![]()
The MapForge map-making software continues to evolve. What initially began as a tool for making quick and easy top-down tactical-scale maps for tabletop RPGs has gradually grown to also support hex-tile-based area/regional mapping, edit Donjon-generated maps to customize them to your exact needs (or create your own custom dungeons from scratch), and more recently (thanks to a Kickstarter campaign) to allow the creation of isometric maps.
Now I'd like to offer mapping content tailored specifically for the oft-ignored Post-Apocalyptic genre, because GMs of post-apocalyptic tabletop RPG games need maps, too! Unfortunately, quality Post-Apocalyptic mapping content is very hard to find.
You should be interested in this campaign if you're a Game Master (or plan to be) for any of the following RPGs:
- Deadlands: Hell on Earth
- Darwin's World
- Exodus
- Morrow Project
- RIFTS
- Aftermath!
- Twilight: 2000
- Broken Earth
- GURPS After the End (Wastelanders)
- or other Fallout-like RPGs
Isometric, A Primer
Isometric maps were made popular by many computer RPGs and strategy games. A lot of people, however, might be familiar with the map style but not necessarily with the technical term "isometric". Maps made with with isometric graphics can create spectacular, richly detailed visuals.
For GMs of pen-and-paper RPGs, such maps are often more useful as visual aids than as tactical battlemaps that you would move tokens around on. However, some virtual tabletop programs (aka VTTs) now support isometric maps, and that number should gradually increase.
![]()
MapForge is map-making software that was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2017. Version 1.0 of MapForge was released in 2018, along with an incredible 50 content Add-Ons available for it from leading content providers. Since then, the number of content Add-Ons for MapForge has more than doubled.
Those of you who are new to MapForge should please visit the above links for more information about the software (it's simply too much information to repeat here). The FAQ for the original campaign is also a useful source of information.
The TL:DR version
- MapForge is easy-to-use software for Windows and Mac OS that makes high-quality maps for printing or for use in virtual tabletop software (e.g., Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, etc.).
- Can be used for free (no license is required for low resolution output).
- Comes with 28 free content Add-Ons, providing a total of over 5300 assets to get you started (that's over 2.5 GBs!).
- In addition to using content from pre-packaged Add-Ons, MapForge also allows you to use your own artwork (either created by you, or downloaded from elsewhere, such as the Dundjinni user forums or rpgmapshare.com).
- You can download and try the software out for yourself, to evaluate it and see if the program is what you want/expect it to be.
- If you choose to purchase a license, it is only a one-time fee, not a recurring monthly subscription.
The content Add-Ons that will be produced by this campaign
During this campaign you may pledge for any or all of the following additional items, regardless of which pledge level you selected. Click on each Add-On link below to see a preview of what it will contain and for additional product details.
IMPORTANT! All content Add-Ons that will be developed by this campaign are strictly for "Personal Use Only". Publishing or commercial use of this content is not allowed.
All MapForge Add-Ons are in a closed/proprietary format, and the content cannot be accessed outside of the MapForge software. MapForge v1.1.6 or higher (due to be released in April 2020) will be required to use the Add-Ons produced by this Kickstarter campaign.
Gifting a MapForge license to a friend:
After the campaign has ended, you will need to provide me your friend's email address so that I can get them their license code. Note that any content Add-Ons that you get for yourself will not also be applied to your friend's license.
Other Things to Cover
- Funds raised by this campaign will be used by Battlegrounds Games to cover the cost of developing/porting the Add-Ons, and paying the necessary art licensing fees.
- If this campaign is successful, I will be working on fulfilling the Rewards as soon as possible. If there is significant overfunding, I will use it to develop MapForge further, in order to add additional capabilities and features that have been requested.
- If you want any content Add-Ons produce prior to this campaign, you can order them from the MapForge web store, and receive them right away (no need to wait for this campaign to end).
![]()
While the majority of potential backers of this project will likely be tabletop RPG gamers, isometric mapping is something that non-gamers can really enjoy, too. Creating isometric maps/illustrations is a fun, creative, and rewarding activity that anyone, regardless of drawing skill (or lack thereof) can enjoy.
Whether or not you choose to make a pledge to this campaign, I would greatly appreciate it if you could mention this project to friends or family members who might be interested. I've made it easy to do so; just click on one of the buttons below to help spread the word.
![]()
![]()
Last but not least, I'd love it if you would follow Battlegrounds Games on any or all of these social media sites, so you can stay apprised of all the latest news and developments. And consider signing up to the MapForge mailing list.
![]()
Follow Battlegrounds on Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Thank you for checking out this campaign!
Risks & Challenges
All rewards for this project are digital downloads, so shipping is neither a factor nor an added expense. Battlegrounds Games has over a decade of experience distributing software and content packs.
All of the third-party content being ported to MapForge's Add-On format already exists, so there won't be any delay in getting that content from each provider.
Now that I've already produced well over 100 MapForge content Add-Ons, I have a very solid grasp of how long porting content to MapForge format takes, and I continually strive to further streamline the process, for faster turnaround.
In short, this is an extremely low risk campaign, and one with a quick delivery date. Please be sure to try out the free version of the software prior to pledging.
