Wargamer: The Evolution of a Strategy Gaming Authority
Since its inception in the mid-1990s, Wargamer has transformed from a niche matchmaking service into a comprehensive hub for strategy gaming. What began as a tool for enthusiasts to find opponents has evolved through various ownerships and editorial shifts to cover the vast landscape of both digital and physical tactical gaming.
The Early Years and Digital Roots
Founded in September 1995 by Mario R. Kroll, Wargamer was originally designed to facilitate play-by-email matchmaking—a method where players take turns sending their moves via email—for computer wargames. In its early days, the site focused on titles such as Panzer General, Steel Panthers, and the Close Combat series.
The platform quickly expanded its scope to include other influential titles, such as Norm Koger's Age of Rifles, the Battleground series by TalonSoft, and various games from HPS Simulations. Over time, the site transitioned from a simple matchmaking tool into a full-scale editorial outlet, providing game reviews, news reporting, and a repository for custom scenarios created by the community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Ownership Transitions and Challenges
The path to growth was not without obstacles. Between 2001 and 2003, the site faced financial hardships. A critical turning point occurred in December 2012, when hackers exploited a Microsoft FrontPage vulnerability to deface the site, resulting in a ten-day outage and significant data loss. This incident prompted Mario R. Kroll to sell the website.
On February 19, 2003, it was announced that Wargamer would be acquired by Virtual Business Designs, Inc., the owners of MilitaryGamer. The two sites merged in March of that year. During this era, Wargamer was also briefly affiliated with the Strategy Allies Network, alongside Armchair General and HistoryNet, though this partnership eventually disbanded.
Corporate Integration and Expansion
The landscape of the site shifted further in 2010 when Slitherine Software merged with Matrix Games, the parent company of Wargamer. The Slitherine Group continued to expand its portfolio, acquiring the mobile-strategy site Pocket Tactics in 2015. It was during this year that the site officially dropped the definite article from its logo, becoming simply Wargamer.
In April 2017, the group launched Strategy Gamer as a third companion website. By February 2018, all three properties—Wargamer, Pocket Tactics, and Strategy Gamer—were sold to Network N Ltd. Between 2018 and 2020, Joe Robinson served as the editor in chief for all three publications.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The 2021 Relaunch and Modern Era
In January 2021, Network N executed a comprehensive relaunch of Wargamer under the leadership of editor Alex Evans. This relaunch introduced a new brand identity, a petrol-blue color scheme, and a significantly broadened editorial mandate.
While digital wargames remain a core focus, the modern iteration of Wargamer now covers the entire spectrum of tabletop gaming. This includes board games, collectible card games, and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Additionally, the site provides extensive coverage of miniature wargames, specifically those from Games Workshop, including Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 1995 by Mario R. Kroll.
- Original Purpose: Play-by-email matchmaking for computer wargames.
- Major Ownerships: Virtual Business Designs, Inc., Matrix Games, Slitherine Software, and Network N Ltd.
- 2021 Pivot: Expanded coverage to include tabletop, miniature, and role-playing games.
- Current Focus: Digital strategy games, board games, and Games Workshop miniatures.
| Year | Event | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Foundation | Launched as a matchmaking site for computer wargames. |
| 2003 | Acquisition | Acquired by Virtual Business Designs, Inc. and merged with MilitaryGamer. |
| 2010 | Corporate Merger | Matrix Games (parent company) merged with Slitherine Software. |
| 2018 | Sale to Network N | Sold along with Pocket Tactics and Strategy Gamer. |
| 2021 | Relaunch | New branding and expansion into tabletop/miniature gaming. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of Wargamer?
Wargamer was founded in 1995 primarily to help players of computer wargames find opponents for play-by-email matches.
Who currently owns Wargamer?
Wargamer is currently owned by Network N Ltd., which acquired the site in February 2018.
How did the site's focus change after 2021?
Following its relaunch in January 2021, the site expanded its mandate to cover all types of tabletop games, including board games, TTRPGs, and miniature wargames, alongside its digital coverage.
Which tabletop franchises does Wargamer cover?
The site provides significant coverage for Games Workshop titles like Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar, as well as Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.
What caused the site to be sold in the early 2000s?
A combination of nearly two years of financial hardship and a severe hacking incident in December 2012, which caused data loss and a ten-day outage, led founder Mario R. Kroll to sell the site.