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So, we have to talk about this again…
Historical wargaming is a captivating hobby that allows enthusiasts to recreate historical battles using miniature figures, terrain, and rulesets. While it has faced some criticisms and controversies, there are numerous aspects of historical wargaming that deserve recognition and appreciation.
Historical wargaming has come to the main attention of online wargame enthusiasts when Midwinter Minis, one of the biggest and most beloved YouTube miniature wargaming creators, put out a video that questioned people playing the Nazis in historical wargaming, and in his example, he was talking about Bolt Action.
I will say that while there have absolutely been circumstances of alt-right players taking things too far, like the debacle at the Warhammer event in Spain a couple years ago which partially prompted Games Workshop’s “Warhammer is For Everyone” message, I have never once been in a group where this has happened. Not saying it doesn’t, just saying that it’s extremely rare. The internet catches pictures of Tigers with swastikas on them and everyone spreads them around, but the fact is that 99% (or more) of historical miniature wargamers just want to play and have a good time.
Now, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I adore me some Bolt Action, so this got my attention. At the same time, I have no interest in fisking someone else’s content, because glass houses, you know. But I did want to talk about why I love historical miniature wargaming, and why I spend so much time immersed in it.
In this blog post, we will explore the immersive and authentic experience it offers, its role in preserving history and cultural heritage (and learning hard lessons from the past), the artistic and creative expression it fosters, and address some common concerns. Let’s dive in!
Immersive and Authentic Experience
Creating a realistic atmosphere through miniatures and terrain:
Historical wargaming enthusiasts dedicate considerable time and effort to painting and customizing miniature figures, ensuring historical accuracy in uniforms, equipment, and unit composition. These wargamers sometimes gain the title of “rivet counters” or “button counters” for their tendency to be extreme in their analysis of uniform and tanks–those pants should be a different shade of blue, and those jackets should be a different shade of green. You know the type.
Generally, while it can be an immense amount of fun to dive into the minutiae of what equipment each soldier would have had in each theater and year of the war, we are, at the end of the day, playing with toy soldiers. And more to the point: no uniform is “uniform”. People got new pants, they got better coats, they picked up guns from the enemy. A military unit that was completely perfect in all of their uniforms is either 1) on parade in their dress uniforms for inspection, or 2) unrealistic.
(This is not to say that there aren’t rivet counters in sci fi and fantasy gaming. I’ve run into my share of Star Wars fans who nitpick the inconsistencies of Star Wars: Legion, and you’ve never been on Twitter if you haven’t seen an argument about how many Space Marines can dance on the head of a pin.)
But figures aside, historical wargamers craft realistic terrain, incorporating elements like hills, forests, bunkers, trenches, and buildings that reflect the historical setting. These attention-to-detail efforts create an immersive environment, allowing players to transport themselves to the time and place of the battle, enhancing their overall gaming experience.
Historical narratives and storytelling:
Historical wargaming often involves the creation of narratives and scenarios based on real battles or campaigns. Players can step into the shoes of historical commanders, making decisions that could alter the course of history. This storytelling aspect adds depth and emotional investment to the gameplay, fostering a greater sense of connection to the historical period being portrayed. Through their gameplay, players become active participants in the historical events they are reenacting.
I myself have just started work on a narrative historical campaign surrounding D-Day. The game will include Bolt Action, Flames of War, Undaunted: Normandy, and Memoir 44. The fun of having the actions that take place in one game have an impact on the scenario that is being played in the next game is great fun and adds an entirely different dimension to wargaming.
Emotional connection to historical events and figures:
By engaging in historical wargaming, players develop a personal connection to historical events and figures. Through research and gameplay, they gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who participated in these conflicts. I would be remiss if I didn’t put out a special shoutout to Osprey Publishing who have been churning out book after book about every era and every uniform. You definitely need to check them out.
This emotional connection not only enhances the gaming experience but also fosters a greater appreciation for the historical significance of these events. Historical wargaming allows players to pay homage to the past and keep the memory of historical figures alive.
Preservation of History and Cultural Heritage
Honoring the past through recreating historical battles:
Historical wargaming serves as a means to honor and commemorate significant historical events and battles. By recreating these battles on the gaming table, players pay homage to the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before. The accuracy and attention to detail in historical wargaming ensure that the stories and legacies of historical figures are not forgotten.
My grandpa fought in the 84th Infantry, 333rd Regiment. He landed at Omaha Beach (a month after D-Day, but he was deep in the fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Germany. His unit liberated a POW camp.
And while there are wargamers who I completely respect, like Uncle Atom and Tabletop Minions, who say they never want to play a game where someone’s grandpa actually fought in it–I get that–I find a big connection to my grandpa in playing out Battle of the Bulge scenarios. I know that’s why there are so many historical reenactors of things like the American Civil War, or the American War for Independence (or, on the other side of the pond, the Napoleonics.)
Encouraging interest in lesser-known historical periods and conflicts:
Historical wargaming offers a unique opportunity to shed light on lesser-known or overlooked historical periods and conflicts. By delving into these lesser-explored periods, players contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of history. This exploration not only educates players but also fosters an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of historical events.
