The function of this article is to attempt to jump-start growth in the hobby, and help organize more gaming in your area. Wargaming is a social activity which can allow us to build friendships that will last forever, while combining the skills and challenges of strategic gaming. Board gaming has declined in recent years for lack of opponents, and people turned to computer gaming, which becomes repetitive and boring. I have been a member of the NEW YORK WARGAMERS ASSOCIATION for 25 years. The group has been meeting every Thursday for over 33 years. Over the years, the members of our club have shared moments in history, celebrated our victories both on and off the battlefield, and supported each other in times of defeat. I am grateful that I have been able to be a part of this association. When I moved to New Jersey ten years ago, I met many gamers with no direction, and no organization. I realized that there was a need to bring people together. Unlike my NYWA group, I knew that we did not have the base to have a private space where we could gather. So, I formed a local group of 8 people that meets almost every week in different houses. Each person gets to use his wargaming table, and it became apparent that most gamers have a table in their basement and are waiting to use it.
Our hobby is very diverse, and it is important to recognize this so that your gaming group share similar interests. The diagram below describes my perception of what our hobby is.
This is the wide range of our hobby. You have the painter who just loves to paint that single figure, and to the extreme end you have the guy who has to dress up as a Confederate to recreate history. I love the history and the figures, but I draw the line at putting on a uniform. Each person in the hobby expresses his love of military history individually. Some people enjoy the social benefits gained from engaging in a game, or experiencing a reenactment; some prefer more solitary pursuits.
There are three kinds of gaming groups. The first type is a group of two guys that meet informally once or twice a month to play each other. This is fine, but they are missing out on the social aspects of the hobby, and don't get the opportunity to meet other opponents in battle. The second group is a actual club that meets at least once a month in a place, such as a YMCA or some type of rented space that can accommodate large groups. The third group is the roving nomad gaming group that play at least two or three times a month in a different house. As more gamers are introduced to this group, it has the potential to grow someday into an actual club.
The key to making this work is marketing and advertising. You need to post signs in any local hobby stores. Also, list yourself on the internet in all the club listings. There are about five of these. Go to Yahoo and do a search on miniature wargaming clubs. You will get them from around the world. What I did to start my group going was to get a listing of all the people that are or have been members of Historical Miniature Gaming Society. They will be happy to supply you with this, and you can contact them at HMGS.org. Take about 100 names in your area (look for local zip codes), do a simple mailing inviting them down for a special game with your group. A $37 dollar investment is nothing if you have thousands of dollars of soldiers waiting to march to victory. You may only get about 10 responses, but this will be the catalyst to start the ball rolling. These 10 people will be the wargamers from the diagram: the other 90 who did not respond are those people that are into painting or modeling or the history only, or are not into group gaming. And many times, the new people in your group will have a friend they game with, so 10 responses might bring 15 people. Most people think that no one plays in there area, and are shocked when they find out that there are as many as 40 gamers in their area. Also, an hour's drive can be an insignificant factor when quenching the thirst for battle!
Remember after you have the game, get e-mail addresses so an e-mail can be sent each week to tell where the next game is, what's going on at this person's house, or to set up an attack plan for next month. The battle is not over until a regular pattern is set, so don't just make this a one-shot deal. Also, you have to mix up the gaming because people will always have their personal favorites. And the most important bit of information: never, never pick a president. Trivial politics should be avoided at all cost. Just meet and game. NWYA has been meeting for 33 years, all we have for the club is one person that collects the money to pay the rent. We do have one group vote, though, and that is to decide whether to vote in a new member.
I love this hobby. It's been a part of my life for over 35 years. Many people have come to me and said it was this game or that convention that made them interested in the hobby. We need more gaming going on, and you have to make it a part of your weekly events. I wargame every Thursday and Sunday. Make it happen and help the hobby to grow. The people at HMGS have tried everything to increase this hobby, but it has to happen with you. And bring those children into your games. It is a great way for them to learn history and strategy. They grow fast, and before you know it, they are 20 and are rolling dice at the conventions.
If you have any questions or would like some more creative ideas, please contact me, Dave Waxtel at QUANPRINT@aol.com.
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© Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum
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