Post by Whiterook on Jul 8, 2024 17:31:37 GMT -5
I started playing wargames in the early to mid-1980s somewhere. Over the years, I’ve played most of my games solitaire, but I’ve also played my fair share of Wargamers face-to-face; one thing I’ve learned of Wargamers is, while the majority are decent enough human beings (or roughly reminiscent thereof), they aren’t folks I’d want to marry my sister!
That Grognardian competitive arena around the game map tends to become highly charged, not so much with the desire to win, as much as the determination not to loose. I realize that sounds horribly pessimistic, but my experiences have proven out the the vast majority of Wargamers I’ve played against or watched, play to win at all costs… short of cheating, of course. While I see *fun* had and *good natured* esprit de corps, many simply suck the life out of the fact that it’s just a game.
I see so many comments made that people play solitaire, mainly because of the exacting and complex nature or wargames, it’s impossible to find regular players. I wonder how much of that is actually, not wanting to put yourself through the hassle of wargame opponents’ intensity, and often downright bad behaviors? I know a gamer who I could theoretically get together with every week, as we are both retired; I’ve played many games with him, and I often walk away thinking that was downright painful. Yet, I know another that is great to play against, but we never seem to be able to hook up…and I noticed that inability is usually me, not wanting to hook up. I figured maybe I just had this problem… but I’ve spoken with several gamer friends and they relate the same experiences, so phew, I’m not an asshole!
The good news for me is, I do have gaming buddies that I love playing with and will anytime we can… but playing against an opponent all the time is just not comfortable for me and I default to solitaire. I’ve also noted that the opponents that do become painful to me to play against aren’t friends, but rather, folks I’ve just met or rarely see except at these conventions and expos, where the wargame can all too often become more a matter of intimidation and attempting to exert a moral superiority. Realism and intensity of bearing are part of real combat, and make for part of simulation, but can make for a game that isn’t fun.
Whether you agree or disagree with my posits above here are a few Code of Conduct guidelines that may save your gaming experience:
FRIENDS & FUN
Always be mindful that you are playing a friend and it’s not worth loosing a friend over a game! It sounds simple, but the proverbial Heat of Battle can quickly turn into the heat of an argument. I’ve fortunately not lost any friends in gaming, but a few have lost me. Your mantra should always be… “It’s Just A game”.
FRIENDS & BLOOD
Friends get mad, but they also get hurt. Be mindful that your aggressive attitude can translate to being taken as a hurtful attack or disparagement by your opponent. This is a key concept to keep in mind especially when you are more knowledgeable and proficient in a certain game title. The number one hurtful action I see all too often is that opponent who upon winning, takes it immediately upon themselves to elaborate and expose long-windedly, every mistake he believes you made. Making someone feel bad, or worse, stupid, is just way uncool and unnecessary.
ENEMIES AMOUNG STRANGERS
Just cut your losses and move on. This is typically a hazard at game conventions, expos, and especially tournaments, where you may find yourself across the table that acts and behaves poorly. Be gracious and finish out the game with a good attitude, or leave if they become a bully, but either way, move on and take some time to chill and regroup, and jump back on the horse with another opponent.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
Know Thy Rules! Reputable tourneys are run in an almost professional manner, with strict rules to abide by, and Tournament Directors/Judges to obey and rely on. Play your game well and with upmost intentions, and if you encounter an obnoxious opponent, confidentially notify the Tournament Director in private away from the scene, and away from your opponent.
DON’T THROW VIRGINS IN VOLCANOS
Know Thy Place & Pay it Forward! There are tiers of wargamers: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Wargames (simulation gaming) is so far removed from what people that play family and Euro games for instance, are used to playing that the latter become overwhelmed quickly, particularly the Novice Player… sometimes noticeably, which you can help with quickly with gentle encouragement (not correction). It’s best too play practice games, guiding them as they request… but be careful about offering *advice* on moves and play, as that can become annoying to them, of which you will need to be watchful and mindful of.
The Novice Player can become just as overwhelmed over a bit of a longer play period, but care should be taken to keep it friendly and fun.
