Two Gamers Begin a Decades-Long Odyssey Playing The Campaign for North Africa
Two board game enthusiasts started playing what is widely considered the world’s most complicated war game, a marathon undertaking they estimate will last up to 30 years, The Guardian reported. James Purcell, 29, a mental health worker from Wallsend, and Andy Taeger, 30, a software developer from Gosforth, began their campaign at 7:30 p.m. on Friday inside a Newcastle front room.
The pair are attempting to finish The Campaign for North Africa, a 1979 board game designed by Richard Berg that simulates the desert war of 1940-43. The game has achieved mythical status for its immense detail and complexity, featuring a 10-foot map and seven rule books that include instructions on water use, fuel evaporation, and troop rations. Purcell and Taeger spent 18 months and 99 podcast episodes on a practice run covering six game turns before launching the full playthrough.
Purchasing the Game and Documenting the Journey on a Podcast
The friends bought the 1979 war game on eBay for £970. To ensure they stay committed to the massive time investment, the pair launched a weekly podcast titled War With a Mate to chronicle their progress.
“We knew there was no reason to keep playing unless we’re held accountable,” Purcell told The Guardian. “Otherwise we knew we’d buy the game, we’d give up inside two weeks and we’d have a thousand-pound board game that we can do nothing with.”
After completing 99 episodes covering their preparation, they began episode 100 with the official start of the game. They set up the board on Friday afternoon in a friend’s house to livestream the first day of play, though future sessions will normally take place at Taeger’s flat.
Managing 1,600 Pieces and Infamous Rules
The game requires tracking aircraft, truck convoys, land units, supply dumps, and water consumption across 1,600 magnetised pieces distributed over a 10-foot map divided into five picture frames. The rules cover minute logistical challenges, including the infamous “pasta rule,” which dictates that Italian forces require extra water to boil their pasta rations.
Taeger is playing as the Commonwealth forces, while Purcell is managing the Axis units. While the historical campaign resulted in an Axis defeat, the players noted that better decision-making during their practice run showed the historical outcome is not guaranteed. Both players acknowledged that ending in a draw would be a frustrating result compared to a definitive win or loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the game expected to take?
The players estimate the full game will take between 20 and 30 years to complete, based on the pace of their 18-month practice run.
Where did the players purchase the game?
Purcell and Taeger bought the 1979 war game on eBay for £970.
What are the players’ professions?
James Purcell works as a mental health worker from Wallsend, and Andy Taeger works as a software developer from Gosforth.
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