Class Wargames.
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:42 am
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
"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