Saturnalia (play-by-mail game)

Saturnalia was a play-by-mail (PBM) game, published and moderated by Steve Petersen Games in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was a science fiction-themed game, often described as a space opera, where players controlled interstellar empires vying for dominance.

The gameplay involved players submitting turn orders outlining their actions, such as resource management, exploration, diplomacy, and military maneuvers. These orders were then processed by the game moderator, and the results were compiled and sent back to the players, typically via postal mail (hence "play-by-mail"). The cycle repeated, allowing players to react to the changing game state and other players' actions.

Saturnalia was known for its complex economic and political systems. Players had to manage their populations, research technologies, build fleets, and forge alliances. The game emphasized strategic thinking and long-term planning. Success depended on a player's ability to anticipate their opponents' moves and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

The game was considered relatively complex for its time, demanding a significant investment of time and effort from its players. Its mechanics were rooted in traditional wargaming, adapted to a larger strategic scale and mediated by a human game moderator. While Saturnalia is no longer actively played, it holds a place in the history of PBM gaming as an example of the genre's ambition and complexity during its early years. Its detailed world-building and strategic depth made it a notable example of the genre.