Charles S. Roberts War board game developer, rail historian and businessman Date of Birth: 03.02.1930 Country: USA

1. Charles Swann Roberts: The Father of Wargames
2. Early Life and the Birth of Wargaming
3. The Avalon Hill Empire
4. Financial Setbacks and Legacy
5. Barnard, Roberts, and Company: A Publishing Venture
6. Railroad Heritage and Triumph Series

Charles Swann Roberts: The Father of Wargames

Charles Swann Roberts, renowned as the father of wargames, was an influential figure in the world of tabletop gaming. Born into a family steeped in railroad history, his life's work would span the realms of military history, wargaming, and publishing.

Early Life and the Birth of Wargaming

In 1952, Roberts created "Tactics," the first wargame ever developed. This groundbreaking innovation marked the beginning of a new era in tabletop gaming. Two years later, in 1954, he founded The Avalon Game Company, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the industry.

The Avalon Hill Empire

In 1958, Roberts established Avalon Hill, a company that would become synonymous with wargaming. He refined his initial wargame design with "Tactics II," introducing the concept of a combat results table. The same year, he released "Gettysburg," the first historical wargame, which spawned subsequent versions in 1961 and 1964.

Financial Setbacks and Legacy

Economic difficulties forced Roberts to relinquish control of Avalon Hill to Eric Dott in 1963. However, his impact on the gaming world remained profound. In his honor, the Charles S. Roberts Awards were established in 1974 to recognize exceptional game designers.

Barnard, Roberts, and Company: A Publishing Venture

Beyond wargaming, Roberts pursued his passion for railroad history through publishing. In 1973, he founded Barnard, Roberts, and Company, a small-scale publishing house specializing in works on the subject. While not a Catholic himself, he initially focused on publishing Catholic literature.

Railroad Heritage and Triumph Series

Roberts's family history was deeply intertwined with the railroads. His relative, Thomas Swann, served as president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from 1848 to 1853. His father and grandfather, also named Charles Swann Roberts, were railroad employees. Inspired by this legacy, Roberts dedicated Barnard, Roberts, and Company to publishing books on railroad history, many of which he authored himself. The Triumph series, spanning nine volumes, chronicled the history of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Pennsylvania Railroad.