Real Worlds: Research Dossier

 SWOT ANALYSIS:

Strengths:

  • Fast & Fun Gameplay – Streamlined third-edition rules make it easier to learn and play in under an hour, great for casual and competitive players.

  • Unique Terrain System – Uses a modular, cube-based setup that creates immersive, 3D battlefields with tons of tactical options.

  • Great Value Starter Set – The two-player set includes miniatures, terrain, and rulebooks, making it easy to jump into the game.

Weaknesses:

  • Tricky Mini Assembly – Some models are fiddly to put together, and instructions aren’t always clear, which can frustrate new players.

  • Setup Takes Time – While gameplay is fast, assembling terrain and creating force lists can slow down the experience, especially for newcomers.

Opportunities:

  • Digital Tools – A mobile app for list-building, rules reference, or even AR features could streamline setup and gameplay.

  • Stronger Community Engagement – More organized play, online events, and community-driven content could attract new players and keep current ones invested.

Threats:

  • Tough Competition – Big games like Warhammer 40K dominate the skirmish market, making it hard for Deadzone to stand out.

  • Component Quality Concerns – Some players feel the miniatures and terrain quality aren’t as polished as competitors, which could affect long-term appeal.

IP:

  • Setting: A corporate-dominated galaxy where planets marked as "Deadzones" become battlegrounds for survival.

  • Factions: Includes elite Enforcers, mutant Plague, rebellious Rebs, brutal Marauders, and more, each with distinct lore and playstyles.

  • Story & Gameplay: Focuses on covert missions and tactical skirmishes in war-torn cities.

  • Expanding Universe: Shares its setting with Firefight and Star Saga, allowing for interconnected storytelling.

With new factions, campaigns, and miniatures, Deadzone continues to grow as a key sci-fi franchise in Mantic’s lineup.

ART DIRECTION/DESIGN LANGUAGE:

  • Futuristic/Militaristic Designs – Factions like the Enforcers sport sleek, high-tech armor, while the Plague and Marauders have a more brutal, rugged look. To add to this, there are also uses of AI/Robots due to the futuristic setting.

  • Fantasy/Alien Elements - Certain factions make use of different races from fantasy such as the FORGE FATHERS Dwarven units.

  • Dark Atmosphere – Art and miniatures showcase war-ravaged cities, abandoned industrial zones, and harsh alien landscapes.

  • Faction Styles – Each group has a unique visual identity, from the corporate-policed Enforcers to the chaotic, bio-mutated Plague.

  • Miniature Poses – Miniatures are sculpted with action-packed stances, enhancing the sense of movement and combat intensity.

FACTIONS:

  1. Enforcers – Elite soldiers using advanced tech and heavy armor.

  2. Plague – Mutated bio-monsters that overwhelm enemies with numbers.

  3. Rebs (Rebels) – Freedom fighters made up of humans and aliens, resisting corporate rule.

  4. Marauders – Savage raiders who rely on brute strength and looting.

  5. Asterians – Stealthy, high-tech aliens with precision and long-range firepower.

  6. Forge Fathers – Tough, armored dwarves who excel in defense and heavy weaponry.

  7. GCPS (Galactic Co-Prosperity Sphere) – Well-equipped military force focused on control and discipline.

  8. Veer-Myn – Savage, rat-like creatures that overwhelm with numbers and ferocity.

GENRE:

Science Fiction
Skirmisher
Tabletop Minature

LICENSING:

Mantic Games' Deadzone is an original IP set in the Warpath Universe, fully created and owned by Mantic. Unlike other projects like Mars Attacks!, The Walking Dead, and Halo: Flashpoint, which are licensed, Deadzone remains entirely in-house.

Currently, there’s no information about Mantic licensing Deadzone for other media, but that could change as the universe grows.

(No date) Reddit.com. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/wargaming/comments/1hsqgja/mantic_games_has_the_assassins_creed_license/ (Accessed: April 3, 2025).


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