What is this?

This project started in late July 2025, where I was playing around with the fantastic Gridiron3 rulebook, to see what could be created from the ruleset. A week or so later, the announcement came from the GMs of G3 that they weren't continuing, and what had started as a "I wonder if I can..." project became a "I can..." project.

What was Gridiron3?

Initially starting as a play by mail game in the 1980s, Gridiron3 became an online game in 2005. I started playing it in 2008, and didn't miss a season from then until it shut down. It was a fantastic game full of history, and it will be very sorely missed.

So you're just copying G3?

While it's true that we're using a lot of the mathematical formulae - because they work, and create "Good Football" - Big Sky Football aims to bring the game into the modern day with new features and some streamlined processes.

What does "Big Sky" mean?

The Big Sky was one of the six leagues in Gridiron3. Each was alphabetically named (Atlantic, Big Sky, Continental etc.). As another group is working on a project called Gridiron4 (and do check them out at Gridiron4.org), I have chosen this name as a tribute to the league that gave me so many years of happiness and so many real life friends.

Will it cost anything?

The game is currently in testing and thus will not cost anything during the testing period. However, like G3, it is expected some form of season subscription fee will be required once we have understanding of how much hosting is going to cost. However, we're quite a long way off from that.

In the previews and play by play, who are Rikke and Ahsen?

Rikke and Ahsen are the fictional commentators for Big Sky Football, but they are based on two real life legends of the game. Rikke was my first ever opponent in G3, back in Season 8. She led her team to three divisional championships on trot, and was an big favourite at the live drafts in Bristol. Ahsen joined the game in Season 11, taking over the Phoenix, and leading them for ten seasons, including a Sky Bowl win in Season 16. He won the LFC East every season between Season 16 and 20, including three bowl trips as well. We have had agreement from both Rikke and Ahsen that they are happy for their names to be used in our game, and we are grateful for their consent for this.

When will it be ready?

You can track development progress below, but we're hoping for a "Season Zero" in January 2026. This will be an accelerated season of 2/3 games a week, then everything will be wiped.

I want to help.

That's not a question! But we will be seeking testers from the community, so get in touch via the G3 Community Whatsapp group or the Big Sky group, or join us on Discord.

✅ Completed Features

• User authentication and team management system
• Formation and play calling interface
• Coaching staff management
• Weekly coaching of players
• League schedules and standings
• Player roster management and editing
• Special teams and field goal mechanics
• Game statistic engine
• Game simulation engine
• Scouting and news system which provides scouting hints
• Free agency and drafting

🔨 Currently Working On

• Attribute system - not started yet
• Game engine tweaks

Last Updated: October 2025