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Paper Wars
was launched in 1991 by Omega Games. Originally known as
Wargame Collector's Journal, it was renamed to become
Paper Wars with issue 9 in March 1993. A CD-ROM collection
of the first 26 issues, plus a sample issue, was released
which has the content reorganized with new covers reflecting
the new title of the eight original issues of Wargame
Collector's Journal.
While the
magazine was published by Omega Games, it actually had articles
and reviews on games by all publishers, in addition to book
reviews, industry news, historical articles and other items of
general interest to wargamers. Coverage of tactical wargame
subjects has not been inconsiderable, including some
relatively obscure titles such as Yaquinto's
Panzer/88/Armor trilogy, West End Games' Eastern Front
Tank Leader, and several others.
The
introductory sample issue of WCJ described the initial concept
of the magazine: |
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The Wargame Collector's Journal is
a bi-monthly newsletter produced by Hexessential Publications and
is focused on the field of wargame collecting and the history of
wargame development and publication...
We have exciting projects waiting
in the wings. One focus will cover the wargaming hobby outside of
the United States; what’s out there and where to find it. Did you
know there was once a Strategy & Tactics quality magazine in
France? Or two in Japan? Another focus is on the history of
wargaming; the companies, personalities, and products... For
example: Answer this question. Who created the Charles S. Roberts
awards and why hasn’t he received one yet? Better yet, do you know
who the nominees for the 1984 awards were? A third focus will be
on tips, tactics, and tales regarding the acquisition of
collectible games and magazines. Fourth, the grognards and
designers will tell what it was like in the Golden Years of
gaming. Above all, the backbone of our newsletter is the ads.
Subscription to the newsletter includes a free classified ad per
issue with a forty word limit.
The name change was
discussed by editor Rich Erwin in Issue 9:
While I’ve received support from
most folks who wrote about the name change, some were very
skeptical, to say the least. (Those opposed were usually good
writers, though - care to write some game reviews, guys?)
Seriously though, I think Paper Wars reflects our change to that
of presenting more of board wargaming as a whole, without
sacrificing or compromising our origins. This newsletter, as long
as I run it, will not forget where it came from, and you as
readers have every right to make your voice heard if you think I’m
doing so. Deserved praise will also keep the gears well greased,
and I’m always willing to hear about any new ideas or topics you
want me to review.
