The transformation from physical wargames to grand strategy video games, and the opportunities for deep and efficient historical wargaming experiences

This article explores the evolution of wargames from historical tactical and abstract encounters to multivariable and complex historical representations often reflected in the video game genre of Grand Strategy. The article argues that, because of the increasing complexity of historical wargames, there is a need to shift the discipline to the digital space where such complexity can be retained and enable the player to focus on the game’s content rather than the technical process of wargaming itself. Grand Strategy video games can alleviate several efficiency problems of physical wargames, while simultaneously providing historical breadth by depicting war and peacetime history, and depth in terms of historical narratives and details. Grand Strategy games also have the potential to support learning outcomes of history units in higher education and can be used as pedagogical tools for the exploration of historical worlds. Grand Strategy video games, and digital wargames more broadly, provide rich, accessible and active learning platforms that can enhance our experience with wargaming and history.