrate for C3G, Promote C3G, or work like a dog for C3G. I am interested in everyone's thoughts here.

[clembo2021]

I don't know why the C3G project works so well. Maybe it was just the right people, coming together at the right time, at the right place. But I do know why I love the C3G project, and why it's the only custom project that I'm really interested in. For me, it's the only custom project that is able to keep such an elegant balance between maintaining the feel of Heroscape, whilst still pushing the boundaries of what this system can do to their absolute limits. I've seen some customs that go too far, and just don't feel 'Scapey' anymore, and I've seen custom projects that don't go far enough, and it just seems like Vanilla Heroscape with different models.

Another thing is the playtesting. There are some customs that you just look at and you go "OK, that's just wrong. There's no way that unit is fair". I've never had that happen in C3G. If my friend and I both blind draft a 1000 pt team, there's a good chance that it'll be a pretty fair fight. Sure, there's some teams that dominate others (Master Mold+Sentinels vs X-Men), but those are few and far between.

The last thing that's so remarkable about C3G is how thematic it is. I feel like every ability is just so well conceived and appropriate for the character. There's not really any units I can think of that I see it and I just go "Meh", or "Why does this unit have a power like this?".

All these reasons are what keep me coming back for more, and make it so I just can't wait to see the next C3G release that's always right around the corner.

[Tornado]

Do you sleep Grif? So many late night posts.
Well said clembo, I have enjoyed your posts.

As clembo said "the right people at the right time" is critical. This is speculation but I believe you 'went about' such a massive undertaking 'in the right way'. Certain rules and mechanics need to be created and procedures established before diving into designs. The right people, the right way, with a common vision.
After that comes dedication and time, then you get to show off your creativity and theme capturing skills. You did and the fans started to grow. So when a Hero left there was someone there to fill their shoes. Fresh blood and a solid structure to build on to. Again a lot of it comes down to people. You have to have the right chemistry of personalities and willingness to work together and work and work.
All that being said you still have to create quality designs and C3G delivers the goods. You continue to push your creative talents, presenting new mechanics and new twists on established designs. It is the quality of your designs that continues to attract more people.
A big part of that, as clembo said, is playtesting. The last release had designs that have been in the Sanctum for 2 years, that is thorough. This ensures everything is legit during gameplay, which is essential. Even one over powered design can ruin the fun. That is what it really comes down to is fun.
The pure enjoyment that is C3G.

The format is also appealing. I introduced a few people to Heroscape through Marvel. I found it easier for them to identify with known heroes like Spider-Man and Hulk as opposed to some robots, orcs, and samurai. People enjoy playing characters they know and like. For me it was the Hero element. I loved RotV but common squads ruined Heroscape IMO. C3G is hero based, as it should be considering the format, and the squads are kept in check.
Balance and fun.

[Swamper]

Why did C3G succeed so awesomely? Basically, I think it comes down to two things; one, nothing like it had ever been done before and two, y'all got some serious, dedicated, hardworking guys in there early to help push it along.

Before C3G, all there was was NM24, if I'm not mistaken, and that was basically a feedback thread for the individual custom creator. There had never (to my knowledge) been an attempt to do what C3G set out to do.

And y'all were fortunate enough to get some crazy people willing to spend the majority of their free time working on this project. Y'all have a small core of guys that never stop thinking about C3G, along with a larger group of guys that come in and help when they can with what they can.

And that's why I think C3G works so well.

[davidlhsl]

Two words: Free Beer. No, that isn’t it.

Tornado captured a lot of what I was going to say. Solid procedures, commitment of its members, and the people are all important aspects. Swamper also made an important point about the hard work that the membership is willing to pour into the project.

So I’ll add a few additional items I feel are also important.

There are various ways in which people can contribute. You can take pictures, playtest, provide feedback, build maps, and do many other things. This provides a way for people to gain experience, which builds a depth of talent throughout its ranks. This is particularly reflected in its public design process. And C3G solicits input from various sources.

I also think C3G has benefited from exceptional leadership. This leadership provides encouragement, training, and enforcement of standards.

There is also a tremendous attention to detail, as well as holding themselves and its contributors to the highest standards.

There is also a maturity and discipline to the group. There are times when folks don’t always get their way, but they are willing to yield to the project when it’s in its best interest. This is truly a collaborative process. The members also recognize and respect each other’s strengths. There are times when things can become contentious, but they manage to work through those.

Planning plays a critical role. Just look at how long it took between Hawkgirl’s release and the time the first figure appeared that had Magical Defense. Each design isn’t simply produced in a vacuum, but considered within the context of the larger picture.

Finally, passion is key. You see this throughout the project, and it’s infectious.

[Hellfire]

Why C3G?

Because ... Because it's SUPER!!!

[Hellfire]

But seriously, I think a lot of it has to do with the people. C3G is organized, it's inviting (I've only been here a few weeks and everyone has been very encouraging, supportive, and understanding), it's involving, and it's fun.

[IAmBatman]

I think a big part of it is collaborative creation. When a design isn't "GreyOwl's design" or "Necroblande's design" or "IAmBatman's design," but instead "C3G's design" and we all get to feel pride and ownership for its creation, I think that really changes the way we go about its creation, the work we're willing to put into it, and the quality of the final product. I know none of my past individual customs compare at all to what we've created in C3G.

[quozl]

It tastes great!

It's less filling!

Tastes great!

Less filling!

C3G - There's all sorts of reasons for loving it!

[Lord Pyre]

I think the answer's pretty simple, really.

There are lots of people dedicated to working on it, and we have a very organized rule system. So that way, even if people do have to leave (which has happened), other people can fill their void easily because of how organized we are.

Dedicated helps. Any customs I've helped with I know I haven't played with. Even my own customs, I think I tested them once or twice, and that was about it. While I love playing C3G, and that's really the only thing I play right now. That keeps me dedicated!

[cwidje]

My personal answer is an amalgamation of multiple reasons. I like the unity, the accuracy, the openness, the dedication, and the people of C3G.

[tcglkn]

Well you see, there's this awesome dude who goes by tcglkn around here. He's probably the reason this group is so awesome...

It's definitely the dedication of all the Heroes to this project. Without guys like Bats and Griffin who spend way too much time on here continually pushing every design forward, we would not be where we are today.