A
board wargame is a
wargame with a set playing surface or
board, as opposed to being played on a computer or in a more free-form playing area as in
miniatures games. The modern, commercial wargaming hobby (as distinct from military exercises, or
war games) developed in the late
1954 following the publication and commercial success of
Tactics, The board wargaming hobby continues to enjoy a sizeable following, with a number of
game publishers and
gaming conventions dedicated to the hobby both in the English-speaking world and further afield.