The Language of Games “ Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord ...

#HobbyGamesRecce

Our language constantly adapts to new perspectives and developments in the ever-expanding universe of adventure gaming. How do we categorize #wargames, #boardgames, #TTRPGs, and other forms? We must remain patient defining our terms and understanding others across disciplines.

Choose Your Own History Path “ Historical game design is the ultimate historical research project for non-specialists!” — Dr. Jeremiah McCall I love interactive fict...

#HobbyGamesRecce
I wish my high school classes used such engaging #GamesForLearning assignments as Student-Designed Histories developed by @gamingthepast.bsky.social: interactive fiction based on carefully considered research of people from the past and the decisions (and consequences) they faced.

One Battle, Multiple Games “ There is nothing insignificant in the world. It all depends on the point of view.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Every gamer has their f...

#HobbyGamesRecce

Why do I need so many games about one historical subject? #Wargames and #Boardgames on the same battle can offer different perspectives in how they model historical elements, varying our experiences and, with some reflection, making such games ideal as #GamesForLearning.

Morschauser’s Wargame Rules “ It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” — Henry David Thoreau I’ve enjoyed many of John Curry’s volumes in his Hist...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I take a look at Morschauser’s #miniature #wargames book from the 1960s. While I initially thought it would offer new material on gridded wargames (and it did), I quite enjoyed its tone and presentation of a concise system for gaming historical battles and an intro to the hobby.

Some days, like today, for a variety of reasons, I wonder why I still bother with #HobbyGamesRecce at all.

Designer’s Cards-or-Tables Dilemma “ Random chance plays a huge part in everybody’s life.” — Gary Gygax To use cards or not to use cards? That’s a question some designers m...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I’m developing a historical #wargame project that could easily rely on tables or cards to simulate random elements (an issue relevant to #boardgames, too). In my research I looked at several games that started with tables but later evolved with cards...with mostly similar results.

Sharing Our Toys “ A toy is seen both as a bauble and as an intellectual machine.” — Brian Sutton-Smith Sharing my Star Wars Mos Eisley toys at a conven...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I ponder the opportunities we have to share our adventure gaming toys; how by sharing we can help others discover whether they enjoy particular games and wish to pursue them more themselves...and maybe grow our gaming communities along the way.

#TTRPGS #BoardGames #Wargames

Remembering Jean Rabe “ Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues c an but encourage one’s ...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I take a moment to remember Jean Rabe, TSR veteran, author, and inspiration to many. In my West End Game Days, and the difficult “Desperate Freelancing Years” after the company’s demise, she helped me publish some short stories...and rescued my failing self-confidence.

Exploring Outcomes & Inaction “ There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.” — John F. Kennedy My es...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I lament the inadequacy of serious #simulation #wargames in affecting decisions, strategy, and policy, particularly regarding the 2024 US presidential election. They’re great tools to learn about and explore outcomes in emerging issues, but ineffective without subsequent action.

WEG Memoirs: Galaxywide NewsNets “ The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know t...

#HobbyGamesRecce

As we watch news about Minneapolis, MN, unfold, with various spins and outright propaganda served to the public, I’m reminded of the different perspectives offered in the Galaxywide NewsNets feature from the long-gone #StarWars Adventure Journal.

#TTRPGS #SWAJ #WestEndGames

Coping Strategies with Game Hobbies “ It is hardly possible to build anything if frustration, bitterness, and a mood of helplessness prevail.” — Lech Walesa I am resisting r...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I offer a glimpse into my own adventure gaming hobby-based coping strategies so readers might find some inspiration for their own self care activities in these trying times. Thanks to @katesfwriter.bsky.social for her concise reminder to balance the despair with joy.

Label from a mead-wine blend alcoholic beverage showing a golden griffon on a brown background, with the words "Bearly Mythical" above and "GRYPHON" and "ALC 8.5% by vol." below.

Nothing like an 8.5% ABV beverage with dinner and a general anger at the current reality (on various levels) to fuel a productive evening writing a #HobbyGamesRecce piece. No doubt I’ll read it tomorrow morning and wonder “What the hell was I thinking?” But for now I feel delightfully productive.

My OSS Guilty Pleasure Reading “ A judicious mixture of rumor and deception, with truth as bait, to foster disunity and confusion.” — William J. Don o van Every so ofte...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I ramble on about my retreat into #WW2 espionage adventure fiction, a much-needed respite from <waves hand> all this. It’s a guilty pleasure for me, fueled by my interest in historical #WW2 operations and my occasional dabbling in spy-themed #TTRPGS and #BoardGames.

The Year Behind & the Year Ahead “ Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” — Charles D...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I reflect on the scant highlights of my 2025 and some feeble aspirations for my 2026 as related to the adventure gaming hobby, all hoping it might lead to something more significant on my gaming and job-search fronts.

The Joy of Paper Soldiers “ A toy is seen both as a bauble and as an intellectual machine.” — Brian Sutton-Smith Ranks of paper minis march across the Great Bridge...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I take a look at Peter Dennis’ line of print-and-craft paper toy soldiers. They’ve served me well over the years with their various historical periods and versatility. This holiday season I’m reminded of the joyful playfulness they inspire.

#wargames #GamesForLearning

Beginner’s Intro to History Gaming “ I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.” — Patrick Henry Painting by Glenn Moore depictin...

