How do I approach ideas for my own wargames?

I love tapping into periods and conflicts that either haven't been tapped into or have barely been addressed. The joy in it stems from resolving real-world engagements through a wargaming lens. My interests stem form a love of history, science fiction, and fantasy. Both a blessing and a curse, this myriad of interests enables me to see the potential in a variety of conditions.

Taking Matchlocks & Witchcraft, for example, I love stories told that are rooted in accurate representations of a particular period. The idea that these puritans were so overcome with superstition that they would villainize their neighbors and loved ones was something that intrigued me. Otherwise I have no particular connection to witchcraft in 1600s New England. I thought that addressing a physical altercation had these superstitions been true would play out as a very thematic setting for a small tabletop game. It is less about fantastical elements and Hollywood tropes than it is about the thoughts, beliefs and concerns of the real people that actually lived through them.

I am arguably even more excited for my second title, yet to be released. This Forsaken Rock delves into the mental strife of isolation. While historical in representation the key game elements borrow from the fantasy of hallucinations. These interactions form the enemy in which the players must face and, ultimately, survive to reach the endgame. I wanted this idea to start as a cooperative venture that would have the potential for the players to have to turn on one another if their psychosis and paranoia level became overwhelming.

I have yet to see any miniature game address these scenarios outright and am excited to give a go at bringing them to the tabletop.

Thank you for reading

-Sam