I was shocked when I got my box of British 8th Army and found head options wearing Scottish tam o shanters alongside Sikh, Punjabi and Yusufzai headgear. I didn’t know that the Commonwealth was that well represented in the 8th Army, and it was a learning experience. And in historical wargaming you get these all the time.
And this comes alongside the Waffen-SS box which came with heads wearing a fez, because that was apparently something that Muslim (yes, Muslim) German soldiers wore during World War II. The things you learn.
Role of historical wargaming in preserving collective memory:
Historical wargaming plays a vital role in preserving collective memory by providing a tangible and interactive experience of the past. Through the use of miniatures, terrain, and historical research, players recreate battles with a level of detail that captures the essence of the historical event. This immersive experience fosters a deep connection to history, ensuring that the stories and legacies of historical figures are passed down to future generations.
Artistic and Creative Expression
Miniature painting and modeling as a form of art:
Historical wargaming provides an artistic outlet through miniature painting and modeling. Enthusiasts showcase their creativity and attention to detail by meticulously painting and customizing their miniature figures. Each miniature becomes a work of art, reflecting the player’s artistic skills and personal touch.
Personalizing armies and dioramas:
Historical wargaming allows players to personalize their armies and create unique dioramas that reflect their individual interests and preferences. By infusing their own creative ideas into their armies and dioramas, players add a personal touch and a sense of artistic expression to their historical wargaming experience.
I’ve shown off before the large Bolt Action display tables that I made, one for Normandy and one for North Africa. But this can’t be complete without directing you to Mel Bose, the Terrain Tutor (read his book here), and his glorious Omaha Beach board, or Luke at Geek Gaming Scenics who created a magnificent trench system.
Fostering creativity and imagination:
Historical wargaming nurtures creativity and imagination in its players. It encourages players to think creatively when developing strategies, adapting to unexpected situations, and finding innovative solutions to challenges on the gaming table. Players engage in imaginative storytelling, combining historical accuracy with imaginative elements to explore different possibilities and exercise their creative thinking skills.
The Elephant in the Room: Ideology of Historical Armies
Yes, there have been examples of far-right-wing players leaning into Nazism:
It is unfortunate that some individuals with extremist ideologies have misused historical wargaming as a platform to promote their harmful beliefs. However, it is important to remember that this does not represent the vast majority of historical wargaming enthusiasts.
At the same time, in Warhammer 40k, there are the Drukhari, who are far more evil than the Nazis ever were:
It is worth noting that historical wargaming is not limited to the recreation of real-world conflicts. Many popular games, like Warhammer 40k, feature fictional armies that embody evil or morally ambiguous factions. These games provide a fantastical escape from reality rather than promoting harmful ideologies.
There’s really a question of where you draw the line, because, as has been said so many times, even by Games Workshop themselves, there are no good guys in Warhammer 40k. Every single faction carries out massacres of innocents and even genocides. So to say you won’t play the Nazis while your Drukhari are stealing slaves for sadomasochistic torture is a little weird.
The American Civil War is very popular with miniature wargamers:
Should it be banned because one side fought for slavery? The popularity of gaming set in the American Civil War does not condone or glorify the institution of slavery. Historical wargaming allows players to explore historical events and conflicts, shedding light on the complexities of the past. It does not endorse or support the ideologies associated with these conflicts.
This is honestly a touchy one for me that starts to blur the lines, and it’s not even wargaming that does it. But there is some reason why descendants of Confederates still think it’s okay to wave the rebel flag. You rarely ever see that kind of thing of the descendants of Nazis. Not saying it doesn’t happen, just that it’s less common.
This brings up the question of what wars are “just wars” and what wars are not. It’s almost universally acknowledged that the Nazis were the bad guys who needed to be fought. And many–but not all–feel the same way about the Confederates (I among them).
But miniature wargaming is a healthy way, I think, to have these kinds of conversations.
And this is to say nothing about the raping, pillaging, mutilating, and savagery of the Middle Ages and Ancients:
Historical wargaming encompasses a wide range of historical periods, some of which involved brutal and violent practices. However, engaging in historical wargaming does not condone or celebrate these actions. Rather, it provides an opportunity to learn about and understand the historical context in which they occurred.
I Play Historical Wargames Because I Love “What If?” Scenarios, and Honestly Because Some of the Game Mechanics Are Just Really Fun
Historical wargames offer intriguing “What If?” scenarios:
Historical wargaming allows players to explore alternative outcomes and scenarios based on historical events. These “What If?” scenarios spark creativity and strategic thinking, encouraging players to analyze the impact of different decisions and circumstances.
Game mechanics in historical wargames offer enjoyable gameplay:
Many historical wargames have well-developed and engaging game mechanics that add to the fun and excitement of gameplay. I sincerely think that Bolt Action is one of the very best rulesets out there–and it’s the historical wargame in question. The historical context provides a unique backdrop for strategic challenges, making historical wargaming a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience.
Takeaways
Historical wargaming offers an immersive and authentic experience that fosters a deep connection to history, encourages creativity and artistic expression, and plays a crucial role in preserving the memory of historical events. While addressing concerns regarding the ideological misuse of historical armies, it is important to recognize that historical wargaming provides a platform for learning, storytelling, and exploring “What If?” scenarios. Ultimately, historical wargaming serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and educational value of merging history and gaming.