This is a time to be inspired by our hobby. A number of small firms have broken forth to help diversify the quality and topic of the games being produced. This is the good and productive edge of the desktop publishing revolution with the proper equipment, anyone with a reasonable amount of skill can produce top-of-the-line wargame graphics. We, as well as others, are just now beginning to unleash the full potential of the systems currently available -- systems which give us a control and freedom of action companies of the past could only dream about.

My hat is off to those who have taken advantage of the new methods of production to bring us more and beuer games -- XTR (Command Magazinc), GMT, and Rhino come to mind as the forerunners of the new wave. You can take advantage of this too -- both as consumer and potential manufacturer. As a consumer, the new wave gives you more, better looking games and games of a range of topics not possible before.

Why? Because you (as the potential manufacturer) can for the first time produce a one-time release on your favorite topic and make it as good as "the big boys." I encourage you to do this -- and I'm willing to give you whatever advice I can if you give me a ring.

To produce high quality graphics, all a new company needs is a decent Macintosh computer with color capabilities, a good service bureau who can handle films, and a printer willing to be patient. Start small and grow into what you want to become -- don't jump in with both feet loudly proclaiming your first "monster" release! When you have your "2nd Punic War" ready for distribution, give me a call or talk to the distributors listed in this issue. And, good luck -- you're on your way!

Where does this new wave of sprout companies leave The Gamers in the scheme of things? Basically, right where we were -- very comfortable. Do we feel threatened, etc.? Of course not, the game industry is very small, but there is plenty of room for new blood and ideas. Cut-throat competition and market share womes not only do not matter, but are also harmful in thc longrun. Gaming is plenty large to hold a number of small firms who complement each other in topic, style and quality. Gaming is not large enough to sustain budding egomaniacs with dreams of hobby domination and such rubbish.

Numerous small companies can give gamers altematives when one or another fails to meet expectations in quality, timeliness, topic, or price. You'll never have to support a company with crummy products because "the hobby will die" if you don't. There will always be someone waiting in the wings who is willing to give his game a try. And, that is the way I'd like it to be.