Turn-based tactical 'Mech combat set in the classic 3025 era of the BattleTech Universe. From the creators of the Shadowrun Series!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Launch Day!
over 6 years ago
– Wed, Apr 25, 2018 at 01:46:03 AM
In May of 2015, I emailed Jordan a sketch I'd been working on - the iconic Atlas, looming over a party of nobles and MechWarriors meeting on a snow-swept plain. (Subject Line: "Too many banners?") This was the very first piece of concept art for the project, and we ended up using it at Gen Con 2015 when we unveiled our plans to take BATTLETECH to Kickstarter.
Turns out, a lot can happen in three years.
When I look back on this painting now, I'm still really happy with how it was able to capture the tone and aesthetic that we wanted for BATTLETECH. But sheesh... the quality of the art, writing, music, gameplay, and audio on-display in the game today - everything about the BATTLETECH experience has blown so far past this initial goal-post, it's come farther than I could have imagined.
It's been a long (and sometimes arduous) road from the Kickstarter campaign that September 2015, to the version of BATTLETECH that launches this morning. And in success, this is just the beginning!
We can't say this enough - without your support as Backers, this project would not have been possible. THANK YOU. And thank you also to Piranha Games for their fantastic 'Mech designs, on whose shoulders we were able to build and expand the visual trappings of BATTLETECH. To Catalyst Game Labs for their lore support over the years (even if they did steal our beards...) And to Paradox Interactive for their support and expertise in bringing this game to market. To Jordan, for the opportunity to come full-circle, to work with you in crafting a new experience for this universe that I (and so many others on the team) grew up with.
And, most of all - thank you to the incredible team here at Harebrained Schemes. No one idea or person makes or breaks a game, at least not at this scale. There's no "eureka" moment or single hero who always saves the day. Games are always bad before they're good. And good games are the result of years of hard work, passion, and slow incremental change, channeled into a single experience by talented collaborators with a shared vision. BATTLETECH may not be perfect, and our sales and review scores remain to be seen, but by all metrics of game development and teamwork - I am proud to call this project and team a success.
From all of us here at HBS: Thank you again, and enjoy BATTLETECH!
-- Mike McCain, Game Director
A Note From BattleTech’s Creator
The future history of BattleTech has a storied real-world history as well. Starting as a tabletop game 35 years ago, BattleTech merged the rich narrative setting of a role-playing game with the mechanics of a competitive multiplayer miniatures game.
Hundreds of game products, novels, and miniatures later, the video game Crescent Hawk’s Inception was released in 1988 by Infocom, becoming the first graphical game for the previously “all text" publisher. The game, developed by Westwood Studios, was a classic RPG with tactical combat and was a touchstone for our team as this new BATTLETECH game (which you helped create) is the first turn-based ‘Mech combat game since then.
In 1989, the first BattleTech Center opened in Chicago, offering the world’s first publicly available Virtual Reality multiplayer game. Over the next couple of years, BattleTech Centers opened around the world, and in 1994 we held our first World Championship with teams competing from Center-to-Center and a live broadcast of the finals from the BattleTech Center in Las Vegas.
Of course, a landmark for BattleTech and the video game industry was the release of MechWarrior 2 in 1995 which, according to articles released last year, is still Activision's highest unit seller to-date. MW2 introduced millions of people to the BattleTech universe and to 3D gaming. The MechWarrior series went on to be one of the most successful video game franchises of the 1990s and early 00s.
MechCommander, released in 1998, took the real time strategy genre in a tactical direction by focusing on the
management of a smaller set of highly detailed units rather than generating large numbers of disposable units and over the years, many games have taken this approach.
BattleTech again made history in 2002 when MechAssault became the launch title for Xbox LIVE, ushering in the current era of online console gaming. All up, more than 20 video games preceded ours in the BattleTech / MechWarrior franchise, and, along with your help the Harebrained Schemes team is proud to contribute BATTLETECH to this outstanding lineage.
