Alan Emrich on WW2 Game Designs

Caught up with famed game designer Alan Emrich at the World Boardgaming Championships in Baltimore, Maryland on August 2nd, 2000 to talk about Totaler Krieg and other World War 2 game designs, of which he's been involved in many.

Here he discusses his favourite differences between Krieg and the brand-new Totaler Krieg (support units, the East-first strategy being viable, and the Dice of Decision random game generator).

We then discuss World in Flames, where he was involved in the 2nd and 3rd editions (and Days of Decision), and Advanced Third Reich, in which his considerable influence is well-documented. Simply put these games are too much work, too unforgiving of bad dice, and weren't as good as they could be due to their designer's decisions (Harry Rowland's tournament experiences, and Bruce Harper's Rising Sun project).

Alan then resumes teaching/moderating two players enjoying his latest game.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• alan emrich
• baltimore
• maryland
• world boardgaming championship
• wbc
• totaler krieg
• tk
• krieg
• decision games
• world in flames
• harry rowland
• greg pinder
• advanced third reich
• bruce harper
• world war 2
• board games
• wargames

[ZEDSTODT]

Mr Emerich, You are correct that World in Flames is a lot of work but the Final Edition with all the mods such as Planes/Ships/Mech/etc in Flames is an unparalleled achievement & a labor of love! It is by far the best WWII wargame Ive ever played & the most exhilarating game ever designed, especially when 6 or more highly experienced players make it a grudgematch! Ive been wargaming for 40+ years & want to extend my gratitude to you & any other designers out there whove made it so great! HNY!!!