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Let’s Talk War: From Miniatures to Video Game Wargaming

Ever led a bunch of Tomb Kings into a “Warhammer Fantasy” clash, or took command of a hardcore squad of Space Marines in “Warhammer 40k“? Yup, that’s miniature wargaming for you, all thanks to the guys at Games Workshop. But, have you ever pondered how these table-top wars relate to their video game versions, like “Warhammer: Total War” made by Creative Assembly and Sega?

Well, grab some snacks because we’re about to deep-dive into the thrilling world of wargames. From the meticulously painted “Lord of the Rings” miniatures to the pixel-packed battles of video game wargames of “Battlefield” and “War Thunder” we’re gonna discuss it all. Plus, we’ll be tackling the hot question: how do video games make an impact on miniature wargames? Our epic journey’s gonna take us through legends like “Warhammer 40k” and “Age of Empires“, and we’ll be virtually slinging everything from sniper rifles to lascannons – all in good fun, of course.

The Many Faces of Wargaming

So, whether we’re talking physical miniatures or digital troops, each form offers unique ways to jump into wargaming. Each has been loved by gamers, shared via places like Steam or Games Workshop. Some video game wargaming options are free like “War Thunder”, “World of Warships”, and “World of Tanks” while others need you to shell out for sets or expansions, and bring you their own brand of trademark content.

Let’s unravel how these two forms of wargaming interact and influence each other in the strategic gaming landscape. Doesn’t matter if you’re a battle-hardened vet or just a curious gamer, you’re gonna see how these diverse gaming styles bounce off each other, inspiring and evolving in the crazy cool world of wargames.

A Blast From the Past: Origins of Wargaming

To get how miniature wargames and video game wargames connect, we gotta take a trip down memory lane. Our journey will take us from Ancient Rome to Civil War battlefields to fantasy realms like “Warhammer: The Old World” and “Lord of the Rings”.

Miniature wargaming, where you’re the boss of tiny soldiers and creatures battling on your tabletop, started back in the 19th century. It was all fun and games with toy soldiers at first, but then came in more complex rules and fancy miniatures. While still a niche hobby for decades, in the 80s it saw a renaissance and the world of miniature gaming went next level with the birth of “Warhammer 40k” and “Warhammer Fantasy Battles” by Games Workshop. They introduced a new depth to wargames, with their miniatures showing off a wide variety of races, fantastic beasts, killer vehicles, and wild locations.

On the flip side, video game wargames had a different starting point – good ol’ traditional board games. The early video game wargaming offerings were kinda like digital board games, like “Shadow Empire” or “Strategic Command: World War I“. But as tech got better, video games started offering more complex strategies and diverse scenarios – from real-life World Wars to the futuristic fights in “Dawn of War“.

How Tabletop and Video Wargames Grow Together

Believe it or not, these two forms of wargaming, that is, video games and tabletop games, didn’t just randomly sprout up. They grew side by side, sometimes taking notes from each other. The crazy-detailed worlds of “Warhammer 40k”, “Malifaux,” “Infinity,” “Silver Bayonet,” and so many more are chock-full of unique races, critters, vehicles, and locations, set the stage for today’s immersive video game wargames. And, on the flip side, video games’ interactive and dynamic ways have influenced how rules and mechanics are cooked up in miniature wargaming.

Whether you’re moving an army of minis across your tabletop or giving orders to virtual troops with a mouse-click, they’ve got one thing in common. They’re both the results of our never-ending love for strategy, conflict, and the excitement of wargaming. Now, let’s go deeper and look at the shared concepts and mechanics that bind these two types of gaming together.

Twin Threads: Tabletop and Video Game Wargaming

Get ready to dig into the shared ideas and mechanics of tabletop gaming and video game wargaming. Whether you’re in control of the heroic 101st Airborne in “Bolt Action“, zipping an X-wing in “Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game”, or leading the Chaos Dwarves in the latest iteration of “Total War: Warhammer”, you’re gonna spot some familiar elements tying these experiences together.

• Units: The first shared idea is about units. Units, or individual game pieces, can be anything from a lone warrior to a squad of troops, a badass hero, or a monstrous creature. In “Flames of War” or “Star War: Legion“, you’ll have minis representing different troops and heroes. In a video game like “Total War: Warhammer”, units are digital and can show vast groups of warriors or epic creatures, like dragons and giants.
• Terrain: Terrain is another shared element. These games take place in diverse environments that affect gameplay. Tabletop games often use miniature scenery to craft their battlefields. Video games use digital landscapes, allowing for even more variety and dynamic environments. For example, in “Tabletop Simulator”, available on the Steam Workshop, you can play in a ton of settings, from a peaceful “Lord of the Rings” Shire to the war-torn planet of Macragge.
• Objectives: Objectives form the third common thread. Whether in real-time or turn-based games, players have specific goals to hit. This could be as simple as wiping out the enemy’s army or as complex as completing a series of missions. Bolt Action, a World War II-themed tabletop game, has objectives like capturing key points on the map. Meanwhile, video games like the “Total War” series may have big campaign goals spanning multiple battles and territories.
• Chance: Finally, there’s the element of chance. Dice rolling in tabletop games brings in a bit of randomness and probability. In video games, these probabilities are worked out behind the scenes, deciding everything from the success of an attack to the outcome of diplomatic negotiations.

