Wargame Archaeology: A Journey Through 50 Years of Wargaming with Mark Ruggiero

In this special installment of Wargame Archaeology, we're breaking away from our usual exploration of games and magazines from the 60s and 70s to bring you a captivating conversation with a true veteran of the hobby. Join Liz from Beyond Solitaire and me as we sit down with Mark Ruggiero, who has been a dedicated wargamer for 50 years.

Mark's journey began with the classic Tactics II, and he was an active member of the wargaming community during its formative years. As a subscriber to Avalon Hill's legendary magazine, The General, and an early player of iconic games like Squad Leader, Mark offers an invaluable first-hand account of what it was like to be a wargamer in those early days.

In this episode, we delve deep into the history of board wargames, capturing the essence of the hobby from its inception to its evolution over the decades. Mark shares his unique insights, reflecting on the growth and changes within the community and the industry. We also get his optimistic and inclusive perspective on the current state of wargaming, highlighting how the hobby continues to thrive and expand.

Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or new to the hobby, this conversation is a fascinating look at the rich history of wargaming through the eyes of someone who lived it. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the hobby's longstanding enthusiasts.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:35 - Getting into wargaming
15:20 - Constructive criticism in the hobby
22:50 - The community back then
34:50 - Interacting with history through gaming
37:20 - Are we in a golden age?
42:00 - Playing vs designing wargames
44:18 - Abstraction, emotion and empathy
53:37 - Mark's top 5
1:02:40 - Innovation and boundaries of wargames
1:10:10 - Recruiting new wargamers

Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871