On a personal note, I am so happy with what this team has accomplished, as I feel that it represents the most immersive dive into the universe of BattleTech that’s ever been realized. The game really allows you to feel what it’s like to be responsible for the lives, fortunes, and futures of the men and women of your little mercenary company within the context of a large and complex world of deadly politics surrounding you. The turn-based nature of the game allows you to engage in the balancing act (in more ways than one) of effectively managing a lance of `Mechs in combat and finally frees the game’s camera from being locked into the cockpit so that it can really tell the story of how these huge machines dominate the environment and decimate each other. But most importantly, the campaign makes you cringe every time one of your `Mechs loses a limb and swear to whatever gods you hold dear when one of your MechWarriors takes a wound, or worse dies in combat.
I could not be more in awe of the team’s creativity and talents, or prouder of the enormous effort they invested over the last two and a half years of the game’s development - a game that we could not have made without the enormous financial and emotional support that you, our Backers provided us.
So it is to you that my heartfelt thanks go out on this very exciting day, for without you, none of this would have ever happened.
Sincerely, Jordan Weisman
Backer Rewards Update and FAQ
At this time, all Backer rewards have been delivered to BackerKit accounts (except for the 4th novella which is still being written).
- Enter the email address you used to back the game into the "Kickstarter Email" box and click on "Get My Survey" - When you get the email from BackerKit, follow the link inside to your account Click on "Get Your Digital Rewards" - Copy and paste your key into your gaming library of the platform
BETA players: please note that you must retrieve your *new* game key. The Beta *will not* update to the final release version of the game
I got my key the other day but what about my other digital rewards like the code for the 'Mech skin, soundtrack, or art book? When do I get them? The remaining digital Backer rewards and Unlock Codes for in-game rewards were uploaded to BackerKit accounts yesterday-- except for the 4th BATTLETECH novella that is currently being written.
If you have any other issues, emailing us directly at [email protected] rather than through Kickstarter messages will help us serve you faster.
I can’t access the email address connected with my BackerKit account to recover my account - what do I do?
Send us an email at [email protected] with the old address AND the new address and we can update that for you.
BackerKit says I don’t have an account - what do I do? Please try again following these directions: Go to https://battletech.backerkit.com/
Put your email into the box labeled "Kickstarter email" and click the "Get My Survey" button. If you get still get this error message: "Sorry, we couldn't find a survey for that email." -- then contact us at [email protected] and we will help you out. Include as much information about your pledge as you can, including your current email address and any old email addresses that you may have used when you pledged and if you backed on Kickstarter or BackerKit
I didn’t fill out my BackerKit account before the deadline - what do I do? If you did not fill out your BackerKit survey, we are unable to fulfill your Kickstarter rewards. You’ll need to go to the survey recovery page https://battletech.backerkit.com/ to fill out your survey. Your digital rewards will be in your BackerKit account soon after that.
I only see the Add-Ons that I purchased in BackerKit and not my rewards - what’s up with that? It’s likely because a second account was automatically created for you when purchased the Add-Ons. On the page with the Get Your Digital Rewards button, you'll see a yellow band at the top. Just click on "Switch to another survey" and you'll be given the option to access the first account.
If you have any other issues, emailing us directly at [email protected] rather than through Kickstarter messages will help us serve you faster.
BATTLETECH Keys Are On Their Way!
over 6 years ago
– Sat, Apr 21, 2018 at 02:15:47 AM
We are excited to let you know that we have begun distribution of BATTLETECH game keys into BackerKit accounts!
With over 50,000 Backers, it will take some time for all the keys to be distributed. You will get an email from BackerKit when your key has been delivered into your account so you don’t need to keep checking it. If you go to your account and see a “Pending” message, please be patient.
The game will be available for pre-load on Steam on Monday, April 23rd at 9am PDT but the game WILL NOT unlock until April 24th at 9am PDT. Neither GOG nor Humble will have pre-load available so you’ll need to wait to download the game until April 24th at 9am PDT if you are on those platforms.
