It might look like wargamer clubs are an unlikely space for mental health to gain attention and take a stand. However, these clubs and groups offer more than shared love of strategy,tactics and digital combat, they provide purpose and connection between people.
A sense of belonging for players around the globe within the structured nature of wargames. Wargamer groups, guilds and clans bring players emotional support, friends and mentors. The safe space and trusted team dynamic build confidence and reduce isolation.
The impact of war games on mental health
There’s been a significant rise in gaming hours post-covid, both in online and board gaming communities. First during the lockdown with online wargame groups expanding their reach for new players and filling hours of the day with a unique experience and connection difficult to achieve during that situation.
Later, during the limited hours and group gatherings that allowed players to get together in physical places and play board wargames.
This reason is only one of many why mental health has gained importance in war games and wargamer communities. This swiftness in how players embrace wargames has become increasingly important.
When wargames mirror real trauma
For military veterans, specially, first responders, or healthcare workers with traumatic experiences, or even individuals who have experienced trauma. Wargames or war-themed games offer a form of mental health care in the form of exposure, processing and/or even healing.
In a study of veterans with PTSD who regularly played wargames, titled More than Just a Game? Combat-Themed Gaming Among Recent Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, studies the use of an array of digital simulations and virtual reality to address treatment-resistant clinical subpopulations that struggle with recall, refuse to engage traumatic memory narratively.
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find Discord servers or clan channels where discussions about trauma and PTSD are taking place. Professionals have started to recognise that, in these safe spaces for players, patients often talk with more honesty than in traditional therapy sessions.
⚠️Important note
If you are dealing with trauma, anxiety or PTSD, we encourage you to talk to a professional first. While some individuals may find personal value in using wargames as a form of emotional processing, these experiences are not a replacement for professional help.
Community support
Community building and the support that it entails is one of the strongest aspects that wargames offer to the mental health of the group. Many communities and clubs are increasingly supporting mental health. With the clear objective of reducing the stigma and carrying real conversations around mental wellness.
We know that no community can replace the work of a professional. However, the stability, communication and emotional safety that these groups offer can be a valuable part for a mental health treatment and recovery. In the context of wargaming, board or online, healing and surviving is not just possible, it’s the mission’s goal
Conscious Developers
Mental health has been a present conversation among wargame developers.Gaining visibility each year and taking steps to design psychological impact. Wargames no longer focus solely on spectacle and strategy. A growing number of gaming studios and board game developers recognise that emotional intensity comes with responsibility. With an increase of psychologists and trauma experts taking part as consultants in these projects.
This new trend is taking its first steps, but it already points to an important cultural evolution in the industry. Developers no longer see mental health as a consequence of the gaming experience, or as after thought. Mental health is becoming part of the process, along with accessibility.
Myths and misconceptions of Wargames
We can’t ignore the accusations wargames have received through the years. Most from people that have never played this type of game. So we would like to take a look at and explore what these games really offer to their players.
“Wargames glorify violence.” ❌FALSE❌
Wargames often feature combat,war-like conflicts and weapons, but saying that these games glorify violence based on just what it appears on board or screen oversimplifies this genre.
Players explore the moral consequences of their choices and in-game actions. They explore deep emotional narratives and take the place of complex characters.
Players engage in a roleplay that includes strategy, teamwork and tactical communication. Saying that wargames glorify violence is like saying that war games or novels do too.
“Wargames tend to make people violent.” ❌FALSE❌
One of the most persistent and most incorrect myths about wargames.
In fact, for some players dealing with anxiety and stress, wargames have proved to have therapeutic effect.
There have been several large-scale studies by organisations like the American Psychological Association (APA) that found no consistent causal relation between wargames and aggressive behaviours. On the contrary it has been proven that these games provide focus, structure and communication skills.
The misconception and assumption that a game can trigger violence, ignores the complex of human behaviour.
“Wargames are insensitive to real-world military conflicts.” ❌FALSE❌
This misconception can be seen as one based in some of the early wargames and videogames that sadly were oversimplified in their mechanics or not researched enough.
Nowadays, as we mentioned earlier, developers consult with historians, veterans, psychologists and veterans when developing a game.
Actively engaging in public conversations about representation and ethics when portraying a conflict is one of the steps forward the industry is taking.
“Wargames have no educational value.” ❌FALSE❌
Whether digital or tabletop, wargames offer educational value. Rooted in history, critical thinking and strategy, wargames require players to understand not only the game or the context their factions or characters are in, but that their actions carry long lasting consequences. Teamwork, communication and leadership are often needed to play this games.
They are often used as training or teaching tools in military schools, to help the students understand the consequences of real-world decision making.
Mental health taking a stand in wargamer clubs and initiatives
Spalding Wargames Club
With more than 50 active members playing wargames and roleplay games. Spalding Wargames Club began in 2017 with the only goal of playing Warhammer 40k in a garage.
In a recent interview with BBC chairman Martin Jackson said: “The biggest part of starting this club was to bring people together”
The Spalding Sargames Club has become an open atmosphere for players and a safe space that connects players and allows them to come out of their shell. A most needed `informal kind of mental health´as Mr Jackson said.
Today, the club meets weekly from 7.15 in the hall back of the Vista Church Hall. They also organise club meetings for under 18’s. At Spalding Service and Social Club from 10am to1pm every Sunday.
Stack up
Founded in 2015, Stack up brings veterans and civilian supporters together through their love of video games.
Captain Stephen Machuga founder and CEO of Stack up said that gaming played a crucial role for him in coping with the mental and emotional strain of deployment. Gaming helped him re-acclimate to civilian life after he returned from Iraq.
Stack Up was founded with the specific aim of supporting veterans and active duty members around mental health and reintegration.
Nowadays, Stack up helps its members in a number of ways:
- Overwatch program: a 24/ crisis intervention service run by trained volunteers.
- The Stacks: teams of local volunteers around the globe who use gaming and other activities to connect to their communities.
- PHALANX House: Part airbnb, part community centre, it’s a permanent presence of veteran support.
- Air assaults: All-expenses-paid trips to gaming events to prevent isolation of veterans who could benefit from community and positive distraction.
- Supply Crates: Gaming care packages to deployed troops and veterans in need.
Safe in our world
With the main goal to create a worldwide mental health awareness within the video game industry. And also to assist people in understanding these afflictions as well as identifying the symptoms and signs.
Safe in our world’s purpose is to mobilise the video game industry, calling upon game developers and publishers to provide extensive mental health support for their employees as well as place links in locations throughout their consumer-facing outlets. In short, This organisation is asking the gaming industry to lead by example and fully embrace the subject of mental health.
Unmasked Mental health: warhammer activity Group
As an initiative of Unmasked Mental Health a charity with services accessible to everyone. The Warhammer activity group emerges from this activity where newbies and veterans of the game can play.
Using this game, players begin to open up and the meetings transform into a safe space. The shared focus, creativity and routine of the warhammer universe provides the players not just with entertainment, but also with a space for connection and healing. This activity takes place every Friday at lunch time from 12pm to 2 pm.
Embrace mental health, the new game mechanic
Table top wargames and videogames are providing much more than a place to play. These are the new spaces for support, solidarity and emotional resilience. Players become friends and care for each other through the shared strategy, storytelling and camaraderie.
If you are looking for this kind of atmosphere and sense of connection, join us. Gamers.online and find gaming friends with your same preferences. Take a step toward building friendships and emotional resilience through games.
Game on!