Microgame (board games)
Small packaged board games or wargames popular since the 1980s.
A microgame is a board game or wargame that comes in a compact package. These games were especially popular in the 1980s and made a comeback as tabletop gaming grew in the 21st century. Typically, a microgame includes instructions and a map or playing surface printed in a booklet, or on a single large sheet folded down to about 4 by 7 inches—small enough to fit in a pocket. The playing pieces, often called chits or counters, were printed on sheets of thick paper that players sometimes had to cut out themselves. Some microgames, however, came with pre-cut cardboard sheets, similar to those found in most board wargames. Steve Jackson Games used their Pocket Box format to release many games this way. Although small-scale wargames and board games—like Tabletop Games' Micro Series Games—existed before, Metagaming Concepts was the first to use the term "MicroGame" when they released *Ogre* as MicroGame #1 in 1977. Publishers of microgames have included Alderac Entertainment Group (publisher of *Love Letter*), Cheapass Games, Game Designers' Workshop, Metagaming Concepts, Operational Studies Group, Simulations Publications, Inc., Steve Jackson Games, Task Force Games, Tri Tac Games, and TSR, Inc. A smaller category, nanogames, consists of nine or fewer cards and a few other components. While no strict definition exists, several games have been labeled nanogames, such as *Coin Age* (a single-card game) and *Where Are Thou, Romeo* (a five-card game created as an add-on to the 13-card game *Council of Verona*), both launched via Kickstarter. The nine-card nanogame *Orchard* won the 2018 Board Game Geek Print and Play Design Contest.
- first_use_of_term
- 1977
- first_game_labeled_MicroGame
- Ogre, MicroGame #1
- publisher_that_coined_term
- Metagaming Concepts
- typical_package_size
- approximately 4×7 inches
- notable_publisher
- Steve Jackson Games (Pocket Box)
Lore & Background
Metagaming Concepts first used the term 'MicroGame' when they released Ogre, MicroGame #1 in 1977. While small scale wargames and board games, including Tabletop Games' Micro Series Games, had existed before they began publishing, Metagaming Concepts established the label. The games were typically sold with instructions and maps printed in a booklet or on a large sheet folded to pocket size. Game pieces were printed on thick paper, sometimes requiring players to cut them out, though some microgames included fully die-cut cardboard sheets.
Reader's Guide
Microgames represent a compact and accessible format for board games and wargames, gaining popularity in the 1980s and experiencing a revival in the 21st century alongside the broader tabletop game resurgence. The term was coined by Metagaming Concepts with the 1977 release of Ogre, though similar small-scale games had existed earlier. Publishers such as Steve Jackson Games used the Pocket Box format, while others like Cheapass Games, Game Designers' Workshop, and TSR, Inc. also produced microgames. The format's small size and low cost made it appealing for quick play and easy storage. In the 21st century, even smaller 'nanogames' emerged, consisting of nine or fewer cards and few other components, with examples like Coin Age and Orchard launched via Kickstarter or winning design contests. The microgame format continues to influence tabletop game design by emphasizing portability and simplicity.
Did You Know?
- Metagaming Concepts first used the term 'MicroGame' when they released Ogre, MicroGame #1 in 1977.
- Microgames were often packaged in a 'pocket sized' format of approximately 4×7 inches.
- Some microgames required players to cut out game pieces from sheets of thick paper.
- Nanogames are smaller than microgames and often consist of nine or fewer cards.
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