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In this episode of Wargaming Recon, host Jonathan J. Reinhart is joined by co-host Peter Bryant and special guest Nathan, who brings a wealth of experience and perspective on classic war gaming to the discussion. They delve into a variety of topics, from the intricacies of war gaming conventions to the deep-rooted history of games that have shaped the genre.
The conversation kicks off with Nathan sharing his experiences attending Gary Con, a celebrated gaming convention known for its rich history and well-established war gaming community. He describes the immersive atmosphere of the convention where, over a sprawling sand table, participants recreate epic battles with detailed miniature armies. Nathan explains that the tactile nature of war gaming—where players can physically manipulate terrain and units—appeals to his inner child while also satisfying his adult desire for strategic depth and historical education.
Bringing a personal touch, Nathan recounts his early interactions with legendary figures from the gaming community, such as Gary Gygax and other pioneers who made significant contributions to the world of table-top games. His anecdotes reflect the camaraderie found within the community, where not only are games played, but friendships are formed and history is shared. As the discussion unfolds, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing one’s own hobbies to cultivate happiness and fulfillment, thereby setting a positive example for children.
Peter then shares a compelling story about his own journey into war gaming and how he navigated the challenges of being a parent while maintaining his passion for the hobby. He underscores the necessity of personal hobbies for both parents and children, illustrating how these interests can foster family bonding and joy. The roundtable discussion also touches on the cultural significance of games and how they serve as a vehicle for social interaction, creativity, and even personal reflection.
As they reminisce about their own experiences with game design and convention participation, Nathan and Peter reveal their thoughts on modern gaming culture, including the rise of technologies like 3D printing and augmented reality tools that enhance the tabletop experience. They explore how these innovations open up new avenues for creative expression within the hobby.
Throughout the episode, Jonathan, Peter, and Nathan share laughter, dad jokes, and thoughtful insights that reflect their passion for war gaming as more than just a hobby, but as a way to connect with history and each other. The conversation closes with an invitation to listeners to engage with their local gaming communities and bring their imaginations to life, whether that’s through tabletop games, live roleplay, or imaginative storytelling.
This episode encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a part of the war gaming community. It articulates both the joys and the commitment involved in these pursuits, reinforcing that at its core, gaming remains about connection—both with the past and with one another.
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Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
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Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.
