POLL: The Natural Lifespan of Rules

The last day of voting is 8 Oct 2025.

miniMo

writes:

Robert, I think you're on to something regarding the length of the rules. Also that indicates the designer is focusing in depth/complication over some aspect(s) that seems really important at the time of the writing.

10 years later, gamers may not wish to wade through that particulare complication.

The tighter the rules, the more the game shines through.

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The Natural Lifespan of Rules

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POLL DESCRIPTION

robert piepenbrink writes:

I've played and still play 60+ year old rules if they're suitable to troops and period, and I don't have any problem with them. But I've seen wargamers reject 10-15-year-old rules as hopelessly old-fashioned. Do rules have a "natural" or "normal" lifespan? Is there a period after which they become "vintage" instead of just "tested?" And does this vary with type of combat (land, sea, air) or type of play (tournament, club small circle of friends)?

Poll set up by Editor in Chief Bill , based on this pre-poll discussion.