The Intermediate Player is fair game, but keep it civil and try to keep it fun.
The Advanced Player… KILL!!!! …but be nice about it
So, not a full and comprehensive list, but it should provide food for thought!
That Grognardian competitive arena around the game map tends to become highly charged, not so much with the desire to win, as much as the determination not to loose. I realize that sounds horribly pessimistic, but my experiences have proven out the the vast majority of Wargamers I’ve played against or watched, play to win at all costs… short of cheating, of course. While I see *fun* had and *good natured* esprit de corps, many simply suck the life out of the fact that it’s just a game.
I see so many comments made that people play solitaire, mainly because of the exacting and complex nature or wargames, it’s impossible to find regular players. I wonder how much of that is actually, not wanting to put yourself through the hassle of wargame opponents’ intensity, and often downright bad behaviors? I know a gamer who I could theoretically get together with every week, as we are both retired; I’ve played many games with him, and I often walk away thinking that was downright painful. Yet, I know another that is great to play against, but we never seem to be able to hook up…and I noticed that inability is usually me, not wanting to hook up. I figured maybe I just had this problem… but I’ve spoken with several gamer friends and they relate the same experiences, so phew, I’m not an asshole!
The good news for me is, I do have gaming buddies that I love playing with and will anytime we can… but playing against an opponent all the time is just not comfortable for me and I default to solitaire. I’ve also noted that the opponents that do become painful to me to play against aren’t friends, but rather, folks I’ve just met or rarely see except at these conventions and expos, where the wargame can all too often become more a matter of intimidation and attempting to exert a moral superiority. Realism and intensity of bearing are part of real combat, and make for part of simulation, but can make for a game that isn’t fun.
Whether you agree or disagree with my posits above here are a few Code of Conduct guidelines that may save your gaming experience:
FRIENDS & FUN
Always be mindful that you are playing a friend and it’s not worth loosing a friend over a game! It sounds simple, but the proverbial Heat of Battle can quickly turn into the heat of an argument. I’ve fortunately not lost any friends in gaming, but a few have lost me. Your mantra should always be… “It’s Just A game”.
FRIENDS & BLOOD
Friends get mad, but they also get hurt. Be mindful that your aggressive attitude can translate to being taken as a hurtful attack or disparagement by your opponent. This is a key concept to keep in mind especially when you are more knowledgeable and proficient in a certain game title. The number one hurtful action I see all too often is that opponent who upon winning, takes it immediately upon themselves to elaborate and expose long-windedly, every mistake he believes you made. Making someone feel bad, or worse, stupid, is just way uncool and unnecessary.
ENEMIES AMOUNG STRANGERS
Just cut your losses and move on. This is typically a hazard at game conventions, expos, and especially tournaments, where you may find yourself across the table that acts and behaves poorly. Be gracious and finish out the game with a good attitude, or leave if they become a bully, but either way, move on and take some time to chill and regroup, and jump back on the horse with another opponent.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
Know Thy Rules! Reputable tourneys are run in an almost professional manner, with strict rules to abide by, and Tournament Directors/Judges to obey and rely on. Play your game well and with upmost intentions, and if you encounter an obnoxious opponent, confidentially notify the Tournament Director in private away from the scene, and away from your opponent.
DON’T THROW VIRGINS IN VOLCANOS
Know Thy Place & Pay it Forward! There are tiers of wargamers: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Wargames (simulation gaming) is so far removed from what people that play family and Euro games for instance, are used to playing that the latter become overwhelmed quickly, particularly the Novice Player… sometimes noticeably, which you can help with quickly with gentle encouragement (not correction). It’s best too play practice games, guiding them as they request… but be careful about offering *advice* on moves and play, as that can become annoying to them, of which you will need to be watchful and mindful of.
The Novice Player can become just as overwhelmed over a bit of a longer play period, but care should be taken to keep it friendly and fun.
The Intermediate Player is fair game, but keep it civil and try to keep it fun.
The Advanced Player… KILL!!!! …but be nice about it
So, not a full and comprehensive list, but it should provide food for thought!