World in Flames

Publisher: Australian Design Group · Creator: Harry Rowland

Anecdote

A monumental creation by Harry Rowland published by Australian Design Group, World in Flames reconstructs the entirety of the world war from 1939 to 1945 within a strategic system of breathtaking scope. Two to seven players take command of the major powers and simultaneously manage production, research, diplomacy, and large-scale military operations across all theatres. A full game requires several hundred hours, sometimes spread over multiple years in the hobby's longest sessions. The learning curve is extremely demanding, and the title is aimed at the most dedicated wargamers. Rowland brought a fresh vitality to strategic wargaming with a system combining hex-and-counter and event cards, and the title became an enduring reference. The original components are understated but of solid quality, featuring a gigantic map and several rulebooks. World in Flames went through several successive editions, including the Final Edition Deluxe, which remains highly sought after. The title's influence on total strategic modelling of the conflict is immense. It is regularly cited as one of the historical peaks of wargaming. The community is very active but limited to veterans, filling the internet with accounts of multi-year campaigns. A PC adaptation enjoyed lasting success and continues to be played today. A French translation does not exist, though the material remains accessible to proficient French-speaking players. The title received several major awards upon release, including a Charles S. Roberts Award. For strategic wargaming purists, World in Flames is an absolute classic. Australian Design Group established itself through this title as a reference publisher in strategic wargaming. The title embodies Australian expertise in auteur wargame design. It serves as a reference for anyone seeking to understand the ultimate complexity of global strategic wargaming. It is one of the hobby's landmark works, continuing to fascinate after four decades.