John Young
John Young – game designer focused on tactical wargames (active 1971–1975). Known for the SPI Tactical Series and the PRESTAGS system.
- 11 Games
Biography
John Michael Young emerged in the early 1970s as a designer at SPI, creating exclusively wargames. Our database records 11 of his titles, including PRESTAGS entries and multiple Napoleonic, American Civil War and WWII subjects. Birthplace and nationality are not specified in the source data.
Career
Young worked as an employee of SPI and is credited with designing the SPI Tactical Series and developing the Pre-Seventeenth Century Tactical Game System (PRESTAGS). His work centers on hex-based tactical systems using movement points, dice rolling and ratio/CRT combat resolution. From 1971 to 1975 several historical titles were published under his name, often covering Napoleonic campaigns and American Civil War battles.
Most Famous Games
Top titles in our data include Dreadnought (1975), Search & Destroy (1975) and Musket & Pike (1973). Also listed are The Battle of Borodino (1972), 1812 (1972) and Austerlitz (1972), reflecting his emphasis on tactical historical engagements.
Design Style
Young's designs are simulation-oriented and technical: hex grids, movement points and combat results tables recur across his games. He occasionally collaborated with designers like Jim Dunnigan and Phil Orbanes Sr. within the SPI context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is John Young from?
The source data does not specify his place of origin.
What is their most famous game?
In our data, Dreadnought (1975) is listed among his most notable titles.
What mechanic is their signature?
Hexagon Grid, Movement Points and Ratio / Combat Results Table are frequent mechanics.
How long have they been active?
He is listed as active from 1971 to 1975 in the source data.
Verdict
His games suit players who prefer classic, hex-based simulation wargames with tactical depth.
Games in Our Database (11)
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Dreadnought: Surface Combat in the Battleship Era, 1906-451975
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Search & Destroy: Tactical Combat Vietnam – 1965-19661975
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Musket & Pike: Tactical Combat, 1550-16801973
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La Grande Armée: The Campaigns of Napoleon in Central Europe1972
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The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 18641972
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Austerlitz: The Battle of Three Emperors, 2 December 18051972
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Turning Point: The Battle of Stalingrad1972
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Lee Moves North: The Confederate Summer Offensive, 1862 & 18631972
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1812: The Campaign of Napoleon in Russia1972
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The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 18121972
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Grunt: Tactical Combat in Vietnam, 19651971
