"Weather As a Random Modifier in Gaming" Topic

I really don't think I know anybody using it nowadays.

I like the idea, but really, it's more of a scenario thing.

Should be an option of – 'no, but maybe I will'.

The "random" part of your question is what threw me off. Weather does have consequences (good or bad) in games as well as real life. I game mostly squad up through company level. The scope of my games generally does not allow for the weather to change enough to have a sudden or "random" effect on the game. Rather the weather conditions are set out ahead of the game and are in play the entire way through it. I can see it coming in to play in games that take place over days,weeks or months not just an hour ot two in a skirmish game.

If however, you are thinking along the lines of having a firing soldier roll a percentage dice to see if blowing dust causes his rifle to jam/misfire or something similar that would be different. That would add a level of detail beyond what I work with. Nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of coffee.

I can see where it would be fun but unless scenario driven,no.

Weather clearly has a major effect in real life combat, but we abstract a lot when we create a wargame, and weather is just one factor amongst many. If it affects one side more than the other (eg wind direction) or the balance of wepon types (rain making bows or early firearms much less effective) then it's worth modelling; but these are likely to be scenario-driven situations rather than randomly applied. If the effects are just to slow everything down, or produce a minor modifier, then I'll leave it out of the game.

I have used weather modifiers in the past, and will continue to, when it's applicable to the scenario. Otherwise, no.

In STALKER Zone settings, weather is one of the scenario modifiers,so yes.

If weather were a key element of the scenario (e.g., fog limiting visibility, approaching nightfall creating a game end) I would add it in but I'd be unlikely to use it randomly (too much chance of it unbalancing the game).

It is a wonderful factor just like fire spread rules from Squad Leader.For those who play sailing ships it is a must do as well.

Always for age of sail games, at least for wind direction. Weather is usually used for selected scenarios otherwise.

We tend not to make things to realistic sometimes. It is Larry's prime objective to be able to set up, play to a conclusion, and take down a game in a single day. He doesn't allow special things to slow down the pace of the game.
I have seen the desert at good old Fort Irwin and spent two years on the US's Russian Front in North Dakota. I understand the problems of wx in operations.

No but I should every once in a while. Thunderstorm blows up and fire factors cut in half?

well not to toot my own horn too much but I did some weather rules for alternative armies that will be coming out as part of a supplement to the new prydian aflame ion age rules. the base roll results in good weather most of the time but when it turns it can turn bad. the tables are set up for several climates and seasonal conditions and how it affects combat for various terrain conditions. Gavin is very busy so I am not sure when they will be out. I think the rules rock but I may be biased on that point. there is also a terrain generator in there as well as other stuff.

Lord, I spent most of the 80's and some of the 90's, living in the sandbox. The rest of the 90's and uptil now wandering the deserts and tundra of the FSU. I'm REALLY interested in weather, but mostly as patterns. So yes, I throw in random weather effects and whether the commanders really do want to fight in the rain or at least up until the rain/snow/fog whatever cuts in.

Weather is a much misunderstood element in gaming.

I use it whenever possible but most opponents don't like weather for the exact same reason I do: the randomness.

Certain types of games virtually require it. A naval game would be awfully gamey without reference to the weather.