What is a Wargame?

The term wargame can refer to any game that simulates military conflict. Typically, a wargame will have three major components: a map, units and rules. In board games, these are usually represented by cardboard playing pieces or hex-based counters. The rules provide the framework for resolving combat and other events. It is the job of the designer to translate a mass of research information into an organized format. This is known as the model or simulation. In addition to the models and data, there will also be an umpire or adjudication team who makes decisions regarding the game's outcomes.

Historically, military and other organizational leaders have used wargames to explore tradeoffs, discover risks and gaps, and think creatively about the future. Unlike live exercises or prolonged strategy offsites, they offer the opportunity to temporarily detach from operational urgencies, momentarily transcend institutional barriers, and share knowledge across domains.

A typical wargame may be played at one of three levels: tactical, operational or strategic. Tactical-level games depict a single battle and are generally limited in scope, focusing on small units. Examples include Advanced Squad Leader and Memoir 44. Operational wargames are broader in scope and may simulate an entire campaign. These would be games like 1914: Twilight in the East. Finally, strategic-level wargames attempt to recreate the whole of a war and will often incorporate politics and resources. Examples might be Paths to Glory or Here I Stand.

The popularity of wargames has increased in recent years with the advent of computer gaming programs. Many of these are free, such as Aide de Camp, Cyberboard, Vassal and ZunTzu. These programs can be played in person at a table with other players or remotely over the Internet.