February 19, 2019: Art Archives, Denis Loubet, And Memories

[RoboAdmin]

February 19, 2019: Art Archives, Denis Loubet, And Memories

Read this article on the Illuminator.

[ColBosch]

Wow. I didn't know that little hexagon illustration on my early copy of GURPS had so much more to it.

[philreed]

Originally Posted by ColBosch

Wow. I didn't know that little hexagon illustration on my early copy of GURPS had so much more to it.

There are a lot of interesting sketches and office notes in the art archives here.

[RobKamm]

Originally Posted by philreed

Awesome work! Makes me want to tackle a Steve Jackson Games book where we share the sketches, documents, and assorted tidbits of info from the company's past.

I know a single forum response isn't exactly convincing market research but I would back that Kickstarter in a heartbeat.

[GM Joe]

I'd definitely back a book of early artwork, documents, and tidbits.

Preserving industry history is important, and Steve Jackson Games has an important part in that history. Such things should be made widely available where possible, so that future generations of gamers and game designers can learn from the past.

I have similar books from companies in other industries. It's great to get a peek at the behind-the-scenes processes.

Two of the best examples are "The Disney Treasures" and "The Disney Keepsakes." Wonderful resources for those interested in Disney's early years.

Disney has also made reproductions of some early ephimera through various channels over the years. It's great to be able to see such stuff and hold it when the originals are lost or far too expensive.

[ColBosch]

I agree with the gentlemen above. One of the best additions to Ogrezine was SJ's early playtest letter, and of course Winch's sketches. I'd love to see more like that.

[philreed]

Originally Posted by RobKamm

I know a single forum response isn't exactly convincing market research but I would back that Kickstarter in a heartbeat.

I would love such a book in my collection, and creating such a book would be a treat. I'd want to discuss my ideas with Steve and then, likely, approach it exactly as I have some of the toy books I've written/designed over the years.

I don't think I'm alone in my desire for the book.

[Turhan's Bey Company]

Originally Posted by GM Joe

IPreserving industry history is important, and Steve Jackson Games has an important part in that history.

And likely one of the few which physically possesses that history. There are a lot of once-important companies which have since vanished, and I expect many of their papers have gone with them. That SJ Games has an archive at all makes it notable.

[GM Joe]

Originally Posted by Turhan's Bey Company

And likely one of the few which physically possesses that history. There are a lot of once-important companies which have since vanished, and I expect many of their papers have gone with them. That SJ Games has an archive at all makes it notable.

Great point!

Thank goodness SJ Games has survived, that they had the presence of mind to keep older stuff instead of tossing it out, and that rising waters didn't destroy everything.

[ColBosch]

Next year is SJ Games's 40th anniversary. I think a big art book would be a fantastic celebration.