This book presents a much-needed framework for the critical examination of miniatures games and their design. It provides the reader with both a conceptual model for understanding how these games work as well as a toolbox of mechanical approaches to achieving a range of design outcomes and assessing the fit of any given approach within a specific design.
Though dating back to the 1820s, tabletop miniatures games have been little explored critically and lack a conceptual vocabulary for their discussion. Active practitioners in the miniature games design community, Glenn Ford and Mike Hutchinson explore what defines these games, proposing the term -non-discrete miniatures games- to encapsulate the essence of these open and immersive hobby gaming experiences. Discarding the term -wargame-, they argue against limiting conceptions of these games to direct armed conflict, and champion their diverse narrative potential.
The book provides a fresh conceptual frame