Originally published in 1973 and designed by Pat Reid, the man who lived through the events of the game, and writer Brian Degas, the writer who made a TV series about Pat,
Escape from Colditz is a roll and move style game with some card drafting where you are either a prisoner trying to escape, or a guard trying to keep them in. Escape from Colditz is often touted as the greatest board game in British history and so when Osprey Games had the opportunity to publish it, they jumped at the chance. Now, 75 years after the events of the game, Osprey is going to release the 75th anniversary edition with a whole new look illustrated by Peter Dennis, who illustrated
Brass and
A Few Acres of Snow, and additional wooden bits that are replicas of artifacts from Brian's collection about Pat. The planned release date is October 2016 so we have a ways to go, hopefully they will let us in on the process as they go along. For now, here is the press release from Osprey Games.
Osprey To Publish Escape from Colditz 75th Anniversary Edition
Coming in October 2016, Osprey Games will be releasing the 75th Anniversary Edition of Escape From Colditz! Designed by Pat Reid, a British officer who escaped from the Colditz prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, and Brian Degas, writer of the iconic TV series based on Pat’s escape, it is often named as one of the greatest board games in British history.
This edition, published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Pat Reid’s escape, will feature completely new artwork painted by fan-favourite historical artist, Peter Dennis. Along with a complete set of wooden pieces, the box will include replicas of prisoner-of-war artefacts from Mr. Degas’ extensive collection!
Duncan Molloy, Osprey Games Developer, said:
One of my main goals since joining Osprey Games was to bring this game back into print. It’s not just an iconic piece of game design, but an important touchstone in the history of British games and toys. I’ve been working closely with the original designer, Brian Degas, to ensure that this is the definitive edition of the game.
Philip Smith, Osprey Games Manager, added:
Osprey Publishing has been creating highly illustrated military history books for four decades. The chance to bring all of that expertise to bear on one of the best-loved and most-respected military-themed board games is too good an opportunity to miss.
Escape from Colditz, 75th Anniversary Edition will be published October 2016 and
