The response to my previous piece exploring historical inaccuracies in video games was nothing short of remarkable! Boasting tens of thousands of views and numerous discussions sparked on social media, it’s safe to say that this topic has captured people’s interest and stimulated informed discourse. I can’t thank you enough for your engagement! Given the evident demand for such content, I’m thrilled to announce that I will be expanding upon this concept, providing even more lists of historically themed games! This time around, we’ll be diving into military myths!
The Virtual Battlefields We Know Are a Lie!
For many years, video games have provided an exciting and immersive window into the past, enabling players to control massive armies, lead heroic charges with a raised sword, or feel the immense force of a musket volley. Series like Total War, Age of Empires, and Call of Duty have become iconic, significantly influencing our understanding of historical warfare in both positive and negative ways. Yet, in their pursuit of entertaining gameplay, these games frequently oversimplify or distort the intricate realities of military history. They transform lengthy sieges into spectacular assaults, turbulent battlefields into orderly chessboards, and less-effective weapons into dramatic storyline elements.
In this piece, I will debunk 10 common myths perpetuated by these games, aiming to shed light on the true nature of historical warfare. Brace yourself as your longstanding beliefs about knights, cannons, and combat strategies are put to the test against the realities of ancient warfare.
10 – Siege Warfare Was All About Battering Down Walls
In famous historical strategy video games, siege warfare is typically simplified to a straightforward attack. Players construct ramming devices like battering rams and catapults, guide them towards the enemy’s fortifications, and use them to either create openings or climb over the walls. The walls in these games often serve as a defense mechanism rather than a tool for offense, which leaves the defending forces exposed once breached.
In Real-Life Siege Warfare: Contrary to what video games suggest, historical sieges were usually more complex and less exciting than depicted. The main objective wasn’t always to demolish walls and storm castles. In many cases, a direct assault was the last resort due to its high cost in lives and resources. A smarter strategy often involved laying a siege to starve out the defenders or even bribing some soldiers with riches and promises of safety to open the gates. Surprisingly, nighttime raids were common where small groups of brave soldiers would infiltrate the castle walls and open the gates for the main force to enter. Furthermore, once conquered, a castle could serve as a shelter for troops, so reducing it to rubble would be counterproductive.
Understanding the Enduring Legend:
The authenticity of siege warfare may not yield an engaging gameplay experience that players crave. Instead, they seek thrilling action rather than a monotonous waiting simulation. The direct attack system provides a well-defined objective, a fulfilling feeling of advancement, and the chance for spectacular, heroic battles – key elements found in numerous historical strategy games. This often signifies a compromise between historical accuracy and enjoyment and fun factor. However, it’s essential to note that not all strategic games neglect this aspect; grand strategy games such as Total War, Crusader Kings, and Europa Universalis meticulously portray sieges spanning over months or even years in some instances, demonstrating that balance is achievable! Kudos for acknowledging this!
9 – Soldiers Were Always Eager to Fight
In Military Video Games: In many war-themed video games, soldiers are often depicted as enthusiastic, well-trained individuals who are constantly prepared for action. These characters are commonly viewed as fearless champions, storming into battle with a warrior’s cry, firing their weapons with remarkable precision or wielding swords with unparalleled skill, and exhibiting minimal signs of hesitation or emotional strain. The overarching goal is to win, with the gameplay revolving around the exhilaration of combat. There’s usually no moral complexity, no fear, and the mental strain of warfare is often symbolized by fluctuating morale indicators.
As a gamer, stepping into the boots of a digital warrior, I can’t help but ponder the stark difference between our pixelated battles and the grim reality of war throughout history. Contrary to the adrenaline-fueled action we simulate, most soldiers – even the toughest, best-trained among them – have often harbored an inherent aversion to taking a life or risking their own.
Throughout much of our past, professional armies were scarcely present, and military training was a rare privilege afforded only to a select few men. The thought of engaging in lethal combat was seldom an attractive prospect for the majority of us. Even in accounts of World War II, you’ll find soldiers shooting aimlessly “over there,” with no intention of causing harm. It wasn’t until they were directed by their superiors or circumstances compelled them that they would take a life.
