One of the best turn-based games of all time has a new home

Battlefront, publisher of the nearly quarter-century-old Combat Mission series of turn-based wargames, has been acquired by Slitherine, publisher of titles such as Starship Troopers: Terran Command and Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. The announcement, made Tuesday in a news release, helps pave the way to a more stable future for the franchise with roots in tabletop gaming.

Formally launched as Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord in 2000, the unique creation of Stephen Grammont and Charles Moylan was directly inspired by Avalon Hill’s 1977 tabletop classic, Squad Leader. It allows players to take control of company- and battalion-sized formations (roughly 100-1,000 soldiers) in a unique “WEGO” style of turn-based gameplay. Both sides of the battle issue orders, which then play out in real-time like a war movie.

The Combat Mission series has expanded beyond its roots in World War II, especially over the last decade. Titles now available on Steam include Combat Mission: Shock Force 2, which pits hypothetical units from Syria and NATO countries against one another; and Combat Mission: Cold War, described as a “‘what if’ sandbox to experiment any clash between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces.”

“We are excited to join forces with Slitherine,” said series co-creator and Battlefrount co-founder Grammont. “Their vision for the future of wargaming aligns perfectly with ours, and we are confident that together we can achieve great things. We look forward to bringing new and exciting content to our dedicated fanbase.”

The announcement also stated that new offerings are currently in the works.

“This partnership is poised to deliver new and exciting experiences for fans of the genre, while expanding the reach and impact of Combat Mission,” Slitherine said. “Together, Slitherine and Battlefront are dedicated to growing the wargaming market in a meaningful and sustainable way, ensuring that this beloved genre continues to thrive for years to come.”