The other side must prevent them from doing so or have separate objectives of their own. Some wargamers prefer a realistic and detailed simulation of actual historical combat, even though this often leads to more complex rules and slower, longer, and sometimes more frustrating game. Others prefer simple rules for a fast-moving game with a definite conclusion, even though this may mean sacrificing a certain amount of realism and believability and ignoring many details. Since a hobby is an activity for personal enjoyment, both these philosophies are perfectly legitimate as long as the person holding them is enjoying their own particular style of wargaming. In the MMGA, you can find players espousing both philosophies of gaming.
Some games are intensely serious, while others are just plain silly.
But almost always, the games are fun social activities. Historical and Fantasy Gaming Gamers have an enormous choice of subject matter. Rules and miniatures are made for every major historical period and region of the world although some may not be easy to get. In addition, rules and miniatures are made for imaginary fantasy and science fiction universes. Most gamers combine the historical and fantasy aspects to some degree.