TSR Publication History: From The Strategic Review to The Dragon
The evolution of gaming literature often mirrors the growth of the hobbies themselves. In the early days of TSR, the company's approach to communicating with its community shifted rapidly as the distinctions between different types of tabletop gaming became more pronounced.
The Transition from The Strategic Review
Originally, TSR utilized a single publication called The Strategic Review to share updates and rules. However, by 1976, the company decided to move in a different direction. After only seven issues, The Strategic Review was cancelled to make room for more specialized content.
TSR replaced the original publication with two distinct magazines designed to cater to the diverging interests of its audience: Little Wars and The Dragon.
Specialized Gaming Magazines
Little Wars
Little Wars was established specifically to cover miniature wargaming, a hobby involving the use of scaled models to simulate military conflicts.
The Dragon
Simultaneously, The Dragon was launched to focus on role playing games (RPGs), which emphasize character development and narrative storytelling over large-scale military simulation.
While The Dragon found a sustainable path, Little Wars had a shorter independent lifespan. After twelve issues, it ceased to be a standalone publication. Its thirteenth issue was eventually integrated into The Dragon, appearing as part of issue 22.
Key Facts
- The Strategic Review was cancelled in 1976 after seven issues.
- TSR split its coverage into two magazines: Little Wars and The Dragon.
- Little Wars focused on miniature wargaming.
- The Dragon focused on role playing games.
- Little Wars ended its independent run after twelve issues.
- Issue 13 of Little Wars was published within The Dragon issue 22.
| Publication | Primary Focus | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Strategic Review | General Gaming | Cancelled after 7 issues (1976) |
| Little Wars | Miniature Wargaming | Merged into The Dragon after 12 issues |
| The Dragon | Role Playing Games | Continued as a primary publication |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Strategic Review cancelled?
The Strategic Review was cancelled in 1976 after the publication of seven issues.
What magazines replaced The Strategic Review?
It was replaced by two specialized magazines: Little Wars and The Dragon.
What was the difference between Little Wars and The Dragon?
Little Wars focused on miniature wargaming, while The Dragon focused on role playing games.
How many independent issues of Little Wars were published?
Little Wars published twelve independent issues before it ceased independent publication.
Where can the 13th issue of Little Wars be found?
The 13th issue of Little Wars was published as part of The Dragon issue 22.