#HobbyGamesRecce
After a busy weekend presenting my Battle of Great Bridge #wargame at the 250th re-enactment I revisited my thoughts about good beginner games for those seeking to explore the confluence of history, games, and learning...battlegames.

#GamesForLearning #BattleOfGreatBridge

Holiday Game Gift Recommendations We are well into the uncontrolled spiral into the holiday season. Plans for gatherings. Shopping and preparing for feasts. Hauling out the ...

#HobbyGamesRecce
I offer some ideas for games one could give to folks who might not have immersed themselves so deeply in the adventure gaming hobby...enjoyable temptations inspired by my own experience and taste in games.

#BoardGames #HolidayGifts

Wargame Calendar Challenge “ Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.” — H.G. Wells One of the perks of my time working at West ...

#HobbyGamesRecce
Inspired by an old Osprey Illustrated Military Diary, I consider the possibility of running a historical #wargame each week, coinciding with a notable event one could explore through simulation...including event and game suggestions.

#GamesForLearning #GamingThePast #HistoryGames

Imagination Sourcebooks “ Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” — Albert Einstein Early efforts at creating my own roleplaying ...

#HobbyGamesRecce

It seems every #TTRPG gamer has a sourcebook in them, yet we often feel the need to get the latest “official” books for our favorite games. Expand your #TTRPG with your own “imagination sourcebook” to make that setting your own...or set off and create something wholly original.

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and support. The past few years I’ve often debated continuing with #HobbyGamesRecce ... and I’ve learned to temper my ennui/frustration with an occasional break from blog-writing. Will pass this week and see what next week brings.

Gaming Great Bridge V: Alternate Rules “ For me, it is always important that I go through all the possible options for a decision.” — Angela Merkel My Battle of Great Bridge s...

#HobbyGamesRecce
Spent Saturday running my Battle of Great Bridge #wargame demo on the site where the Culpeper Minutemen mustered 250 years ago. Despite using my very basic game system for this event, I still considered numerous other rules one might use to replay the battle.

#GamesForLearning

Event Game Repertoire “ Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” — Aeschylus German troops await a charge from U.S. Marines at Belleau Wood. We h...

#HobbyGamesRecce
I review the repertoire of #miniature #wargames I’ve run at conventions and other public events over the years — suitable for entertaining and educating kids and newcomers — and offer a general invitation for institutions to play and learn.

#GamingThePast #GamesForLearning

Watch Read Play: The Battle of Britain “ I have promised the F ü hrer that we will clear the skies and completely destroy the RAF. I expect my orders to be obeyed!” — Hermann ...

#HobbyGamesRecce
My copy of Fighters of Europe arrived recently, perfect inspiration for exploring the #WW2 #BattleOfBritain from the “Watch, Read, Play” perspective, a means of enticing folks to explore history in media, books, and games.

#wargames #GamesForLearning #GamingThePast

Historical Games “ Your library is your paradise.” — Erasmus French Regency style chess pieces and box, early 20th century. I have among my collection se...

#HobbyGamesRecce
I take a look at some of the historical #boardgames in my collection — games from history, not about it — and some related books. They’re common games available to everyone at some level, from across regions and cultures and time.

The Convention Game Gamble “ Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” — T. S. Eliot Middle-earth 54mm miniatures game, wit...

#HobbyGamesRecce

In preparing for an upcoming game convention, I examine the risks I usually take, how I manage my anxiety beforehand, and a few strategies I rely on to better prepare for a positive outcome.

#TTRPGs #Wargames

Gaming Great Bridge IV: Playtesting Insights “ Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and t...

#HobbyGamesRecce
Playtesting the Battle of Great Bridge game I’m developing helped me make a few adjustments, but also confirmed that, as an abstraction, it simulates the factors central to the battle in a concise event demo experience for gaming newcomers.

#History #GamesForLearning #Wargames

Game with Friends or Strangers? “ There are no strangers here; o nly friends you haven't yet met.” — William Butler Yeats Friends with pizza, dice, games... and an othe...

#HobbyGamesRecce
Do we game more with friends or strangers? Which one do we prefer? Everyone has a different answer. It often depends on our opportunities for gaming, but also how well we navigate the challenges and joys each presents.

#TTRPGs

Culling the Game Collection “ Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson The West End Games Star Wars Roleplaying Ga...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I’m culling some games from my collection. I weigh various personal factors whether I keep a game in my library or trade it in for credit...inevitably to buy more games.... I offer them here as possible considerations for others in this situation.

#TTRPGs #Wargames #BoardGames

Nouns & Scenario Design “ It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” — Frankli...

#HobbyGamesRecce
I’m working on a bit of adventure design and writing for an upcoming #TTRPG convention game. Rather than fall back on the episodic #D6System scenario format, I’m trying an organizational and focus method, creating source material of relevant adventure elements based on...nouns.

History & RPG Settings “ History is a set of lies agreed upon.” — Napoleon Bonaparte The author in Landsknecht regalia sweating it out at the VA Renfaire. I beg...

#HobbyGamesRecce

I love exploring history through #wargames and #boardgames, but doing so in #TTRPGs often requires a balance between accuracy and cinematic elements that bring such games to life. The freedom to go anywhere and do anything remains essential for a satisfying #TTRPG experience.