Strategic Mega-wargame Connects Sites Across the UK

On 15th March, a large-scale wargame (Just One Road) took place across three UK locations—London, Nottingham, and Bristol—as well as online. The scenario drew on a Second World War airborne operation from September 1944 (Operation Market Garden), though it was not a re-enactment.

Participants worked in teams of four to manage divisions and corps on a strategic operational map. No prior experience or detailed historical knowledge was required; the focus was on coordination, communication, and collaborative decision-making.

The event proceeded smoothly and was well received, with strong positive feedback on both the game format and its facilitation.

Wargame Highlights: A Visual Overview of the Event

Participant Feedback

• Overall Experience, what did you enjoy most about the game?

  "Gaming with a team was a great experience, although I never met the people in the group. The idea of simultaneous location was a great idea simulating the real war. "

  "I think the core experience of spending the day thinking about and engaging with the scenario and history was enjoyable. My wife (who I have megagamed with before) asked for my favourite moment and I couldn't point to one. But I did enjoy the day as a whole. I feel the whole was more than the sum of its parts."

• Would you recommend this mega-wargame to others? Why?

  "Yes. The challenge of overcoming communication barriers and the realism of the fog of war. "

  "Absolutely. I think a mega-wargame is the closest a wargame can come to experiencing what a battle is really like for the participants."

  “The lack of complex mechanical rules on the player side of the fence meant the experience was highly accessible, which as particularly good for me to get my dad to try this."

• How would you describe this wargame to someone who has never played before?

  "a live action multi player operational game about Market Garden, with high enjoyment as well as intense involvement"

  "A large multiplayer game about Operation Market Garden, characterized by multiple linked sub-games representing the major areas of operation."

• What key lesson or insight did you take away from the game?

  "The unstoppable enthusiasm of the 1st Independent (Polish) Parachute Brigade!"

  "Teamwork. Teamwork and Teamwork."

• "How did this game compare to other wargames you’ve played?"

  "It was the first time I have played this type of game online and I was very impressed by how well it all interface, Discord was an excellent platform for this game to be run on"

  "Totally different. Felt more 'real'"