In 1985 the first limited edition of Hunter Planet appeared in selected retail stores in Melbourne and Sydney. The 500 copies found there way into the vibrant role playing scene generating great enthusiasm. Here is aq copy of the cover the first edition. Not bad for self published using 1985 technology.

There was enough enthusiasm among those pioneer players for David Bruggeman to develop the Second Edition.

At Cancon 1987 David and a collection of friends negotiated with the convention organisers to run a Hunter Planet competition. There was no concept of general demonstration roleplaying games at the time, The only accepted way to run a game was to have a competition. So we did. We didn’t want to be hidden away in a room, so after some heavy negotiations, the organisers allowed us to set up a couple of tables in front of the lecture hall in which were playing a variety of movies. This was a win-win. Cancon was able to have more premium room space, and we were happy to be “stuck” in a corriidor.

“I have many fond memories of the game. I spent far too many hours playing in the world of Dirt and far too few at lectures. Fantastic way to spend one’s first year at Uni.” Greg, reminiscing.

The first “competition” was a success! At times we not only had the CM, players and friends but a crowd of onlookers stopping by to see what all the laughing was about. We introduced a new concept at the presentations of providing a reason for the prize winners – such as most glorious mistake and worst turns of fate.

We gathered many names for a mailing list (this was a paper and stamps type of list) and made many new friends. We left ready to promote Hunter Planet further afield.

Hunter Planet was completely self published with no external funding or business support. The whole project was as much of an adventure in the real world as it was when playing the game. We were at the front of the Australian Roleplaying publishing scene working with many excellent games industry people. It was an exciting time.

40 years later and we’re back

It’s 2025 and 40 years since the release of the first edition. We have had many players of the original game reminisce about their enjoyment and experiences. Parents and now some grandparents have run Hunter Planet games with their children and grand children to encourage the joy of imagination and human ingenuity combined with the challenges when plans do not always turn out as expected.

The quote that leads this article was from Greg who I met by chance recently. He remembered playing while at university and with a sly smile told me he should have studied more, but he and his friends had too much fun playing Hunter Planet.

What are your memories of playing Hunter Planet? I have included many quotes and favourite game scenes in the new edition. Share your best memories!