Renegade Game Studios’ Dan Bojanowski on the return of Heroscape

Dan, it’s great to connect. You’ve collaborated with Hasbro on a few exciting projects in recent years, so why bring Heroscape back? What appealed about this brand?
Thanks! We’ve really enjoyed our collaboration with Hasbro so far. It’s been wonderful to work on iconic gaming brands like Axis & Allies, Robo Rally and Acquire, along with enduring IPs like Transformers, G.I. JOE and Power Rangers.

Heroscape is amazing! So much gaming history and nostalgia from fans from the original run… It has been kept active by a dedicated community, which speaks to both the awesome fans as well as the exciting game system created 20 years ago. So much can be said about it… From the easy to learn game system, to the deep synergies among various figures, to the versatile hex tile terrain, to the open world of Valhalla and the lore that has been building over the years.

It’s a really great sandbox to play in, and we’re grateful for the opportunity, with many long-time fans internally here at Renegade!

What is new with the game this time around?
The first thing to say is that long-time fans will rejoice that all of our content is fully compatible with the original releases. Fans often talk about the “totes” full of Heroscape that they have in their basement or attic, and now they can bring them out with some fresh new units and terrain!

What’s new, though? Well, outside of new gameplay to explore, which is expected, there are a few new things to point out about how the game is being delivered this time around…

Figures will come two ways: either a standard unpainted option which comes with a light black paintwash to accentuate the details, or a Premium Painted option where the figures are fully painted.

And while we are launching with a full Master Set – providing a generous amount of figures, terrain, and gameplay scenarios – we are also creating a Battle Box.

And the Battle Box is a more introductory offering?
The Battle for the Wellspring Battle Box is a smaller introduction into Heroscape, providing six figures, some terrain, and several scenarios. It’s the full game, but in a more bite-sized package for those looking to try out the game. Each has unique figures, so die-hard fans will likely want to get both the Battle Box and Master Set!

Got it! The terrain in Heroscape is a key element of the game. Has this been played with in any way?
The terrain in Heroscape is one of its most defining features. Fans love how versatile it is in creating interesting maps of all sizes and types. Obviously, it works perfectly for Heroscape, but it can also be used for many other game systems. We are launching the Heroscape Terrain System, which will feature products that only contain terrain – so fans of other game systems don’t feel like they’re spending extra on content they don’t need.

The first Terrain System expansion is The Grove at Laur’s Edge, which contains three different sizes of Laur jungle trees, as well as six Laur underbrush pieces. In October, we will release Lands of Valhalla and Waters of Valhalla, which will provide generous amounts of hex tile terrain for land and water respectively. Lots more Terrain System releases are planned for 2025 and beyond!

Great – and how is Renegade supporting the return of Heroscape?
Renegade will be supporting Heroscape’s launch and beyond with in-store Organized Play. There will be launch tournaments with special prizes – a premium painted Shiori figure! These tournaments are supported by a robust tournament software, the Heroscape Battle Network, which will track ratings, armies, achievements, upcoming events, and more. For those with aspirational goals, we will organise major events like the World Championship at Gen Con 2025!

And then there’s free monthly scenarios… Every month starting in September, Renegade will release a new scenario for fans. These will be free digital releases on our website. These scenarios will add new fun ways to play the game, and will further the continuing storyline of the events happening in Valhalla surrounding the Age of Annihilation and beyond!

Design-wise, how did you approach bringing newness to this game and brand, while retaining what has helped it endure for 20 years?
From a product perspective, we made some changes to make it easier and more accessible for fans new and old – like the more affordable Battle Box for sampling, and Terrain System expansions for gamers wanting to use Heroscape terrain on other game systems.

From a game design perspective, we’re bringing contemporary game design sensibilities to an iconic system without changing the fundamental nature of the game. We want the game to be a hit with the dedicated fans who have kept the torch of Heroscape burning for all of these years, while simultaneously introducing this great game to a brand-new audience.

What this means in practice is crafting dynamic new content that is both forward-looking and backward compatible. We want to build on the legacy of Heroscape and take the game to new heights for old and new players alike. It’s a difficult needle to thread, but we’re aiming for simple, clean, impactful designs that integrate seamlessly with everything that’s come before.

On that front it’s worth pointing out that we have a fantastic, modern foundation to build on with the Age of Annihilation content that was originally designed for the Haslab campaign. Renegade’s initial product releases are drawn directly from those designs.

Why do you feel the game has endured for so long?
It’s cliche, but I think it applies here… It’s easy to learn, but difficult to master. Heroscape can be played by nearly anyone, yet it allows fans to go as deep down the rabbit hole as they would like. Want to build a crazy mega map that covers multiple tables and have an epic showdown? Want to build an army out of nothing but dragons? Want to dive deep into the lore of Valhalla? Want to play with your child that is just learning to read? Heroscape can do it all!

This also means that it has adapted with its fans over the years and now they are able to introduce it to a whole new generation of gamers.

Looking ahead, is this a brand Renegade has long-term plans for?
Most definitely! We have just started revealing our plans for 2025, which has at least 28 Heroscape products. We have plans that we’ve not revealed yet for 2026 and beyond, including plans to introduce new IPs to Heroscape!

Last question! For anyone new to Heroscape, where’s best to start this time around?
If you’d like to try out the game, visit the Heroscape Battle Network and look for a launch event in your area and get a chance to earn your own premium painted Shiori figure.

As for a first purchase, the Battle for the Wellspring Battle Box is the ideal place to start. It’ll give you enough to try it out with a friend. If you want more, there’s the Master Set, and even more army expansions coming in October 2024!

Thanks again Dan.

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