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War Games

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War Games explores how wars have shaped the games people play at home and how gaming has been used to develop tactics and train for real world conflicts.

War games are as ancient, varied and complex as war itself.

Across centuries and around the world, military planners developed games to meet challenges and hone tactics. Many of the games we play at home, from chess to online multiplayer battles, have been shaped by contemporary and historic conflicts.

In this expansive introduction to wargaming, find out how games — from tabletop battlefields to digital simulations — have been used to train military personnel. Explore the connections between military conflicts and popular games. Hear thought-provoking perspectives from professional gamers, researchers, designers and veterans.

War is not a game. Yet war games offer insights into our relationship with real and virtual armed conflict.

An exhibition developed by the Canadian War Museum.

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