Nigel Stillman
West End Games — US publisher active 1982–1991, known for wargames, sci‑fi and licensed titles.
- 1 Games
Biography
West End Games began in New York and originally published historical and fantasy board games. In the 1980s the company expanded into roleplaying games (notably Paranoia) and licensed properties, including Ghostbusters and the Star Wars roleplaying game. Our database lists 10 West End Games titles with an active period of 1982–1991.
Career
Starting with historical and fantasy board games, West End Games shifted during the 1980s toward RPGs and licensed franchises. The publisher appears frequently in categories such as Wargame, Science Fiction, Movies/TV theme and Adventure. Mechanically its titles often use dice rolling, hexagon grids and simulation elements, with area movement and narrative paragraph mechanics also present. The catalogue mixes wargame and miniatures design with narrative-driven adventures under license.
Most Famous Games
Top titles in our data include Kamakura (1982), Bug-Eyed Monsters (1983), Web and Starship (1984) and Tales of the Arabian Nights (1985). Other notable entries are Kings & Things (1986) and Star Wars Miniatures Battles (1991). Some releases received Charles S. Roberts Award recognition.
Design Style
West End Games blends wargame systems (hex grids, area movement) with narrative elements (paragraph-based choice) and frequent dice use. Licensed themes (e.g. Star Trek, Star Wars) are a recurring feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West End Games from?
The source data indicates West End Games originated in New York City.
What is their most famous game?
In our data Web and Starship (1984) is listed as a top title.
What mechanic is their signature?
Dice rolling, hexagon grids and simulation mechanics appear most often.
How long have they been active?
Our data lists the publisher as active from 1982 to 1991.
Verdict
Worth exploring for fans of classic wargames, licensed sci‑fi properties and narrative adventures using traditional dice mechanics.
