Philippe Keyaerts
Columbia Games — publisher founded in 1972, specialized in block wargames and historical simulations (active 1972–2010).
- 6 Games
Biography
Columbia Games was founded in 1972 by Tom Dalgliesh; later his son Grant Dalgliesh worked with him. The company pioneered the block-wargame system and published early titles such as War of 1812 (1973) and Napoléon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815 (1974). Our database lists 11 Columbia Games titles.
Career
Columbia Games established itself as a specialist in historical wargames, emphasizing simulation, secret unit deployment and point-to-point movement. Their catalog covers Napoleonic, World War II and Civil War themes and commonly uses dice rolling and hand management. Between 1972 and 2010 the publisher released key works including EastFront (1991) and later editions, alongside family and RPG material such as the Hârn setting.
Most Famous Games
Notable releases include EastFront: The War in Russia, 1941-45 (1991), Hammer of the Scots (2002) and Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War (2010). Other important titles are Richard III: The Wars of the Roses (2009) and Crusader Rex (2005). Several of these received awards like Golden Geek Best Wargame.
Design Style
Columbia Games favors historically driven simulations with block mechanics and secret unit deployment. Their games blend classic wargame simulation and point-to-point movement with approachable elements, enabling both hardcore and family-friendly offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Columbia Games from?
The source data does not state a clear country of origin.
What is their most famous game?
One of the most notable titles is EastFront: The War in Russia, 1941-45 (1991).
What mechanic is their signature?
Secret Unit Deployment and simulation are signature mechanics; dice rolling and point-to-point movement are also common.
How long have they been active?
Columbia Games has been active since 1972 (; in the source data).
Verdict
Recommended for fans of historical wargames and block-game enthusiasts seeking simulation-heavy designs.
