Calmversations s08e08 | Games of War, with Clint Warren-Davey
Oct 5, 2025
Clint Warren-Davey, an Australian high school teacher and war game designer, dives into the fascinating world of wargames, blending education and military strategy. He shares how COVID reignited his passion for game design and explores the intricate balance between simulation and gameplay. Clint discusses wargaming's resurgence in military training and its effectiveness in teaching history and geography in classrooms. His insights into simplifying complex topics for educational purposes, along with personal anecdotes about game design, make for a compelling conversation.
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From Teen Hobby To Published Designer
- Clint Warren‑Davey began designing games as a teen and only took it seriously during COVID when he had time to finish and pitch designs.
- Since then he has been producing games non‑stop while balancing a day job and family.
Games As Social Performance
- Axis & Allies hooked Clint because it combined a world map, faction asymmetry, and social negotiation among players.
- He designs games primarily as vessels to create social interaction rather than pure mechanics.
Wargaming's Social, Not Just Savage
- Wargaming attracts many right‑leaning players partly due to military backgrounds and professional overlap.
- Despite violent themes, in practice war gamers tend to be friendly and social at conventions.
