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Short Games (< 30 min)2 Players Games Light Playstyle Games

Zone of Control

Zone of Control in Board Games

Definition

"Zone of Control" (ZoC) is a tactical mechanic commonly featured in board games, especially in wargames and strategy games. It refers to the area around a game piece that is influenced or controlled by that piece.

Origins

ZoC is derived from military strategy, where it denotes the area that a military unit can effectively control, patrol, or influence, impacting the movements and actions of the enemy.

Mechanic in Games

In board games, ZoC usually affects how players can move pieces on the board. When an opposing piece enters a ZoC, there may be:

Restrictions on movement, such as not allowing the piece to move any further or enforcing certain penalties if they choose to do so.
Involuntary engagement in combat or another type of confrontation.
Limitations on the abilities that can be used within the opponent's ZoC.

Example Games

Some examples of games that use ZoC include classic wargames like Avalon Hill's PanzerBlitz and modern strategy games such as Twilight Struggle.

Design Considerations

Incorporating ZoC into a board game can:

Increase the depth of strategic options available to players.
Encourage players to think about positioning and spatial control.
Create dynamic interactions based on the spatial arrangement of game pieces.

Conclusion

"Zone of Control" is a dynamic and compelling mechanic that brings an element of spatial strategy to board games, directly influencing the ebb and flow of player interactions on the board.

Zone of Control

Zone of Control in Board Games

Definition

Origins

Mechanic in Games

Example Games

Design Considerations

Conclusion

Zone of Control and Critical Hits and Failures games

Zone of Control games designed by Mike Wylie

Gettysburg 1863

Zone of Control games designed by M. Scott Bond

Littoral Commander - Indo-Pacific

War Game with Zone of Control

Zone of Control and Modular Board games

Zone of Control games published by GMT Games

Two-player Game with Zone of Control

Zone of Control and Card Play Conflict Resolution games

Zone of Control and Income games

Fantasy themed games with Zone of Control

Zone of Control and Chit-Pull System games

Zone of Control games published by Matagot

Scythe

Zone of Control games illustrated by Matt Healey

CastleScape

Zone of Control in Board Games

Definition

Origins

Mechanic in Games

Example Games

Design Considerations

Conclusion

Zone of Control