The Complete Wargames Handbook

The Complete Wargames Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to the world of wargaming, written by industry veteran James F. Dunnigan. The book covers both playing and designing wargames, drawing from Dunnigan's extensive experience as a game designer and founder of Simulations Publications Inc. The text is structured into nine chapters that progress from basic concepts to advanced design principles. It includes detailed sections on manual and computer wargames, the historical evolution of the genre, and practical guidance for players and designers. Published initially in 1980 by William Morrow and Company, the book has seen multiple editions and translations, including Japanese. Its scope encompasses both traditional tabletop wargaming and the then-emerging field of computer wargames. The work represents a significant milestone in wargaming literature, bridging the gap between hobby enthusiasts and professional designers while documenting the transition period between manual and computer-based gaming systems.

Readers view this as a practical guide for understanding and designing wargames, though some note it shows its age (originally published 1980). Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of game mechanics and design principles - Historical context and evolution of wargaming - Professional insights from Dunnigan's experience - Technical details balanced with accessibility for newcomers Common criticisms: - Dated examples and references - Focus on board/manual wargames rather than computer games - Some find the writing style dry and academic - Limited coverage of modern gaming developments Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Invaluable resource for understanding game design fundamentals, though newer books cover digital gaming better." Another mentioned: "The technical details on probability and combat resolution systems were exactly what I needed." The book is out of print but available as a free PDF from Dunnigan's website.

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🎮 Dunnigan founded Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1969, which became one of the largest wargame publishers of the 1970s, producing over 400 titles. 📚 The first edition of The Complete Wargames Handbook was published in 1980, and it became one of the first comprehensive texts to address both traditional and digital wargaming. 🎲 The author designed over 140 wargames himself, including breakthrough titles like "PanzerBlitz" and "Squad Leader," revolutionizing tactical-level combat simulation. 🖥️ Dunnigan accurately predicted in the book that computer wargames would eventually dominate the genre, years before this transition actually occurred. 🎯 The book introduced the concept of "design for effect" - focusing on creating games that accurately simulate the decision-making processes of real military commanders rather than just depicting detailed combat mechanics.