All other digital Backer rewards - the Official Soundtrack, Art of BATTLETECH pdf, and codes for in-game rewards - will be delivered to BackerKit accounts in time for launch. You will receive a BackerKit email when that happens and must return to your BackerKit account to retrieve those rewards.
How to Get Your BATTLETECH Key: If you answered your BackerKit survey, your account has been "locked down," and you will find your key in your BackerKit account. The key, codes and digital rewards will remain there in case you ever need to find them again.
Go to https://battletech.backerkit.com/ - Enter the email address you used to back the game into the "Kickstarter Email" box and click on "Get My Survey" - When you get the email from BackerKit, follow the link inside to your account Click on "Get Your Digital Rewards" - Copy and paste your key into your gaming library of the platform
BETA players: please note that you must retrieve your *new* game key. The Beta *will not* update to the final release version of the game.
If you have trouble with your BackerKit account, please see the FAQ below.
We’re almost there!
Thank you for all your support over the last 2.5 years!
- HBS
In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the intro video for the game. We attempted to capture the epic story of humankind's ascent to the stars and its eventual fall from the height of the Star League to the declining years of the Succession Wars. Hope you like it!
FAQ
I can’t access the email address connected with my BackerKit account to recover my account - what do I do? Send us an email at [email protected] with the old address AND the new address and we can update that for you.
BackerKit says I don’t have an account - what do I do? Please try again following these directions: Go to https://battletech.backerkit.com/ Put your email into the box labeled "Kickstarter email" and click the "Get My Survey" button.
If you get still get this error message: "Sorry, we couldn't find a survey for that email." -- then contact us at [email protected] and we will help you out. Include as much information about your pledge as you can, including your current email address and any old email addresses that you may have used when you pledged and if you backed on Kickstarter or BackerKit.
I didn’t fill out my BackerKit account before the deadline - what do I do? If you did not fill out your BackerKit survey, we are unable to fulfill your Kickstarter rewards. You’ll need to go to the survey recovery page https://battletech.backerkit.com/ to fill out your survey. Your digital rewards will be in your BackerKit account soon after that.
I only see the Add-Ons that I purchased in BackerKit and not my rewards - what’s up with that? It’s likely because a second account was automatically created for you when purchased the Add-Ons. On the page with the Get Your Digital Rewards button, you'll see a yellow band at the top. Just click on "Switch to another survey" and you'll be given the option to access the first account.
What about my other digital rewards like the code for the 'Mech skin, soundrack, or art book? When do I get them?As noted above, all other digital Backer rewards - the Official Soundtrack, Art of BATTLETECH pdf, and codes for in-game rewards - will be delivered to BackerKit accounts in time for launch. You will receive a BackerKit email when that happens and must return to your BackerKit account to retrieve those rewards.
If you have any other issues, emailing us directly at [email protected] rather than through Kickstarter messages will help us serve you faster.
Countdown to Zero Hour!
over 6 years ago
– Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 12:45:55 AM
MechWarriors of Backer Company!
High Command has confirmed deployment and WE ARE GO FOR LAUNCH on April 24, 2018 at 9am PT.
Backer Company will retrieve their keys from BackerKit accounts before launch to become operational. Watch for additional communication with specifics closer to that date.
MAKE NO MISTAKE, MECHWARRIORS: Full Operational Success of this mission requires the bolstering of our ranks. To that end, we have enclosed the following TIME SENSITIVE material - a new trailer focused on the story of the campaign. Make sure you get this into as many MechWarrior's hands as possible across all forms of communication.
High Command also notes that we are prepared for rapid induction and training of new MechWarriors. To that end, we offer the BATTLETECH - Shadowhawk Pack which includes an alternate skin for the formidable Shadowhawk 'Mech plus an exclusive wallpaper, to be delivered at launch.
