A strategic tabletop activity, this type of game simulates scenarios where established authority diminishes or disappears entirely, creating opportunities for competing factions or individuals to vie for dominance. These gaming experiences often involve resource management, negotiation, and strategic maneuvering as players attempt to fill the void left by the departed power. Examples might include games based on historical periods of instability or fictional worlds undergoing significant political upheaval.
The importance of these games lies in their ability to model complex social and political dynamics in an accessible and engaging manner. They provide a simplified, risk-free environment for exploring concepts of leadership, alliances, and the consequences of different actions in situations of conflict and uncertainty. Historically, such simulations have been used for both entertainment and educational purposes, offering insights into the factors that contribute to stability and instability within societies.