PLAYING AT THE WORLD

Explore the conceptual origins of wargames and role-playing games in this unprecedented history of simulating the real and the impossible. From a vast survey of primary sources ranging from eighteenth-century strategists to modern hobbyists, Playing at the World distills the story of how gamers first decided fictional battles with boards and dice, and how they moved from simulating wars to simulating people. The invention of role-playing games serves as a touchstone for exploring the ways that the literary concept of character, the lure of fantastic adventure and the principles of gaming combined into the signature cultural innovation of the late twentieth century.

Exploreaza originile conceptuale ale jocurilor de lupta si ale jocurilor de rol in aceasta istorie fara precedent a simularii realului si a imposibilului. Dintr-un vast studiu al surselor primare, de la strategii din secolul al XVIII-lea pana la pasionatii moderni, Playing at the World distileaza povestea modului in care jucatorii au decis mai intai batalii fictive cu scanduri si zaruri si cum au trecut de la simularea razboaielor la simularea oamenilor.