The Enduring Nature of this Stereotype: This stereotype can be traced back to the nature of video games themselves. A game featuring a soldier who hesitates, fears, or grapples with moral dilemmas would likely not be considered “enjoyable” by most players. Imagine spending time playing ARMA only to spend it contemplating whether the pixelated soldier you’ve killed had loved ones. The “aggressive soldier” trope simplifies gameplay, maintains fast-paced action, and caters to the power fantasy that many military shooter games aim to offer. By eliminating the complex and unsettling psychological aspects of warfare, it creates a more straightforward entertainment experience.
8 – Hand-to-Hand Combat Was a One-On-One Affair
In Most Fighting Video Games: These games usually depict fights as a sequence of individual duels between the player character (sometimes assisted by NPC characters) and a single adversary. Typically, this skilled combatant is a warrior who excels in fighting techniques such as strikes, blocks, and evasions. Although allies may be present, combat often transitions into a series of distinct one-on-one battles, even within larger conflicts.
In Video Game Combat: Most melee combat games depict fighting as a sequence of individual skirmishes between opponents. The player character, usually an experienced warrior, squares off against a single adversary, engaging in a staged exchange of punches, blocks, and evasions. While the player may have supporting characters, battle scenes often transform into a series of independent one-on-one conflicts, even during large-scale battles.
The Reason Behind Its Endurance: The concept of one-on-one combat in games, even strategy ones, is a reasonable and necessary choice for gameplay. It offers a straightforward challenge that’s easy to grasp for players. The idea of a player battling a powerful adversary alone is a potent narrative and a key element in numerous genres. A game that accurately portrays the chaotic and frequently deadly nature of historical melees would likely be frustrating, overwhelming, and not enjoyable for most gamers. The heroic, individualistic character of the player’s role contradicts the collective, disciplined nature of historical combat.
7 – Knights and Samurai Were Noble Warriors
In various forms of media such as films, novels, and video games, knights and samurai are frequently depicted as exemplary figures of their respective eras. These characters strictly follow codes of honor – chivalry for knights and Bushido for samurai – which emphasize values like loyalty, respect, and the defense of the vulnerable. Often portrayed as exceptionally disciplined and virtuous individuals, they prioritize their code above personal interests. The game’s narrative often challenges players to embody this heroic image, face tough ethical dilemmas, and demonstrate their worth through noble actions.
Historically, those we call knights and samurais were not always the noble figures portrayed in stories. While concepts such as chivalry and Bushido existed, they were more like guidelines for ideal behavior rather than laws that were strictly followed. The truth was much more practical, ruthless, and often contradictory. Many knights were known for their cruelty, committing acts of violence, theft, and deceit to amass wealth. People would frequently approach the king to complain about the knights’ misbehavior, and often, the king would compensate the victims and punish the guilty knights. The samurais also displayed similar behavior, which needed regular control by local authorities.
Persistence of the Legend: An Exploration of its Roots and Modern-Day Relevance
The enduring tale we’re discussing has a rich genealogy. As the military prowess of feuding nobles began to wane in significance (particularly from the 15th century in Europe), numerous works were commissioned that portrayed these noble families as loyal servants of the king and nation, champions of the common folk, and conveniently omitting their past transgressions. These narratives, referred to as “chronicles,” gradually seeped into popular consciousness, evolving into a long-standing myth, often considered an undeniable truth for centuries. Few historians dared to challenge this status quo. Today, this legend persists, especially in gaming, because it aligns with the “power fantasy” that many games promote. Players aspire to be heroes rather than self-serving landowners. This simplified, morally unambiguous portrayal of knights and samurais offers an appealing character archetype for players to assume. It serves to make historical settings engaging by downplaying or eliminating the more complex and uncomfortable aspects of actual feudalism. While games like Ghost of Tsushima and Kingdom Come: Deliverance have made valiant efforts to introduce complexity, the core gameplay mechanics often revolve around a solitary heroic character, reinforcing the myth of the exceptional individual over the messy reality of the feudal class.
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2025-08-16 18:50