Even though there are differences between physical and digital, these shared elements provide a familiar ground for players moving between tabletop and video games. Now, let’s see how these two worlds have influenced each other over the years.

A Two-Way Street: How Tabletop and Video Games Inspire Each Other

After exploring the shared mechanics between tabletop wargames and video game wargames, it’s time to see how these two different styles have influenced each other. This back-and-forth inspiration has birthed some of the most memorable and exciting games we know today.

Tabletop wargames have inspired plenty of video games. For instance, the detailed lore and diverse unit designs of games like “Warhammer 40k” and “Warhammer the Old World” have directly sparked video games in the “Warhammer” universe like “Dawn of War” or “Total War”. And this is to say nothing of the similarities of “Black Powder” and “Ultimate General: Civil War” or “Total War; Napoleon.” Developers have taken fan-favorite elements from the tabletop and brought them to life in digital form.

Some popular video games have taken heavy inspiration from the structure and mechanics of miniature wargaming. This is clear in games that use turn-based strategy and unit-focused combat. These video games often mimic the strategic depth and tactical complexity found in tabletop wargames, offering a similar experience in a digital format.

But the influence isn’t one-sided. Video games have also left their mark on the world of tabletop gaming. The popularity and innovation seen in video game wargames have encouraged the miniatures community to evolve and adapt, introducing new rules, gameplay mechanics, and themes influenced by their digital cousins.

In addition to inspiring game design, video games have expanded the audience for wargaming. Many players who first encountered wargaming through a video game have since dived into the world of tabletop gaming, attracted by the physical and social aspects of playing with miniatures.

For example, the fantasy universe of “Warhammer”, first born in the tabletop, has been successfully adapted into various video game formats. Seeing these beloved characters and creatures come to life on screen has drawn many gamers into the world of tabletop wargaming, showing the reciprocal influence between these two gaming mediums.

Now, let’s explore the unique qualities of playing miniature and video wargames and examine the preferences of different types of players.

Despite the shared elements and mutual influences between tabletop wargames and video game wargames, each medium offers a unique gaming experience. Let’s see what makes each form special and how they appeal to different types of players.

Miniature wargaming offers a tactile, physical experience that’s hard to replicate digitally. There’s a real satisfaction to moving your hand-painted minis across the battlefield, rolling the dice, and seeing your strategies come to life. This

Common Ground between Video Games and Miniatures

Did you know that video games and miniature wargames aren’t really that different? Here’s what they share:

• Units are universal: Whether you’re controlling Tomb Kings in a Warhammer game or leading troops in Age of Empires, both games require units – be they warriors, heroes, or monsters.
• Terrain matters: Just like in the real world, where you fight affects how you fight. Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k might use miniature scenery while Tabletop Simulator on Steam Workshop offers digital landscapes from the peaceful Shire of Lord of the Rings to a chaotic world war.
• Objectives to achieve: In any game, you have goals. Maybe you’re trying to capture key points on a map in a world war board game like Bolt Action, or you’re aiming to conquer the entire Old World in Total War.
• The Dice Roll Decides: Chance plays a big role in games. In Warhammer Age of Sigmar, you might roll a die to decide an attack’s outcome. In video games, those odds are calculated behind the scenes.

Miniatures vs. Video Games: Who Wins?

Okay, so tabletop wargaming and video game wargaming share a lot and influence each other. But they’re also pretty different, and they appeal to different types of players.

Here’s what’s cool about miniature gaming:

• The feel of moving your hand-painted miniatures, rolling the dice, and seeing your strategies unfold in real time – there’s something special about that.
• The social aspect of gaming in person – direct communication, camaraderie, and friendly competition. It builds a stronger sense of community compared to the relative anonymity of online gaming.

And here’s why video games rock:

• They’re super accessible – you can play a video game wargame anytime, anywhere, and with anyone in the world. All you need is a device and an internet connection.
• Instant setup and cleanup – no time wasted, no worries about losing pieces or damaging miniatures.
• Immersive environments – state-of-the-art graphics and sound design can create impressive experiences that a physical game can’t.

The Best of Both Worlds

But why choose one when you can enjoy both? They can even complement each other in some super cool ways:

• Skill Transfer: The tactical and strategic skills you develop in one medium often apply to the other. So, your Warhammer 40k tactics might help you win in Total War: Warhammer, and vice versa.
• Appreciation: Playing both types of games can help you appreciate the unique qualities of each. You might admire the craftsmanship of miniatures or gain insight into complex video game design.
• Innovation: With technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the lines between physical and digital gaming are becoming blurred. Imagine a tabletop game where miniatures come to life with AR!
• Community: By engaging in both forms of wargaming, you can be part of a broader community. That means more opportunities to share strategies, swap stories, and make friends.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of Warhammer 40k or a newbie who’s just started Age of Empires, exploring both miniature wargames and video game wargames can only enrich your gaming experience. So, pick up that controller, or paintbrush, and game on!