
The Problem
As a not-for-profit hobby activity, megagames depend on volunteers to run games, and a critical mass of players to turn up on the day and play the game. In 2024 the Wellington Megagame Collective has struggled to market and promote games, and inflation in recent years has increased the financial risks of picking a date, booking a venue, and hoping for the best. With this in mind, we have started Project 20 Megagames.
The Solution
The central idea of Project 20 Megagames, is that we get players to sign up in advance for megagames they would be interested in playing. Once a game has 20 players signed up, then the Wellington Megagame Collective will look for venues and poll the players for a date they can all make. If a game does not attract 20 players, then it does not go ahead.
Payment is not required until tickets go on sale.
Promotion
A monthly email will be sent out, with an update on the current list of project 20 Megagames, player sign up totals, and any games for which tickets are on sale. This will then be pushed out to other social media channels.
Active Project 20 Megagames
This is the list of megagames on offer. You can sign up for as many games as you like. While we have listed six games in our initial offering, being realistic, we are unlikely to host more than 3-4 games a year. To sign up for a game, send us an email (use the button at the bottom of the page, or compose an email to grand.vizier@gmail.com).
Classic Megagames
These are games that have been played dozens of times around the world, for which we have a license to run.
WATCH THE SKIES
In Watch the Skies, the governments of Earth must deal with first contact with an unknown alien force, while managing all the normal crises that occur. Inspired by games like X-COM and the 1970s Gerry Anderson TV series UFO. Designed by Jim Wallman.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 20
Last updated: 7 November 2024.

DEN OF WOLVES
In Den of Wolves, the survivor fleet flees from the implacable pursuit of the “wolves” that destroyed your civilisation. Similar to Battlestar Galactica, the survivors must manage scarce resources, hold off attacks, repair damage, and jump onward to a possible new home. Designed by John Mizon.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 40 (this is an exception to the normal 20 requirement as DoW has a lot of player and ship roles that cannot be trimmed).
Last updated: 7 November 2024.

Historical Scenario Megagames
Historical megagames give players a “You are there” opportunity to step into the boots of some of the most memorable people in human history
BARRACKS EMPEROR
This megagame explores the situation of the Roman Empire between the years 235 and 285, when almost 50 Emperors were raised to the purple by mutinous legions or treacherous court officials. In order to survive, the Romans must manage plague, famine, inflation, brigands, usurpers, barbarian raids on the Rhine and Danube frontiers, and the mighty Sasanian Empire in the east.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 20
Last updated: 7 November 2024.

Alternate History Megagames
Alternate history proposes “What if?” scenarios about crucial points of human history, such as whether Napoleon could have won at Waterloo, or if Operation Sealion could have been successful. This can involve as much research as a historical game, in order to ensure the point of departure and the second order effects are as plausible as possible.
OPERATION UNTHINKABLE
Towards the end of the Second World War in Europe, Winston Churchill asked his military advisors to draw up a plan to fight the Soviet Union to free Eastern Europe from communist tyranny. This plan was given the name Operation Unthinkable.
This will be an operational megagame with two sides. This post by Jim Wallman outlines what you can expect from an operational megagame.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 20
Last updated: 7 November 2024.

Fantasy and Science Fiction Megagames
COLOSSUS OF ATLANTIS
A game of Ancient Greek politics, with the addition of a giant robot. In Colossus of Atlantis the players represent different factions within Atlantis, such as the aristocrats, democrats, and oligarchs. The Atlantean monarchy is in decline, and players must negotiate a constitution, while managing crises in the colonies, civic strife, and threats from the Amazons, Athenians, and Medes. Colossus of Atlantis draws on Greek myth, and the geopolitical and economic situation of the late Bronze Age.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 20
Last updated: 7 November 2024.

DREAD CRUSADE
In Dread Crusade, a disparate group of Crusaders must manage the hazards of a long march overland to liberate the Holy City from the Dread Lord. Along the way there are dungeons to be delved for gold and glory, and the priests and magi must figure out what the banes are that will actually kill the Dread Lord.
Current Signups: 0
Required Signups: 20
Last updated: 7 November 2024.