REMINDER FOR “BACKER” COMPANY… All Backers at the Recruit level and above will ALSO receive this special edition Shadow Hawk skin upon deployment. High Command thanks you for your continued support of the cause.
Backer Company, our time is nearly here and the countdown begins now. Check your neural-helmets, strap on your cooling vests, and look alive. The countdown to launch starts NOW
HBS Actual, out!
BATTLETECH BASICS Videos
In case you missed them, here are the two brief BATTLETECH BASICS videos we’ve put out so far. These are perfect for sharing on social media.
And here’s an extended Combat Strategy Livestream with Jordan and Connor so you can share the basics of combat with those who are new to BattleTech.
FAQ
I already backed the game - do I get a game key or do I have to pre-order? As a Backer, part of your rewards includes a key to the game so you do not have to pre-order it again.
Launch keys will be distributed into BackerKit accounts in the day or so leading up to the release of the game and we'll send out a Kickstarter update when that happens.
When will I get my game key? Game keys will be delivered to BackerKit accounts a day or so before launch. We will send another update announcing that distribution of keys into accounts has begun.
If you are a Beta Backer, note that you will need to retrieve your Launch Key from your BackerKit account - the Beta version of the game will NOT automatically update to the final version.
Can I pre-load the game so it’s ready to go when I want to play? We'll have more details about pre-loading when we get closer to our release date.
How do I double check my BackerKit account or get the digital rewards that have already been distributed?
1 - Go to https://battletech.backerkit.com/ 2 - Enter the email address you used to back the game into the "Kickstarter Email" box and click on "Get My Survey" 3- When you get the email from BackerKit, follow the link inside to your account
Click “View Confirmation” in the upper right hand side to see all the rewards that are included in your pledge OR “Get Your Digital Rewards”
Depending on your pledge level, you’ll find the Great House Wallpaper Pack, 3 BattleTech novellas, a Paradox Forum Code and a Paradox Discount Code. Stay tuned for more information on delivery of remaining rewards.
I didn’t fill out my BackerKit survey - what do I do? Over 400 Backers have not filled out their survey and we are unable to fulfill your Kickstarter rewards until you do. To fill out your survey, go to https://battletech.backerkit.com/ and fill it out ASAP.
My email has changed and I can’t access my account - what do I do?We need to manually update your BackerKit account. Email us at [email protected] with both your original email address AND the one you would like us to change it to.
I want to change the game platform I originally chose to get my key from - what do I do?
This is a manual process so you’ll need to email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to tell us which kind of key you’d like us to make available for you.
My BackerKit account is locked - now what? If you find your BackerKit account is locked, please contact BackerKit directly at [email protected] and let them know the answers to your BackerKit survey so they can update that information for you.
What are the final system requirements for the game?The minimum and recommended system reqs for the game can be found on the BATTLETECH pre-order page on Steam
What if I still have a question? Contact us directly at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Battle Stations! This is not a drill!
over 6 years ago
– Wed, Feb 28, 2018 at 12:06:09 AM
Listen up, MechWarriors!
Over two years ago, our forces launched Operation Alpha Strike, a coordinated effort to bring turn-based tactical ‘Mech combat back to PC gaming and to return BattleTech to its rightful place of honor.
Today, High Command reports that our launch window is confirmed for April, 2018.
IMPORTANT INTEL FOR “BACKER” COMPANY…
All Backers at the Recruit level and above will ALSO receive this special edition Shadow Hawk skin upon deployment. High Command thanks you for your continued support of the cause.
Recruitment Materials
Enclosed are TIME SENSITIVE materials from High Command, whose goal is to expand our forces. Make sure you get this into as many MechWarrior's hands as possible across all forms of communication.
Here’s a hi-res wallpaper version of our new store art.
High Command is also pleased to announce the third in a series of four linked digital novellas by Mike Stackpole is now available for Backers at the $50 MechWarrior level and above.
