Riskgaming Why immersion — and not realism — is critical for wargaming
Mar 21, 2025
David Banks, a senior lecturer in wargaming at King's College London, sheds light on the intricate balance between realism and engagement in game design. He argues that understanding immersion is critical for effective learning. The discussion dives into the historical evolution of wargaming, contemporary research challenges, and scenarios like Taiwan's recognition that influence foreign policy. Banks emphasizes the need for robust evaluation frameworks and transparency in game outcomes while acknowledging subconscious biases that can skew decision-making.
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Wargaming's Lack of Academic Foundation
- Wargaming lacks a solid academic foundation, despite its long history.
- David Banks found this when researching cybersecurity wargaming.
Methodological Concerns in Professional Wargaming
- Professional wargamers often address methodological concerns like bias.
- They lack the incentive to formalize and share their practices, unlike academics.
Focus on Purpose, Not Realism
- Focus on a war game's purpose and its success in achieving that purpose.
- Avoid using 'realism' as a key metric; prioritize engagement.
