Design, Development, and Play of Navy Wargames.
Abstract
A wargame is best defined as any warfare model or simulation, not involving actual military forces, in which the flow of events is affected by and, in turn, affects decisions made during the course of those events by players representing the opposing sides. Wargames design is the art of creating such a model; wargame development is the process of testing and refining that model to make it more effective in achieving its objectives. Playing a wargame involves activity exercising and, in effect, becoming an integral part of that model. This paper describes some of the important elements of the design and development process. Although it proposes some guidelines for the process of game design, it is by no means a comprehensive textbook. Game design is more art than science; as such, it is best accomplished through a combination of designer ability and extensive practice and experience. In addition, playing in a wargame calls for the same sort of willing suspension of disbelief required in reading a novel; the artificialities of the game must be put aside, but never fully forgotten.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183506
Entities
People
- Peter P. Perla
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses