Game

Hutspiel

1955 · Call-A-Computer time-shared mainframe computer system · Simulator · Strategy · Tactical

About this game

Hutspiel is a military training simulation for the Goodyear Electronic Differential Analyzer (GEDA) that simulates at a theatre level. Its intention was to study the use of tactical nuclear weapons and conventional air support in Western Europe in the event of a Soviet invasion. The game pits two players against each other with one controlling NATO forces in France, Belgium and West Germany, and the other in control of a Soviet invasion force trying to penetrate a 150 mile frontage. Players could allocate forces across sectors of the map and set targets (such as airfields, enemy troops, supply depots and transportation facilities) for planes and nukes. Early versions of the game would have the computer continue the simulation until it was paused for further input. In later versions the game used turns of fixed time increments. The game modeled troop reinforcement, resupply and movement by rail. It did not account for terrain or weather.