Some love the game.
Some love the painting.
Some love the modelling, or the terrain-making.
Some love the design, sculpting, and conversion of figures.
Some spend more time on research, reading and studying the uniforms or histories of campaigns.
In fact, I would say, that for many people in the hobby, some or all of these elements will play a big part. But, at a push, most will have a preference, or a hierarchy of priorities. And each to their own.
The recent lockdown has been kind to me in terms of painting. Whilst I have been working hard at the day job, I have also used the time to get more done at the paint desk.
Where I haven't been so good is at the gaming table.
I openly confess that whilst I like a good game amongst pals, the gaming part of the hobby is not paramount for me.
And that makes gaming without an opponent seem, well, even more fruitless somehow.
I had long suspected it. But recent events have rather confirmed it. QED.
You see, I set up the Altekirche game at the end of June... and I have only done three turns since then, manoeuvring the armies into position.
Here's the state of play...
I'm not sure they will fire, attack, or just sit there glaring at each other for a while longer. For me, it's just enough to look at the scene laid out on the table.
Food for thought...
Hmm a debate I've been involved with before - I spend a lot of time painting and planning and designing games I love those elements the most and the end of this year will see me make a big push to return to Scotia-Albion and start writing up more background, plots and sub plots that may see armies take to the field.
ReplyDeleteAs to the game well it's got to look good and play well - I'm not a rules lawyer and I don't care about winning - I love the small dramatics that take place - the unit that takes on a heroic stature. The General that lets you down .
Anyway enough ramble back to the paint desk 😀
It's true to say that the non-gaming parts of the hobby consume far more of my time than the gaming parts too, and I suspect we're not alone Graham. In fact, I think that's what makes this a 'hobby' rather than just being about the gaming. Looking forward to more on Scotia Albion in the months ahead. Cheers. Phil
DeleteFunnily enough I'd rather umpire others than play. I like the painting and planning for a big game most. Not bothered about winning as long as it's fun.
ReplyDeleteInteresting Paul. I think it's good to be a competitive wargamer, without that 'need to win' overriding the historically plausible narrative that we are attempting to portray. I do think for large multiplayer games, good umpiring is like gold dust. Best regards. Phil
DeleteIt's a very personal thing wargaming , I have played mainly solo on and off for the last 50 years and it's never been a problem , but I have friends that never play solo and will only game head to head .
ReplyDeleteI suppose if you've played solo for that long, you do get used to it, and find a level that suits you. Well done! I admire those who do game solo and make it work in that way. Best regards. Phil
DeleteI seem to be sitting on the fence on this one. Great to have a live opponent but sometimes you end up playing solo by necessity. I also enjoy just setting up the table pushing a few units around, test a few rules and just enjoy the look of it. Cheers Greg
ReplyDeleteLike you Greg, I find that setting the table up creates the story, and I get to the stage where I don't really need to play the game. I can just admire it, and understand the likely story in my mind's eye. Cheers. Phil
Delete"The look of the thing" definitely. Being able to leave a game set up in situ and ply slowly through it is my ideal. Sadly, two cats and The Young Master's inquisitive fingers make this easier said than done at the moment.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
Indeed Stokes. Sometimes, family and other pets can get in the way of the hobby!! One day, the Young Master may become your regular opponent and hobby collaborator. Now, that would be good! All the best. Phil
DeleteDuring the lockdown I've played a few solo games; I spent quite a bit of time planning the games, making sure the setup was right. Some of the games took a while to play - sometimes I would just enjoy the look of the game as it was setup and in between moves. For bigger games, playing a move every other day or so.
ReplyDeleteAllan
A well-planned game is essential in my book, Allan. I think it's important to build up a game as an 'event', rather than just lining up and starting to advance... Well done on getting so many games in. You always show well-planned games. For me a game needs the attendant 'theatre', the notional backstory, which you do so well. Best regards regards. Phil
DeleteInteresting discussion. I've not solo'd for decades. I'm very fortunate to have a select few like minded local friends to play with at least once a week. Like you the panning is essential for the event's narrative to evolve in a memorable game not just a throw away "one night stand". For my part I can do the competitive thing under certain circumstances but at heart I enjoy being part of an unfolding drama, a player on stage which looks as good as I can make it. Winning is secondary to recreating memories & seeing others enjoy the experience too. Hope that makes sense...
ReplyDeleteVery best wishes,
Jeremy
hanks Jeremy. I think you've hit the nail on the head... having a small group of like-minded fellow players is the perfect answer.
Delete"All the wargames table's a stage, and we are merely players..."
Best regards
Phil