Andy Taeger and James Purcell have embarked on an extraordinary challenge: attempting to complete what is widely considered the world’s most complex board game, The Campaign for North Africa. The game, originally designed in 1979 by Richard Berg, recreates the desert warfare between 1940 and 1943 during World War II with extreme detail and scale.
The two friends, based in Newcastle, United Kingdom, began their journey after deciding to tackle the game following months of preparation and practice. Taeger, a 30-year-old software developer from Gosforth, and Purcell, a 29-year-old mental health worker from Wallsend, estimate that the entire game could take between 20 and 30 years to complete. “We’ve come to terms with it,” said Purcell, reflecting on the immense time commitment required.
Their initial practice run involved six turns and took approximately 18 months. Now they have moved beyond the preparation phase and are proceeding with the full campaign. The game involves a sprawling three-meter map, divided into five sections displayed in picture frames, and includes about 1,600 pieces representing various military units and logistical components. Taeger and Purcell have taken additional steps to magnetize these pieces for more manageable gameplay. Some components, such as German forces, won’t be introduced for several years, underscoring the game’s vast scope.
The complexity extends beyond the physical elements; players must track a multitude of factors including aircraft, truck convoys, supply lines, fuel consumption, water usage, and ethical considerations such as avoiding war crimes. The game comes with seven rule books and a history book to support its intricate simulation. One notable example of the game’s quirky rules is the so-called “pasta rule,” which indicates that Italian troops require extra water to cook pasta, reflecting the game designer’s attention to detail and perhaps a touch of humor.
Taeger and Purcell, who met over a decade ago and share a longstanding friendship rooted in their mutual love of gaming, originally encountered The Campaign for North Africa after a recommendation from a friend. They researched the game extensively, including watching videos and reading about it, before deciding to purchase a copy on eBay for around £970. To maintain accountability and document their progress, the pair launched a weekly podcast called War With a Mate, which has now entered its 100th episode.
In the game, Purcell commands the Axis forces, while Taeger leads the Commonwealth troops. Despite the game’s strong historical basis, Purcell believes strategic decisions can significantly alter the outcome, offering flexibility beyond a predetermined historical narrative.
Both are aware that the commitment requires patience and precision. “You don’t want to make a mistake because you were in a bit of a rush,” Taeger said, “You might have to be dealing with it for the next 10 years.” Their determination to see the campaign through could make them the first individuals known to complete this famously demanding board game.