Thought of the day: why is war gaming important?

It's a good question if I say so myself.  Why is it important?  Why do we spend time putting together plastic/metal miniatures of fantasy and sci-fi people to play games with?  Wouldn't it be easier to just pop in a video game and play that way?

The thing about these questions is that it boils down to something that is pretty much a personal reason.  A lot of these models require a good amount of effort before we can use them on the field and if you take it a step farther you then spend that time painting which requires more effort and time!  We spend our hard-earned money on these models, which some are ridiculous in price (some not), and all the other parts in order to do this hobby and for what?

So why?

Well I can't answer for anyone else but I think my personal reason for doing war gaming can be split up into 3 reasons.  For one, I have a pretty big imagination and I get really excited thinking about thematic forces I can make on the field.  I get involved in the stories and often I will pick a unit or character that I just love for no reason other than the story or lore.  Anyone who knows me knows my love of the Death Guard and it has been primarily motivated by the lore.  Hell even the reason I picked playing the Protectorate of Menoth was the result of the lore of 1 unit in particular.

Another reason I love these games is for the strategy/tactics/mechanics of whatever game it is.  If the game is solid and/or has some sort of quirk then I am likely to be interested to some degree.  I know it's almost like saying 'duh' when I say it's the game that I love, but it's not just a game to me.  It's a test of mental skill, a exercise in tactics, a way of thinking up cool combos and great moves on the field.  There is something about pulling off a move in these kinds of games that just makes me really dig it, almost like mind crack.  I love what models can do uniquely and all the special rules each game has appeal to me greatly.

Finally I love this hobby because of all the friends and people I've met while playing.  I've ran into some of my closest friends including my Yang counter part Mike while playing these games and I've also met a wide range of people.  Sure some of them have not ended up being pleasant to deal with or my friends but I would gladly relive those unfortunate moments for those friends.  The games serve as a community medium in which many of us bonded over while simultaneously meeting new people.  Our group has been involved in many local events, some sponsored by ourselves, and it's been great.

For some these reasons will resonate and others have their own.  It's what makes our hobby great I think.  It's something we all can bond with but for our own reasons.  What is it about this game that draws you and keeps you in?  Until then war gamers stay strong and game on!