Strategic Simulations Inc.

From a 1979 wargame startup to a defining strategy and computer-role-playing publisher.

Curated by Tronsoft Museum

Overview and Release Context

From a 1979 wargame startup to a defining strategy and computer-role-playing publisher.

Company profile | Founded 1979 | Founder: Joel Billings | Early base: California

Gameplay and Design

SSI built a catalog around detailed simulations, substantial manuals, historical research, and games that asked players to master systems rather than reflexes. The company published internal projects and work by independent designers, creating a recognizable home for serious computer strategy.

Topics to Explore

  • Rules, interface, and player decision-making
  • Historical or fictional setting
  • Platforms, versions, and technical constraints
  • Designers, developers, and publishing context
  • Links to related SSI titles

Historical Significance and Legacy

SSI helped establish computer wargaming as a commercial genre, introduced many players to historically grounded simulation, and later broadened its reach through tactical, fantasy, and licensed role-playing games.

Artifacts and Preservation

The planned collection for Strategic Simulations Inc. includes packaging, manuals, reference cards, disks or disk images, screenshots, maps, advertisements, reviews, patches, and development commentary where legally available.

Featured SSI Exhibits

Explore the principal company, designer, wargame, strategy, and role-playing exhibits in this collection.