Walking the Line: Modern Wargaming and Real-World Sensitivities
Share
Wargaming has always been a way to bring history and strategy to the tabletop, from ancient battles to far-flung science fiction conflicts. Yet when it comes to modern warfare—particularly events from Vietnam through to today’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine—there’s an added layer of responsibility. These wars aren’t just history; they’re lived experiences for millions of veterans, service members, and civilians.
As players, designers, and storytellers, how do we balance the thrill of tactical decision-making with the awareness that some scenarios may hit close to home?
The Allure of Modern Wargames
Modern-era wargames have a unique appeal. They feature:
Realistic equipment and tactics: From Hueys in Vietnam to drones and precision artillery in today’s conflicts.
Familiar terrain: Cities, forests, and deserts that echo the evening news.
Evolving strategy: Counterinsurgency, asymmetrical warfare, and joint operations add complexity not found in earlier historical games.
These elements make modern wargames incredibly engaging—but they also raise important questions.
The Challenge of Triggering Content
For veterans and active service members, certain scenarios may feel less like a game and more like a memory. A firefight set in the jungles of Southeast Asia or an urban battle modeled on Ukraine could unintentionally stir up traumatic experiences.
As a gaming community, we need to ask:
How do we present modern conflicts respectfully?
Where is the line between simulation and entertainment?
How do we create safe spaces for everyone at the table?
Approaches for Responsible Play
Here are a few practical approaches that wargamers and game masters can adopt:
-
Context Matters – Frame the game as a study of strategy, logistics, or leadership, not a reenactment of suffering.
-
Session Zero Discussions – Talk with players about what they are (and aren’t) comfortable with before diving in.
-
Abstract the Narrative – Focus on the tactical puzzle without dwelling on personal trauma or graphic details.
-
Provide Opt-Outs – Create clear, respectful ways for players to step back if they feel uncomfortable.
Pacific Sky Games and Direct Action
At Pacific Sky Games, we take these considerations seriously. Our upcoming release, Direct Action, is a modern regimental-level ruleset designed for 6mm figures. By shifting the focus to higher-level command decisions rather than individual soldier experiences, the game emphasizes strategy over simulation of trauma.
This approach allows players to explore modern warfare as a tactical and intellectual challenge, while still respecting the realities faced by those who lived it.
Building the Future of Wargaming Together
As the hobby grows, game designers have a responsibility to handle modern conflicts thoughtfully. At Pacific Sky Games, we’re not only developing our own titles—we’re also always looking for new designers with fresh perspectives. If you have a concept for an RPG or wargame that pushes boundaries while respecting history and lived experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Conclusion
Modern wargaming offers incredible opportunities for strategy and storytelling. But with great realism comes great responsibility. By being mindful of our players—especially those with direct ties to recent conflicts—we can ensure that our games are both exciting and respectful.
At Pacific Sky Games, we believe in creating immersive, responsible, and innovative wargames. With Direct Action and future projects on the horizon, we’re excited to explore modern warfare in ways that challenge players without crossing the line into harmful territory.