"The Power of Paper", an article by Michael Peck at TSJ

In the latest issue of Training and Simulation Journal, Michael Peck has an article about board gaming. Unfortunately, this article is only available in the print version of the journal so I can't link you to it.

Mr. Peck makes a point about how boardgames are still relevant and great tools to understand historical conflicts. He focuses in tactical wargames, including the almighty Advanced Squad Leader. A bit more detail is provided on relatively recent boardgames, like "Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear" (Academy Games).

"Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear". Image from Academy Games used without authorization or monetary gain. Comment below if you want it removed.

I was kind of surprised to see an article about paper wargames surrounded by ads for computer simulation projectors that cost around $100K a piece.

I never played a paper wargame so I'm not in a position to judge. But anyway, one must remember that right after the news that Saddam invaded Kuwait broke, a high level Pentagon official called Booz Allen Hamilton's wargames honcho Mark Herman demanding a quick reaction wargame on the crisis. Mr. Herman was already wargaming the crisis with his peers. The game of choice was "Gulf Strike", a boardgame Mr. Herman had published a time before.

"Gulf Strike", the boardgame by Mark Herman. Image from boardgamegeek.com used without authorization or monetary gain. Comment below if you want it removed.

Cheers,