The gaming world is buzzing for two very different reasons. In a Newcastle flat, Andy Taeger and James Purcell are about to embark on a marathon that could stretch over three decades, aiming to complete the legendary Campaign for North Africa – the most intricate board game ever produced. At the same time, the Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have entered their final voting phase, inviting the public to choose the Ultimate Game of the Year. Both events showcase how communities can sustain long-term engagement, whether through cardboard counters or digital leaderboards.
Britain’s longest board-game campaign kicks off
Andy, a 30-year-old software developer from Gosforth, and James, a 29-year-old mental-health worker from Wallsend, first met at a house party a decade ago. A shared love of Dungeons & Dragons, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Carcassonne sparked a friendship that later turned into a joint obsession with Richard Berg’s 1979 desert-war simulation. After watching a few videos and buying the 970-pound set on eBay, the duo decided to document every step via a weekly podcast called War With a Mate, ensuring accountability and giving fans a front-row seat to the chaos.
Preparation has already consumed more than a year and a half. The pair ran a six-turn practice session lasting 18 months, refining logistics for a map that stretches ten feet and holds 1,600 magnetised pieces. They have split the map into five picture frames and stored the German units in a box that won’t be opened for roughly five years. The game forces players to juggle aircraft, convoy trucks, fuel evaporation, water consumption, and even the infamous “pasta rule” that requires Italian forces to boil enough water for their rations. Such depth means every decision can shift the outcome of a campaign that historically lasted from 1940 to 1943.
When the first official turn begins at 7:30 pm on Friday – broadcast live from a friend’s house and later streamed from Andy’s flat – the duo will be tracking not only military movements but also legal constraints, ensuring no action could be construed as a war crime. Their practice run suggests the full simulation could take between 20 and 30 years, a timeline they have mentally accepted despite the initial estimate of 50 years. Both agree that a decisive result – even a loss – would be preferable to a stalemate, because it would give closure to a project that could otherwise become a legend of unfinished ambition.
Community response has been surprisingly supportive. Listeners of the podcast appreciate that someone is undertaking what many consider an impossible feat, and the growing fanbase has turned the marathon into a shared narrative rather than a solitary hobby. The pair hopes the exposure will attract future collaborators, but even if the game proves unfinishable, the documentation will remain a valuable case study in logistical planning and historical simulation.
Golden Joystick Awards 2026 open final voting
Parallel to the board-game saga, the Golden Joystick Awards have entered their last voting window for the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year. The public-voted phase runs from 26 October to 30 October 2026, after core categories – such as PC Game of the Year, Best Visual Design, and Most Wanted Game – concluded on 23 October. Nominees span a wide spectrum, from the rapid-fire racer STAR WARS: Galactic Racer to the narrative-driven Resident Evil Requiem. Voters can cast their ballots on the official awards site, with each vote unlocking a free ebook worth up to £12.99.
The awards shortlist was announced on 25 September, and the ceremony is set for 11 November in central London. Developers still have a chance to submit trailer slots via the nomination form, while fans can follow live updates on X (formerly Twitter) from @gamesradar and @GoldenJoysticks. Categories this year include Best Early Access Game, Best Indie Game – Self-Published, and a newly added Studio of the Year, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape.
Among the contenders, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – the previous year’s runaway winner – faces stiff competition from titles like Forza Horizon 6, Big Walk, and the highly anticipated The Witcher 4 in the Most Wanted category. Voters are encouraged to consider not only graphics and soundtracks but also storytelling depth and community impact, factors that mirror the meticulous scrutiny applied by Andy and James to their board-game campaign.
How fans can join the journey
Both projects thrive on audience participation. The podcast’s listeners can leave comments, suggest tactics, and hold the duo accountable, while Joystick voters directly influence which game will be crowned the year’s best. This dual model of engagement demonstrates a broader trend: modern gamers are no longer passive consumers but active contributors to the narratives surrounding their hobbies. Whether you’re tracking supply lines in the Sahara or casting a vote for a futuristic shooter, your involvement helps shape outcomes that may reverberate for years.
As the board-game marathon rolls out its first turn and the Joystick Awards count down to the final tally, the common thread is clear – perseverance, community, and a shared passion for games of every format. Whatever the final scores, the stories that emerge will remind us that both cardboard counters and pixels can inspire epic, long-lasting adventures.
