Home > Wargaming
3 Computerized wargaming
Computerized wargames have several distinct advantages over paper and pencil wargames:
- no need to roll dice over and over again
- no recordkeeping (the computer handles all the 'paperwork')
- ability to start, stop and save the game at any time (if there is no need to coordinate with a human opponent; note that this is also possible with board games, as long as no children or animals have access to the game area)
- easy to find opponents on the Internet
Disadvantages of computerized wargames:
- computer may not be as competent as a human opponent (this problem can generally be avoided if there is a multiplayer mode)
- lack of human interaction (of course the computer won't tip over the board if it is losing)
- computer arbitration allows more complex rules, which can be more difficult to understand and analyze; especially since these rules may be "hidden" from the player(s) in the software code
- ability to view only a part of the battlefield in detail at a time
- player(s) can't easily modify the rules or adapt them to similar situations
Traditional wargaming differs from so-called real-time strategy computer games in that traditional wargames are generally turn-based (an obvious exception being 'in-the-field' wargaming by military organizations).
Traditional wargames focus on the ability to analyze in-depth, plan to achieve a goal, and adjust plans to changing circumstances. Real-time strategy games (which might better be called vastly-speeded-up-time strategy games) focus more on reflexes, coordination, and the ability to make snap decisions with limited information.
Also, real-time strategy games require less sophisticated artificial intelligence on the part of computer players.
Computer wargames are often played against human opponents via e-mail (by exchanging save-game files) to provide the human interaction and a more interesting opponent than that of the program.
This has the disadvantage of taking much longer to finish the game, depending upon how often the players check their e-mail. It is still much quicker (and easier) than the older method of playing board wargames by postal mail.
A faster alternative (not available with all games) is playing over a direct connection, either LAN, modem or Internet.
4 Types of military wargaming
- land battles
- sea battles
- air battles
- combinations of land, sea, and/or air battles
Usually, military wargaming can be broken down based on what technology is available to the 'armies' involved, what military era or war the 'army' is from, and the scale of the conflict.
All periods of history have their wargaming enthusiasts. Games are generally by these periods:
4.1 Scales:
- Strategic – units are typically division, corps, or army size; they are rated based upon raw strength; economic production and diplomacy are significant; typically involves all branches, and often the entire forces of the nations involved; cover entire wars or long campaigns
- Operational – units are typically battalion to divisional size, and are rated based on their average overall strengths and weaknesses, weather and logistics are significant; typically focuses on one branch, with others somewhat abstracted; usually covers a single campaign
- Tactical – units range from individual vehicles and squads to platoons or companies, and are rated based on types and ranges of individual weaponry; almost always focuses on a single branch, occasionally with others abstracted; usually covers a single battle or part of a large battle
- Skirmish – units represent individual soldiers; may keep track of wounds and ammunition; usually covers a small firefight
