Do RPGs' Wargaming Aspects Overshadow RPing?

[hexgrid]

Chainmail (1971) is a wargame. it uses miniatures. but that is the point of wargames.

For what it's worth, wikipedia has separate entries for "wargame" and "miniature wargaming."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wargame
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_wargaming

 

[Aus_Snow]

The question's too broad, even if it was "meant to be" (as per the last one) for it, or any answers to it, to actually be meaningful. Hm, as per the last one.

IMO.

 

[diaglo]

For what it's worth, wikipedia has separate entries for "wargame" and "miniature wargaming."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wargame
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_wargaming

for what it's worth. i don't pay attention to wikipedia.

 

[buzz]

* and I define roleplay as 'do things other than fight and use skills to resolve situations.

So, if you use dice, it's wargaming?

 

[buzz]

I never said it was either-or.

When you said "Instead of spending 10 minutes of dialogue between players and random tavern patrons, you can quickly do a gather information check," I was assuming you meant those were two resolution options, i.e., either talk it out (fiat) or roll the dice. Sorry if I misunderstood.

 

[Bront]

I'm declining to vote because the question is too vague for a black and white "Yes" or "No"

I've played some RPGs that are mostly wargames with RP rules written around them, and I've played games with almost no tactical use of any kind what so ever. Some work better than others, and sometimes some part CAN overshadow another, but realy it depends on the game and the campaign.

Some people prefer the wargaming aspect, and treat it as such. Some people prefer the RP aspect and treat it as such. Personaly, I enjoy both, and a good blend of combat and RP makes for a fun night.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

WIKI

Miniature wargaming is a form of wargaming designed to incorporate miniatures or figurines into play, which was invented at the beginning of the 19th century in Prussia.

Mearls, Hexgrid- for what its worth, that first line from the second link says it all: minis wargaming is a subgenre of wargaming...so yes, RPGS are an outgrowth of wargaming.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I voted No. In every campaign I've played in or ran there has been plenty of combat and plenty of roleplaying. I've never seen that combat leads to roleplaying being sidetracked.

 

[WizarDru]

My gut answer to my interpertation of the question is No, it does not. Role-playing is about a series of choices, the mechanic of which is unimportant, IMHO. I get what Buzz is saying, though. Certainly, even when my players were throwing around god-like powers at high-levels, the main relevance came from RP-ing choices, not from dice-rolls. One of the coolest moments in the game was when the paladin used his Lucid Dreaming skill to create a permanent dream memorial to the fallen friend of the party. It was a use of a game mechanic, but the motivation and execution were what stayed with us.

 

[Umbran]

In general? No. I think instead that in moderation the wargame aspects are a useful tool for the GM and players.