A wargame is a rule-bound simulation of conflict or competition, parameterized by: (1) opposing sides with defined objectives and capabilities, (2) a modeled environment representing terrain or operational space, (3) resolution mechanics determining outcomes of interactions, and (4) adjudication rules that enforce consistency. It persists through documented rule sets, scenario briefs, and trained personnel — the construct lives in the shared knowledge of its practitioners and the artifacts of its play. [formal: ludus | substrate: behavior | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
wargame
A wargame is a rule-bound simulation of conflict or competition, parameterized by: (1) opposing sides with defined objectives and capabilities, (2) a modeled environment representing terrain or operational space, (3) resolution mechanics d…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A wargame is a human-made simulation system designed for strategic training and decision-making practice. It models conflict scenarios through structured rules, terrain representations, and actor roles, allowing participants to rehearse military, political, or corporate strategies in a safe environment. It is the map of competitive scenario-rehearsal, not the actual conflict itself.
Names and aliases
- wargameen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrg6592d00ns2a1n78okbin4INSTANCE_OF →
A wargame IS a specific kind of game — a structured simulated conflict designed for training or analysis. A competent speaker would call a wargame 'a game.' Files against the nearest kind per Law 9.
- cmruhobs801cnr671yev1kr8fINSTANCE_OF →
A wargame IS a specific kind of simulation — a structured simulated conflict for training/analysis. Files against the nearest kind (simulation is more specific than game per the ladder). A competent speaker calls a wargame 'a simulation.'
- cmrnpwjwq02y6d1nl4am3t71xSERVES →
wargame is a simulation exercise built to serve decision-making — it models conflicts and scenarios specifically to improve the quality of decisions made by commanders, policymakers, and strategists. Its designed purpose is to train and refine decision-making under uncertainty.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 28, 2026, 8:19 PM UTC
- Content hash
- f041f11adb313bc5c9db3b7323f672de2480e0eb52ee9cee14f7b6dcc782387b