Multi Man PublishingEdit
Multi-Man Publishing (MMP) is a niche American publisher that has become a backbone of the tabletop wargaming scene, especially for fans of the Advanced Squad Leader system. Built around a philosophy of preserving and expanding a complex, historically grounded form of tactical competition, MMP has carved out a durable business by serving a dedicated community with ongoing reprints, new scenarios, and periodical publications. The company’s work sits at the intersection of hobbyist craftsmanship, small-business entrepreneurship, and a long-running tradition of strategy gaming that rewards careful planning, historical study, and a willingness to engage in deep, sometimes time-consuming play.
Core to MMP’s identity is its commitment to the Advanced Squad Leader framework, a detailed tactical wargame originally published by Avalon Hill in the late 20th century. MMP acts as a custodian and innovator within that ecosystem, producing new content that remains compatible with the original system while expanding the range of scenarios and modules available to players. The combination of fan-driven play and professional production values has helped keep ASL readers and players engaged across generations. For readers who want to understand the lineage, ASL is the centerpiece of the company’s activity, and Advanced Squad Leader remains the most common entry point for those exploring MMP’s offerings.
History
Multi-Man Publishing emerged from a community of ASL players seeking to continue expanding the rules, maps, and scenarios after the original publisher’s focus shifted. By positioning itself as a producer of high-quality add-ons—maps, counters, and scenario packs—while also maintaining older materials, MMP has established a model that emphasizes durability and accessibility. The company’s releases are typically designed to be compatible with the core ASL system, which helps retain an audience that has invested in decades of hobby infrastructure. In the broader ecosystem of hobby gaming, MMP’s approach is often cited as an example of how a small publisher can sustain a vibrant niche by listening to long-time players and balancing new content with the preservation of classic components. For context, the broader field of wargaming includes Board wargaming traditions and a history of specialist publishers that have followed similar patterns, including the original imprint Avalon Hill.
Product lines and publishing philosophy
- Modules and scenario packs for ASL: MMP consistently expands the core system with new modules and a steady stream of scenarios that allow players to recreate varied tactical situations. These products are designed to be compatible with existing sheets, counters, and maps, reinforcing a stable ecosystem rather than pushing players toward wholesale purchases of new, incompatible products. The emphasis on compatibility is discussed within the community as a practical virtue that respects players’ prior investments. See also Advanced Squad Leader.
- The ASL Starter Kit and related introductory materials: These offerings aim to lower the barrier to entry for newcomers while preserving the depth that veteran players expect. By combining simpler rules with the core system, MMP helps attract and retain players who might otherwise drift away from more opaque, fully fledged products. For background, readers can consult ASL Starter Kit.
- The ASL Journal and community publications: Through periodicals and organized play, MMP supports a knowledge base and a sharing culture that benefits the hobby as a whole. The publication of periodicals is a traditional way for niche communities to codify house rules, provide errata, and showcase notable scenarios. See ASL Journal for a sense of how periodical publishing fits into the ASL ecosystem.
- Physical quality and component standards: A hallmark of MMP’s approach is attention to physical components—maps, counters, and packaging—that reflect the tactile nature of the hobby. This aligns with a broader preference among many hobbyists for high-quality, durable materials that can withstand long-term use around a gaming table. For context on related materials, see Tabletop game.
Reception and influence
Within its community, MMP is often praised for its reliability, responsiveness, and respect for the historical depth that defines ASL. Proponents argue that the company helps ensure long-term access to a complex, time-intensive form of play that might otherwise fade as original publishers reorganize or depart from the market. This continuity is valued by players who prize both fidelity to historical simulation and the opportunity to explore new tactical permutations.
From a broad, market-oriented perspective, supporters note that niche publishers like MMP demonstrate the resilience of specialized hobbies when driven by dedicated enthusiasts who turn passion into sustainable businesses. They argue that such enterprises contribute to a diversified gaming landscape, offering products that may not be commercially viable in mass-market environments but serve an essential cultural and educational function for their communities. See also Board wargaming and the broader Wargaming ecosystem.
Controversies and debates around MMP tend to center on two themes common to small, prestige-focused publishers: pricing and access, and the balance between nostalgia and innovation. Some critics argue that the costs of high-quality physical components and limited-run production make new material inaccessible to casual players. Proponents counter that the model rewards quality, keeps production sustainable, and preserves a historical artifact—an extensively developed game system—rather than chasing short-term mass-market appeal. From a right-of-center perspective, the emphasis on market-based, voluntary procurement, and the absence of heavy subsidies or mandates, is typically seen as a strength rather than a flaw. Critics who advocate broader democratization of gaming access sometimes charge that niche hobbyists are insulated; supporters respond that niche publishers are precisely the part of the economy that tests new ideas, serves as a training ground for entrepreneurship, and preserves cultural capital for future generations. When this debate appears in public discourse, defenders of the model emphasize that voluntary exchanges and consumer choice remain the most robust guarantors of quality and relevance, and that woke criticisms often misinterpret the purpose of historically grounded wargaming as endorsement of real-world conflict rather than analysis and strategic thinking.
Controversies and debates
- Historical sensitivity vs. tactical simulation: Some observers question whether excessively detailed war-game simulations can be appropriate or constructive. The right-leaning perspective here would emphasize educational value, critical thinking, and historical study, arguing that the hobby provides a controlled environment for analyzing decisions and consequences without endorsing real-world violence. Critics who push for broader cultural sensitivity are sometimes viewed as attempting to reframe a long-standing hobby; proponents maintain that the activity is about learning from history, not promoting it.
- Access and affordability: A recurring topic is whether the high-end components and limited runs create barriers to entry. Advocates for market-driven models contend that price signals help allocate scarce resources efficiently and incentivize quality, while opponents worry about exclusion. The pragmatic stance is that specialized niches need a balance between affluence of product and accessibility, with MMP’s strategy reflecting a choice to prioritize durable, high-quality outputs over mass-produced, low-cost alternatives.
- Licensing and rights: The ASL ecosystem depends on licenses and rights held by various entities after the original publisher’s era. Debates arise over how rights are negotiated, how compatibility is maintained, and how updates are rolled out. Supporters argue that private negotiation and careful stewardship by a dedicated publisher protect both the hobby’s integrity and players’ investments; critics might push for more transparent or more expansive licensing models. In practice, MMP’s approach has been to maintain continuity for existing players while expanding the catalog for committed collectors, a stance many see as prudent stewardship of a fragile but enduring community.