The fascination with the simulation of military conflict has been around almost as long as warfare itself. From the figures and statues found in Egyptian tombs to the flat figures made in Europe in the C19th to the vast arrays of mass produced figures today, people (for the most part men) have delighted in the many facets around military history and combat simulation. From board- games, to living history enthusiasts, from computer games to all form of scale models, radio-controlled or otherwise, and to the traditional figures, rules, books etc, the range of the hobby is huge.
Its roots lay perhaps, in the burial practices of ancient cultures providing for escorts to a king in the afterlife with replica soldiers. From the use of model soldiers to plan events, like Napoleon's coronation, to coloured cards or wooden blocks denoting units in war college wargames. It probably became a game, per se, at the beginning of this century, and in the west we can look to H.G. Wells Little Wars as one of the first true expressions of the idea of battles recreated in scale for amusement.
But whether your enthusiasm comes from the collecting, craft, historical, intellectual aspects, or the sheer emotional pull of recreating and honouring deeds done with valour and courage, it remains still a pleasure to us all. But the best thing of any fascination are the friendships formed, or if you Eke forged, over a table top, and the shared enthusiasm of like-minded colleagues who value and honour the same epochs and stories that you do.
For some, a wargame is an intellectual exercise, the figures a metaphor for the tactical and mathematical challenges they represent. Others are there in spirit on the table top inspiring their troops to victory (don't ask bow many horses I had shot under me over the years!) For some it's a game, for others it's a question of winning only, and when differing temperaments meet across the champ du honneur that the contest can sometimes have dimension not allowed for in the rules.
The contrast between a "gentlemanly" encounter and one where tempers are lost due to the results of a die roll and the fortunes of war, are like the contrast between those seemingly civilised battles of the C18th and later conflicts where it was "war to the knife". But I would suggest it's the spirit in which the former games are played that makes it this hobby so worthwhile and rewarding. Those games played, be it in your garage or at a competition where there is a spirit of cooperation, humour, and open-mindedness are those we all enjoy most and reward all the collecting, preparation, research and investment of precious time.
In recent times there have been issues in regard to the image of the hobby. And-militarist sentiment and media responses to the notion that wargames are in some way linked to inspiring acts of violence (much was made for instance of the wargames the Columbine High School massacre perpetrators played) have not helped the hobby's image in the general community. Getting around the image of geeks playing with toy soldiers is not an easy one. Positive role models a few and far between, who recalls the TV show of the 70's Callan or more recently the superb collection of figurines in Ronin ? But it's something we all have a responsibility to address and to ensure whenever the public come into contact with the hobby that the behaviour of those participating is equal to that of any other public event.
Unfortunately this is not always the case.
Although stating the obvious, it should be remembered that the hobby doesn't exist in isolation to the rest of society and potential new members and customers will often rely on the first impression. Those clubs that prosper are those who take the trouble to welcome new faces and introduce them to games and people in the group.
Lets face it, beyond a certain visual appeal of well laid out terrain and beautifully painted figures, wargaming is not a spectator sport -- one has to participate personally to enjoy its pleasures. Some clubs are very aware of this and go to great efforts to have open days and promote a positive image. At some competitions, demonstration games with simple rules invite the public to participate and are often the most enjoyable aspects of these events.
But there are those for whom the only spirit of the contest is that of the play-ground. Name calling, the throwing of dice at the opponent, swearing, in short - tantrums, when the dice don't favour - these simply don't do anybody any good. The author has seen all this over the years at conventions often with a curious and appalled public passing by. Spitting the dummy won't rally your troops or correct your bad deployment. If the rules cause problems of understanding, then change them, if you've made mistake then learn from it, if you've had too much coffee then sip some chamomile tea, but for goodness sake don't embarrass yourself or your fellow gamers with your behaviour.
There are players the author has spoken to who prefer to play at home and avoid conventions for instance, because of the combative and immature personalities they encounter there. It's their contention that, because of these individuals, its simply no fun any more. Organisers and clubs can't screen players for flaws in their DNA, but they can set the tone of games by not tolerating poor behaviour. Sports players are fined for unsporting behaviour after-all. Fortunately such players are in the minority, but we could all gain from a spirit of not taking games so seriously and quibbling over millimetres. This is a double tragedy for the hobby, on one hand the loss of participation and revenue at an event, and the other the reinforcement of isolation between groups. There are hundreds, if not thousands of gamers in the region who never make an appearance at the local club or competition. The hobby in the region needs better communication and linkages between groups and individuals, not to forget retailers and their market something, incidentally, which this magazine hopes to foster.
There is an opportunity every time one plays to learn something from your fellow gamer and enter into the spirit of the game you are playing.
In some gamers minds there is a romantic ideal of the perfect game.
Wood panelled study with a purpose built gaming table with lovely landscaped terrain on a grand scale. Thousands of figures, fine military art on the wall, quality rations and something delicious to wash them down, and best of all relaxed, friendly company with good conversation. For some the idea of heaven are the wargame holidays in the UK, and some US clubs have some very enviable set-ups indeed, one group is situated in a former Civil War armoury complete with library and cafe ... was that battery decaf or regular?
But closer to home a good-natured and more relaxed atmosphere does prevail. But to see the hobby we so enjoy prosper then we all have to welcome new faces in and to behave with honour and respect for our adversary on the battlefield. In that way the spirit of those men who deeds we remember every time we game are honoured as they should be.
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