You’ll find a file including the pdf, mobi, and epub versions to download when you hit “Get My Digital Rewards” in your BackerKit account. It can take a little time for the files to populate to everyone's account so please check back in a couple hours if you don't see the files right away.
New Rallypoint!
The Global BattleTech Forum is moving and you can read all about it in this forum post.
To make the new forum feel like home, you’ll find a new forum code in BackerKit that will give you access to BATTLETECH Avatars, Backer Badges and access to the Valhallah forum if your rewards include that. You'll also find a second code for a 10% discount off an order at the Paradox Store - a Happy New Home gift from Paradox Interactive. Codes and directions on how to use them will be found in your BackerKit account. We’ll see you there!
MechWarriors of Backer Company: We have traveled the length of known space to deliver this package and though the journey has been long, we are very excited to finally get BATTLETECH into your hands.
HBS Actual, out!
State-of-the-Game Update
almost 7 years ago
– Wed, Jan 17, 2018 at 12:42:41 AM
Happy New Year Everyone!
We’re excited to report that the team hit their end-of-the-year goals and are on track for a great launch this year. While we don’t have a release date to announce yet, we definitely feel good about the state the game is in.
It’s an amazing feeling to have all the pieces in place and to finally play the game we imagined over two years ago! During the week between Christmas and New Years, we took a step back to review our progress and look for areas that need more attention and now we’re back in the thick of it, fixing bugs, balancing the game, PLAYING the game, and taking action to improve the experience day-by-day.
By and large, BATTLETECH is surprisingly close to the vision we originally pitched in the Kickstarter in September 2015. As anyone who’s made a video game can tell you, it’s incredibly rare to finish a game with all the features you envisioned when you start making it. So while we’re surprisingly close, we’re not perfect.
With release in sight in the next few months, we want to tell you about a few features that were part of our Kickstarter Campaign, but need to be delivered post-launch in order to focus development and testing as we move towards release.
Linux support
Legendary 'Mechs and MechWarriors
Ability to play different types of missions in Skirmish mode (The campaign itself still has plenty of mission types though.)
Some Valhalla-tier reward items (specifics TBD)
Famous character cameos in the campaign (a Social Mission Bonus from the Kickstarter Campaign.)
Famous AI Lances in Skirmish mode (another Social Mission Bonus from the Kickstarter Campaign.)
Rest assured that we are still committed to delivering these features after the game’s initial launch and at no additional charge to Backers.
One other change - instead of a multiplayer experience focused around competitive tournaments & leagues, we've opted for a more friend-focused model of multiplayer functionality. Players can invite each other to matches via Steam/GoG, create private games, and browse public games from the lobby.
Because of this change in direction, we also won’t be delivering a Solaris-themed multiplayer experience at launch. Instead, the game will ship with a diverse set of multiplayer maps across all the game’s biomes to battle on. We recognize that Solaris VII is a great setting for BattleTech experiences, and in success, we still hope to explore different ways to bring Solaris VII to life.
And finally, a feature that wasn’t a Kickstarter commitment but that we talked about online a bunch is Ironman Mode. Unfortunately, that won’t make it in for launch but we’d love to add it later.
Mech_Con 2017
Before we go, we want to thank everyone who came out to Mech_Con 2017 last month. We had a blast hanging out with everyone and hope you did, too. There’s really nothing more invigorating for us than meeting you face-to-face and sharing our mutual excitement for BATTLETECH.
Mech_Con 2018!!
The highlight of the evening for us was watching Jordan & Mitch go head-to-head in an epic (though tactically challenged) Battle of the Gray Beards™ with McCain doing color commentary. The two combatants fought a Trial of Honor with the loser kneeling before the winner and pledging to be his Bondsman for one horrible week. You can check out the duel between Jordan and Mitch at this link around the 5:56 mark.
Okay, back to the grindstone. We’re starting back up our Livestreaming Dev Q&As on Wednesday, February 14th hosted by our friends at No Guts No Galaxy. See you then!
