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Class Wargames.

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:42 am
by PaulPatrick
I would like to recommend this esoteric book:-

"Class Wargames; Ludic Subversion against Spectacular Capitalism" by Richard Barbrook.

It outlines the work of Guy Debord & other 'Situationists' in the present day(including Mark Copplestone & Chris Peers).

Very different from the usual 'Wargaming' books.

Some great quotes:-

"Hedonistic play was the radical antithesis of alienated labour".

"Comrades celebrating the collective playing of games as the epitome of non-utilitarian activity". I love this quote!

"Class wargames encouraging socialist wargamers to come out of the closet. There was no shame in playing with toy soldiers as an ideologically aware adult".

"Wargames can be both avant-garde artworks & political proselytisers".

The book looks at Debord's concept of political wargaming & gives two examples of contemporary games; "Russian Civil War"(using Copplestone figures)& Battle of Fort Bedourette in Haiti during Napoleonic times.

Heavy in places but very thought provoking.

Yes! I like the idea of my wargaming making me an "avant-garde artist" & "Political proselytiser".

Paul

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 4:10 pm
by jambo1
Have heard about this but never seen it, may now have to get a copy as it interests me a fair bit. :)

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 4:17 pm
by PaulPatrick
Yes, I'm glad I got it, it gave me a different perspective.

As a Socialist Wargamer, I'm now 'out of the closet'! :D

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 7:57 am
by Russian James
...as long as realise I'll be playing the White Russians!

Long live the Tzar!

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 7:59 am
by PaulPatrick
:)

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 1:28 pm
by Ben Waterhouse
Playing the White Russians? I am a White Russian!

Re: Class Wargames.

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 2:43 pm
by toggy
Much prefer a Black Russian, not too much coffee either.