Kordran Conflict - Plastic Alchemy's golden recipe for Table Top Gaming -

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An Interview with the Creator of Kordran Conflict and CEO of Plastic Alchemy

Modern technology has, for several years now, seemingly dominated the gaming scene. Digital content is more flashy than traditional Table Top games like Dungeons and Dragons. PS4s and X-Boxes are flying off the shelves, while board games and the like (many of which require time and imagination) sit stagnantly.

One company, Plastic Alchemy, is setting out to create a whole new type of gaming experience that blurs the line between digital and physical games. This is what makes Kordran Conflict unique and why you should know what creator, Josh, is looking to accomplish through crowd-sourcing.

How does this board game, Kordran Conflict, work?

Essentially, it’s a strategy board game that’s been designed from the ground up to be 3D printed, while also mixing traditional game components, like cards, rule book, and board, so that you have a ‘proper’ game in hands.

Can you summarise your experience developing Kordran Conflict from idea to production?

I used to work as a community manager in a 3D printing company and have always been a massive tabletop gamer. In 2017, Evan (Co-designer) and I began designing a miniature game intended to trim the fat of traditional tabletop mini-games while maintaining the strategy and depth. We also wanted to create something completely original, in our world, so we could truly choose it’s destiny as we developed it for the 3D printing audience.

Our game was in good health, but it was Fotis Mint, Clockspring & Reddadsteve who then worked with me to create the wealth of 3D content that has made this game so visually stunning and functional. I guided concept art by Ross Macomish onto Fotis’ who modelled each character for 3DP before Steve would help split and create custom supports for each model. It’s a long pipeline for sure!

Do you plan your games to be expandable with new content/ models?

I believe 3D printing is going to change how we play games. Imagine, downloadable content for board games. It’s only possible with digital distribution and 3D printing. We want to make games that can grow and keep engaging people as they play. Say at Halloween we can give out a new unit, for free. Nobody is doing this.. yet!

Why 3D printed game pieces as opposed to injection-moulded?

I could sell you 40 miniatures in a box, expensive to make the moulds, expensive to ship to you and once it’s there, we can’t give you more. I can give you 20 STLs, and you can make as many as you want.. with no cost to me and very little to you. Then I can give you more the next day!

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your games like Kordran Conflict?

Oh, so many places! Now out of print, Heroscape was a massive influence for Kordran Conflict. We wanted to recreate the modular nature of the game and how each unit had it’s own unique feel and set of abilities. I also have played Infinity and 40k a fair bit, but while I enjoyed those games.

I didn’t like the often slow pace that came from players checking rules and referring to army lists. Magic the Gathering is probably the second biggest influence. I love how keywords such as Death Touch, Vigilance, etc. facilitate changes in core rules that create emergent strategies and tactics. This was a massive design goal, to get a simple ruleset with changes from units abilities that make for a very elaborate system of combos and strategy.

How do you think IP-locked 3D models would help you?

This is THE question in 3D Printing. I know it’s coming and will provide the framework for our industry to grow, which it sorely needs. I still think that our idea of selling a full game experience alongside the actual stl files is what gives our business more staying power in the face of piracy.

If your Kickstarter for Kordran Conflict goes as planned, what possibilities will that enable you to accomplish?

The Kickstarter will be a really exciting way to launch Plastic Alchemy. First and foremost, I want to see people playing and enjoying the game. Beyond this, we have 2 other games in the works, plus a unique set of miniatures themed on Greek Mythology from Fotis.

Would you be willing to give our readers access to sample or unique models for Kordran Conflict?

Yes! Pop onto our page, and you can download the Captious ‘CELL’ unit plus you can get the hex tiles and barriers for the game before launch!

As 3D printing continues to evolve, what do you envision as the next evolution in your game design?

So many ways to go… But if we’re aiming high… RFID Chips. I’d like to see interactive board games.. would you?

Yes, interactive game is an exciting concept! What’s your favourite 3D printer?

In testing, we’ve been using many for quality purposes. From the Prusa MK3 to the Snapmaker, Ender 3, Zmorph, Cetus 3D, AnyCubic Photon, BCN Sigma. I couldn’t pin to anyone, in particular, they all work… only that some require a little more love than others!

What’s your preferred slicing software and why?

Cura 4.0 – Got all I need, and there are some great profiles for printing minis. We’ll have our own to release too at launch!

What recommendations do you have for other makers who want to pursue producing their own games like Kordran Conflict?

You know, there is a real bubbling scene out there. You can take ideas to prototype in days, anything is possible. And unlike traditional games there is no limit to size, cost margins, it can be as big or small as you want it. There is lots of great stuff to be making, so don’t be afraid to experiment!