In today’s digital age, video games and online multiplayer experiences dominate the gaming world. However, long before the rise of instant connectivity, there existed a unique and immersive form of gaming—play-by-mail (PBM) games. These games, which involved sending physical letters or cards back and forth between players, created a slow-paced but highly strategic and engaging gaming experience. Though the popularity of PBM games has diminished with the rise of the internet, they still hold a special place in the hearts of many gaming enthusiasts and have left a lasting impact on the world of tabletop and strategy games.

This article will delve into the fascinating world of play-by-mail games, their history, how they work, and why they remain an enduring part of gaming culture.

What Are Play-by-Mail Games?

Play-by-mail games are exactly what they sound like: games that are played through physical mail. In these games, players would send moves, actions, and strategies via postal service, and the game’s moderator (or sometimes a computer system) would resolve these actions and send back results, often in the form of detailed reports or game updates. PBM games could range from simple word games to complex, multi-player strategy games with deep, intricate plots and rules.

The defining feature of play-by-mail games was their turn-based nature. Players would have to wait days or even weeks for each round to complete, with updates often taking considerable time to arrive. Despite the slow pace, this system allowed for a unique level of planning and strategy that demanded patience and careful thought.

A Brief History of Play-by-Mail Games

Play-by-mail games have their roots in the 19th century, though they really gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The early versions of PBM games were simple puzzle or trivia-based games, where players would correspond with each other by mailing answers. However, as technology improved, these games evolved into more complex forms, many of which were deeply tactical and relied on long-term strategic planning.

During the 1970s, a new wave of PBM games emerged. A game called "Empire", created in 1977, is often cited as one of the first truly strategic PBM games. It was a wargame where players controlled factions and sent orders to each other by mail. The game’s slow pace allowed for meticulous planning and real-time negotiations between players. Over time, PBM games became more sophisticated, including genres like fantasy role-playing games, simulations, and even economic strategy games.

By the 1990s, the internet was starting to rise in prominence, and the advent of email began to replace traditional postal services in many cases. The speed of the game experience increased significantly, but the nostalgic charm of the slow, deliberate pacing of PBM games was lost. Despite this, many play-by-mail games still survive, although in more niche circles or as hybrid online versions.

How Do Play-by-Mail Games Work?

The structure of PBM games can vary widely depending on the type of game, but the basic mechanics are quite similar across most forms. Here’s an overview of how a typical PBM game works:

1. Game Setup
   Players typically sign up for a game and receive the necessary materials—rulebooks, maps, and perhaps initial moves or starting positions. This package is sent by mail or, in the case of some modern variants, through email. Games could range from simple board games to complex simulations of entire civilizations.

2. Sending Moves
   Once the game begins, players make their moves based on the rules of the game. Moves could include actions such as military attacks, resource management, diplomacy, or even character development (in role-playing games). Players write down their moves and mail them to the game master or moderator, who will then process these moves and send back results.

3. Game Master or Moderator
   The game is typically overseen by a game master (GM) or moderator, who is responsible for resolving the actions of all players. The GM ensures that the game is balanced, fair, and follows the rules. They may also provide updates on the status of the game, such as changes in territory, progress of campaigns, or character development.

4. Resolution and Updates
   After receiving all the players' moves, the GM or moderator calculates the results of each turn and compiles a report, often including updated game statistics, maps, and progress notes. These reports are then mailed back to the players. The cycle of waiting for updates and sending new moves continues until the game reaches its conclusion.

5. Strategy and Diplomacy
   PBM games often involve negotiation, alliances, and strategic diplomacy. Since communication is done via written correspondence, much of the gameplay involves letter writing and tactical discussions with other players. These social and strategic elements are an essential part of the experience.

Types of Play-by-Mail Games

PBM games come in many different forms, catering to a wide variety of interests. Some of the most popular genres include:

1. Wargames
   These games simulate military battles and warfare, often with players commanding armies or factions and engaging in strategic combat. Popular examples include "Empire" and "Diplomacy," a game of negotiation, alliances, and military strategy that’s still played today.

2. Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
   PBM RPGs allow players to take on the roles of characters in a fictional world, similar to traditional tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. These games often involve character development, quests, and storytelling, with players interacting with each other through letters or mail-based updates.

3. Economic and Political Simulations
   Some PBM games focus on managing resources, developing economies, or simulating political systems. These games typically require careful planning, negotiation, and long-term strategy, as players must manage a variety of factors like resources, alliances, and public opinion.

4. Board and Card Games
   Some PBM games are adaptations of popular board or card games. Players mail in their moves or card choices, and the game moderator processes the results and sends out updates. These types of games are often simpler in nature but still offer the same strategic challenges and enjoyment.

The Appeal of Play-by-Mail Games

Despite the rise of digital gaming, there’s still a niche group of gamers who enjoy the unique appeal of PBM games. Here are a few reasons why these games remain beloved by their fans:

1. Slow-Paced Strategy
   PBM games allow players to think deeply about their moves. The slow pace of the game encourages reflection, careful planning, and long-term strategy, which can be deeply satisfying for players who enjoy games that challenge their intellect.

2. Rich Storytelling and Role-Playing
   In PBM role-playing games, the experience is often more about creating a story than simply winning. The correspondence between players allows for rich narratives to unfold, and the game’s slow pace allows for the development of complex character arcs and interactions.

3. Tactile Experience
   For many, there’s a certain charm to physically writing letters, drawing maps, and waiting for updates in the mail. The tactile nature of PBM games adds an element of nostalgia and a sense of craftsmanship that digital games can’t replicate.

4. Social Interaction and Diplomacy
   The strategic and diplomatic aspects of PBM games provide a unique social experience. Players must engage with each other through letters, often forming alliances, making deals, and negotiating their way through complex scenarios.

Conclusion

While modern technology has made instant, digital gaming experiences the norm, play-by-mail games offer a slower, more deliberate form of gaming that focuses on strategy, diplomacy, and personal interaction. These games, though often nostalgic in nature, still offer a unique and fulfilling gaming experience that challenges players to think carefully, communicate strategically, and embrace the joy of a slower, more thoughtful game. Whether you’re interested in revisiting this classic form of gaming or exploring it for the first time, the world of play-by-mail games offers a unique opportunity to engage with both friends and strangers in a way that’s rare in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world.