At GenCon/Origins '88 a very important event occurred for Europa players, namely what was probably the finest demonstration of a Europa game ever held. The figures speak for themselves. At various points in time somewhere between 70-90 conventioneers, many of whom were novices, came into the game and commanded an Army/Front level unit during actual play! (As icing on the cake, Scorched Earth was voted the best 1987 board game in its category at the convention!)

This feat was accomplished through a great deal of detailed planning and preparation. It all began several months beforehand with securing a booth for the demo area, or rather the intended area. There was a moment of panic when the SE demo was not listed in the initial programs. After some frantic phone calls to correct that oversight and insure that, yes, Virginia, we really do have a booth, things went rather smoothly. The actual demo booth was located near the cafeteria with the computer games and therefore had a great deal of traffic and visibility.

For the demo setup, there was a complete SE game set up with all displays, a briefing area with another complete map set where the teams could plan in private, and a situation map out where the public could see it. The situation map display caught the attention of many conventioneers. It had a minimap from Games Research/Design, a Command Roster for both sides listing which player was in command of what, and a description of the Europa system and Scorched Earth.

The demo was conducted with each side having a chain of command with the C in C being a cadre (i.e., demonstration team) member. Organizationally the two sides had positions for 15 players each as follows:

1 Supreme Commander (cadre)

3 Army Group / Strategic Direction (TVD) Commanders

1 Luftwaffe/ VVS Commander

1 Reserve Army Commander/ Chief of Rear

9 Army / Front Commanders

The demo for the average player began with the novice player being trained into the basic game system, or an update course for the experienced Europa players without SE experience. Once that was completed, the player was assigned to a team unless he or she (!) had a preference. The player was assigned to command an Army or Front level unit.

The more experienced players would sometimes be assigned to a higher echelon, such as Army Group Commander. Many of them expressed their enjoyment in being able to play such varied positions and have such varied responsibility. For many of them it was one of the first times that they had faced the challenge of command while gaming. A select few players even rose to the lofty heights of Acting Supreme Commander in the absence of their superior. (Even the cadre wanted to see something of the convention beside the booth.)

The two outstanding players for the demo were probably Jeff Starkey of Chicago, IL, for the Axis, and Philip Anderson of Lake Geneva, WI, for the Soviets. These two players filled a variety of roles during actual play up to and including Supreme Commander of the theater. Other players worthy of special mention:

Jason Long: Commanded Axis armies, army groups, and the theater.

Wayne Kindt: Luftwaffe Commander.

Tibor Vari: Commanded Soviet Air Force and acted as Chief of Rear.

Joe Haves: Northwestern TVD Commander, Chief of Rear, and Soviet Air Force Commander.

Actual play was close and exciting after some initial kinks were ironed out in the OB, and overall it was at a higher level than expected. Most players came away with a good feeling, although a few left feeling slightly abused when told after having asked for more infantry to, "Get into Leningrad in two turns. Everybody wants more infantry, welcome to the German Army!"

There were a few lighter moments in play such as when a vacant Odessa was retaken from the Axis by Soviet naval infantry. Or when two German Panzer Corps came in by rail, popped a Soviet Army into Socialist nonexistence, and then overran the next two hexes into Leningrad. Sometime I will also have to write about the hidden Panzer "Anti- Partisan" Corps in Army Group South. Arrgh!

One of the nice touches that added to the experience for all was the awarding of ranks and awards for play. Players entered the game at two-star rank and could progress up to five-star rank. Awards also were given modeled after actual Soviet and German awards. I have listed some of the more interesting citations below:

To all who see these presents:

Greetings. Be it known that Harry S. Marshall has been awarded the Knights Cross of Iron Cross. For the conduct of offensive operations resulting in the destruction of a large force of Naval Infantry and resecuring German supply line.

Bob Jones
Knights Cross, with Oak Leaves
For providing timely and vital intelligence leading to the capture of portions of Fortress-City of Leningrad on I Aug 42.

Michael C. Stobba
Order of Lenin
For leading an attack which resulted in complete destruction of eight German gun battalions during the Great Patriotic War.

Jay Legner
Order of Suvorov
For successfully retaking the city of Leningrad and delivering fatal blows to Finnish Army.

A great deal of the credit for the success of this demonstration must go Thomas Johnson of Eau Claire, Wl. Tom has been a gamer for many years, with Europa experience going back to DNO was his idea to model the command structure along actual military lines, to give out, the awards/ranks, and to define the overall structure of the demonstration. At the demo he acted as a judge. Other members of the demonstration team include

Gary Stagliano : Judge

Charlie Meyer : Soviet Supreme Cmdr

Duane Romfoe: Axis Supreme Cmdr

Greg Smith: Trainer and registration

Steve Hicks: Trainer

GDW: Sponsor, without whom the demonstration would not have been possible.

GR/D: for material contributions and general support.

All of us on the demonstration team had a great time, and we believe that many new Europa players will be joining our ranks because of our efforts. It was rewarding to watch the players, both novice and experienced, immerse themselves in the game, fighting for their respective sides. There is nothing quite like the face of a man who has just been promoted Field Marshall for brilliant tactical play, which we had plenty of. We hope that everyone had a good time, and hope to see of you at EuropaFest in Eau Claire, WI, July of 1989.