News, actual news, actually news about Europa – who would have thought. John Astell posted on the Europa-Mailing-List: After two decades of HMS sitting on Europa and getting nothing done, something is moving – Arthur Goodwin and Gar Olmsted have handed the rights to Europa back to Paul R. “Rich” Banner, the original creator of the trademark. At this point it is unclear what that means, but in case of Europa, currently any news are good news.
Here is the press release in full:
For Immediate Release The Europa Series The Europa Series of division level-military operations in World War II in Europe was, and is, a staggering undertaking. Between 1973 and 1989, the legendary GDW Game Designers’ Workshop produced eleven magnificent die-cut counter and hex grid map wargames covering every major operation in Europe: The East Front, the West Front, operations in Norway, in Poland, the Balkans, and in Africa. Europa has provided hours of enjoyment for its fans across the decades, and we want it to continue to do that while attracting new fans. HMS Historical Military Services of Denver Colorado has been the steward of the Europa properties over the past two decades, and Gar Olmsted and Arthur Goodwin (and a host of others) have worked their hearts out on Europa and its associated concepts. But health and age have finally brought that stewardship to an end, and Europa has returned to its original series creator (and CS Roberts Hall of Fame designer) Paul R. “Rich” Banner. Europa fandom is an important part of this game series mystique: over the decades, its players and backers have been both dedicated and supportive. For example, the readers of Campaign Magazine, in 1975, voted the first Europa title: Drang Nach Osten! Quote: “The Best Game of All Time!” We’re trying to live up to that reputation. In every end is a beginning, and the Europa Series is now preparing to intrigue and entertain a new generation of wargamers. Watch this space.
Just a little correction in your introduction blurb.
You mention the reversion of the IP to “John Banner”.
I first thought you meant John Astell, but reading it, I realize they are mix-mastered together, “John Astell” and the person mentioned in the Release Notice, “Paul R. “Rich” Banner”.
I only bring this point up because there might be some further question because there is
a ‘descendant’ series TSWW, very EUROPA-like, headlined by someone who used to play and wrote in TEM magazine, a “John Bannerman”.
Hi Mark,
thank you for catching that, and I corrected it just now. I am pretty sure I amalgated those two names, yes, and appologies to both gentlemen! Happy New Year, and sorry for the slow response!
Wolf
I just wanted to point out that Senshi Sosho is ‘not’ an official Japanese History of the Pacific War. It was in fact compiled by the War History Office of the Japanese Armed Forces and was neither commissioned nor endorsed by the Japanese government.
I’m very much interested in the Europa Series and look forward to future information on the games.
Hi Harry,
I didn’t know that (just like I know little yet about Japans historiography of WW2 – thank you for pointing that out.
As for Europe, I would love to see some modern versions of the old games, or even someone picking up the Great War series, even if I don’t see a lot of time to play them in my immediate future.
Regards!