What's the definition of Wargaming?

[Lasher Dragon]

I see the term often, and it sounds like the way I play D&D, so I just wanted to verify. I've also seen some other terms, however I can't recall them at the moment. I think I roleplayed Vampire back when I played that, and I wargame D&D. Thanks for any help.

 

[Ranger REG]

Wargaming is less in-character dialogue and more about defeating the other side. There's no quest, only a [mission] objective.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

Sounds about right. We generally play to defeat the enemy, hopefully gaining good loot and XP on the way. There is some in-character dialogue - not much, but some. Haggling with a store owner, ultimatums to the BBEG, etc.. Other than that we mostly play 3rd person.

At least I know where I fit in now, thanks!

 

[tetsujin28]

Wargames don't have plots. It's as easy as that.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

Oh... well, we have plots. Damn. What other categories are there?

 

[Khayman]

I thought wargaming referred to table-top combat simulations --- in other words, things like HG Wells' Little Wars, the original Chainmail, Warhammer, and all those wacky Avalon Hill games.

In other words, more tactical simulation than roleplaying.

 

[punkorange]

I thought wargaming referred to table-top combat simulations --- in other words, things like HG Wells' Little Wars, the original Chainmail, Warhammer, and all those wacky Avalon Hill games.

In other words, more tactical simulation than roleplaying.

thats my impression.
I consider warhammer, mage knight and other miniatures games wargames.

 

[Crothian]

I go with more tactical combat then role playing. People who use terrain and minis to game for example.

 

[ThirdWizard]

In wargaming, typically, you control an army or at least a group of combatants. Generally, you build your army with each soldier taking up a certain number of points based on their relative powers, and build up to a certain number of points. Then you, and your opponent(s?) battle your groups out against each other until one person loses and another wins.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

OK well we play only with minis and a battleboard and every combat scenario is basically pure tactics (at least as far as the rogues and the spellcasters are concerned - the fighter/barbarian types have it easy, their objective is to get in there and kill, as fast as possible). We are always trying to set up flank and we enjoy using minis & a battleboard to get the most out of our hard-earned feats, be they spring attack, great cleave, large & in charge, mobility, whatever. I guess we aren't wargamers because there is always a plot, there is always some goal we are shooting for, be it the death of some bastage that's trying to take over the world or just protecting a town from the ravages of the local goblinoid population - there is always a story.

I had kinda hoped I fit into one of the generic categories.

Guess I and the 20 or so people I game with are just anomalies.

Oh well, it's still the best fun I've ever had outside of traveling the world.