Gallery 1: Origins and Early Computer Strategy

The prehistory and birth of computer strategy, from board wargame traditions and mainframe experiments to Empire and early map-based conflict.

Gallery Overview

The prehistory and birth of computer strategy, from board wargame traditions and mainframe experiments to Empire and early map-based conflict.

Browse this gallery by historical period, game family, company, creator, technology, and preservation topic.

Computer Wargames

Strategy GalleryBoard Wargame RootsHow hex grids, combat results tables, zones of control, and historical scenarios moved from tabletop design into software.

Open detailed exhibit

Early Computer Strategy

Strategy GalleryEarly Mainframe StrategyExperiments on university and military computers that established strategic simulation, hidden information, and computer-controlled opposition.

Open detailed exhibit

 Strategy GalleryEmpire and the Birth of a GenreThe development, versions, and influence of Empire as a foundational computer strategy game.

Open detailed exhibit