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GTM #297 - Mega Empires
by Ares Games

 

Mega Empires by Ares Games

The world of epic-length historical board games is about to witness the revival of a true titan. MEGA EMPIRES, the rebranded version of the iconic Mega Civilization, is making its way back into the hands of strategy enthusiasts. This ambitious project is the result of a fruitful collaboration between Colossus Games and Ares Games, both renowned for their commitment to delivering high-quality and immersive gaming experiences.

This revival marks a new chapter for the MEGA EMPIRES franchise. Previously known as Western Empires and Eastern Empires, the games are now reissued under the MEGA EMPIRES brand, with updated editions releasing in late 2024. In addition to these core releases, plans for exciting expansions are already in the works.

 Mega Empires by Ares Games

The Essence of Mega Empires

At its heart, MEGA EMPIRES is a grand-scale strategy board game designed for 3-18 players. It transports participants back in time to lead civilizations through millennia of development, trade, culture, politics, and conflict. The game’s expansive map stretches over two meters and spans from the Atlantic Ocean in the West to current day Bangladesh in the East, featuring 18 legendary civilizations such as the Romans, Egyptians, and Babylonians.

Players gradually expand their influence across the map through population growth, city-building, and strategic trade. Trade is a central mechanic, with players exchanging commodities while avoiding calamities such as natural disasters, invasions, or internal strife. The game also features 51 distinct civilization advancements, ranging from metalworking to architecture, each offering unique benefits that can shape a player’s strategy and progress.

Though a full game can take up to 12 hours to complete, making it a full-day experience that requires careful planning and commitment, shorter scenarios are available for those with limited time. Despite its length, the mechanics are relatively straightforward, allowing players to focus on strategy, trades, and alliances, rather than being bogged down by overly complex rules.

 Mega Empires by Ares Games

Historical Roots

MEGA EMPIRES traces its roots back to Mega Civilization, a game designed by Flo de Haan, Gerart de Haan, and John Rodriguez as a tribute to Francis Tresham’s classic Civilization. Released in 2015 as a limited edition, Mega Civilization quickly became a legend in the board gaming world. Encased in a massive wooden chest, weighing 11 kilos, and featuring a sprawling map, 4,000 tokens and cards it was unlike anything else, accommodating up to 18 players for marathon 12-hour sessions.

The result was a game that offered unprecedented depth and complexity, appealing to hardcore strategy fans who relished the idea of dedicating an entire day to a single session. Mega Civilization was an instant hit, finding homes in gaming communities across the globe.

However, after the initial run sold out, the creators decided to revisit the concept, leading to the development of Western Empires and Eastern Empires, smaller standalone games that could be combined to recreate the full Mega Civilization experience. This new arrangement broadened the game’s appeal, making it more accessible to smaller groups and varied player counts.

 Mega Empires by Ares Games

A New Era Begins

The rebranding of Mega Civilization to MEGA EMPIRES in 2018 was a strategic move to distinguish the game from other titles in the Civilization franchise, in consultation with the owners of that brand. The new name also heralded the beginning of a new phase for the game, one that will see continued development and expansion under the guidance of Colossus Games and Ares Games.

By the end of 2024, revised editions of MEGA EMPIRES: THE WEST and MEGA EMPIRES: THE EAST are releasing, featuring streamlined rulebooks, and a host of new add-ons. These includes a Special Buildings Expansion 2.0 and larger neoprene Game Mats, enhancing both the visual and tactical experience of the game. The game designers have also developed a separate Market Board module that reduces the minimum player count from 5 to 3, making the game more versatile for smaller groups. Previously published Identifier Cards are now also available again.

The future of MEGA EMPIRES looks bright. In addition to the 2024 releases, Colossus Games is already hard at work on new expansions that will introduce fresh maps, civilizations, advancements, and calamities. These expansions are slated for release in 2025 or 2026, promising to keep the game fresh and engaging for years to come.


Flo de Haan and Gerart de Haan are cousins and longtime friends. They have been working together for decades, and founded Colossus Games in 2024. As a team, they strike a fine balance between creativity, analytical thinking, and unconventional approaches, always setting the bar high and focusing on delivering the highest quality.