Different Types of War Games
War games can be played for a variety of reasons, including recreation, historical study, command post exercises, and operational training. The different types of wargames are detailed in the article below. These games are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, and the participants in the game can benefit from these simulations. Whether you’re a parent or an active-duty member of the military, war games can be a valuable tool for training your soldiers.
Historical wargames
Historical wargames can be a fun way to learn more about historical battles. There are several eras to choose from, including the Ancients and Medieval periods. Some are more popular than others, and some players have a particular preference. For example, some players like to play games set in the Napoleonic era. This era is also known for the battle of Waterloo. Historical records from this time period include many firsthand accounts from soldiers. This makes recreating the conflict much easier.
Historical wargames use the same skills and techniques that military historians use. In addition to providing a more detailed understanding of the battle, wargames also challenge the assumptions made by existing histories. The research behind wargames emphasizes accessible and underused sources, and challenges prevailing historical narratives. Historical wargames often use reenactments of actual battles.
Some historical wargames are not entirely accurate. Some of these games feature figures that were not real, such as a fictionalized version of Doom. In addition, these games may also depict real situations, like Sherman’s march to the sea. Then, there are games that use the images and names of real people.
Historical wargames have a long history. The first game of this kind was invented in 1664 by Christopher Weikhmann. Other “war chess” games developed around the same time, but the King’s Game introduced three revolutionary features. This game was also developed by Johann Christian Ludwig Hellwig, an entomologist and advisor to the Duke of Brunswick.
As time passed, the game’s complexity increased. As a result, it became more popular. In the late 1800s, historians started using these games to learn more about history. The first game was based on a Prussian army and used paper maps. The pieces, made of lead, were painted red or blue, indicating their faction.
Tabletop battle games began to incorporate social aspects after World War II. In 1913, British doctor H.G. Wells developed rules for a game that would simulate the realities of a battle. It was a precursor to today’s tabletop historical wargames. Little Wars was arguably the first miniature wargame to use 3D scenery and models resembling infantry.