Interview with Jason Hardy of Catalyst Game Labs

Courtesy Catalyst Game Labs

I recently interviewed Jason Hardy, Shadowrun line developer of Catalyst Game Labs, Catalyst Game Labs has ENnie-nominations in nine different entries:

Michael Tresca: Tell us about your company.

Jason Hardy: Catalyst Game Labs was founded in 2007 by the principles of InMedaRes Productions. Originally started to manage the popular Shadowrun and BattleTech game lines, Catalyst has moved into developing original settings and also producing a line of casual games. The company is made of gamers--we love to play games, we love to create games, and we love to plan fun things for our fans!

MT: Catalyst Games has several entries in the ENnies this year.  What can you tell us about them?

JH: Four of Catalyst's nominations came for Shadowrun, Twentieth Anniversary Edition. That book takes the fourth edition of Shadowrun, which was the most accessible and easy-to-play version of the game ever, tweaks and clarifies the rules, then adds full-color art and new fiction. Additionally, it contains full index to not just itself, but to every one of the core rulebooks for the game (including Arsenal, Augmentation, Runner's Companion, Unwired, and Street Magic) making it easier than ever for players to find the information they need.

MT: How is the latest version of Shadowrun different?

JH: The setting of Shadowrun has always been popular, but the complexity of the rules could be off-putting--people often said they loved the setting but couldn't get into the game. Fourth edition made the game much more accessible, and the editing, streamlining, and added examples of the Twentieth Anniversary Edition made it easier for people to get into the game. Now Shadowrun not only has one of the all-time great settings, but it has an award-winning ruleset that comes with beautiful art and quality short stories that put people into the setting. It's the total package!

MT: What type of player will be attracted to your product?

JH: Both longtime Shadowrun fans and new roleplayers should like the book. It's got everything in it that you need to play, and it has plenty of setting information to show why Shadowrun has been going for twenty years. The rules are accessible but support great depth, so if you are an experienced role-player or if you are just picking up the dice for the first time, Shadowrun is a great game to unlock your imagination and let it run wild. With really big guns.

MT:  Anything else you would like to add?

JH: It's a great list of ENnie nominees this year, and I'm thrilled Shadowrun is a part of it. I admire the hard work that's gone into these products, and I'm glad Shadowrun is viewed on a par with these products, and that the game is getting the recognition I've always believed it deserves.