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In this episode of Wargaming Recon, host Jonathan J. Reinhart and co-host Peter Bryant share practical tips for newcomers to the wargaming hobby. They discuss community connections, cost-effective strategies like using paper miniatures, and offer advice on miniature preparation and painting. Emphasizing inclusivity, they encourage listeners to engage with others, assuring that the journey into wargaming is rewarding and accessible.
In this episode of Wargaming Recon, host Jonathan J. Reinhart is joined by co-host Peter Bryant of Solarian Games. They dive into the exciting and often overwhelming world of wargaming, particularly focusing on how newcomers can seamlessly transition into this vibrant hobby. Opening with a light-hearted banter about their recent conventions, Peter shares his experiences at the Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo and reflects on the challenges of running games at events, complete with humorous anecdotes about attendance and snow cancellations. Together, they share their passion for connecting with the gaming community, emphasizing the importance of forming friendships in this shared hobby.
The ultimate theme of the episode revolves around practical advice on how to get started in wargaming. They discuss the intricacies of selecting the right games, emphasizing the varied paths newcomers can take based on their location and interests. For example, Jonathan suggests that while a rural enthusiast may instinctively turn to the internet for guidance, those in urban areas might benefit from visiting a local game store to gain exposure to available games and community interaction. Peter chimes in with his own journey of introducing new players to the dynamic environment of tabletop gaming, underscoring that visual stimuli often pique interest and serve as a compelling entry point into wargaming.
As the conversation evolves, Jonathan and Peter touch upon the often daunting costs associated with the hobby. They advocate for starting small, perhaps with a few friends or a modest budget, and even highlight the efficiency of employing paper miniatures as a cost-effective substitute for traditional models. Jonathan shares insights on the psychological driving factors behind spending—how visuals can lead to an emotional attachment to costly miniatures, even before diving into the intricacies of painting or assembly.
In an engaging segment, the duo addresses the various tools and techniques for preparing miniatures for gameplay, discussing everything from the essential hobby supplies needed to the joy of painting. They explore the ongoing debate over paint options, weighing the value of contrast paints against traditional acrylics, and emphasizes the importance of finding what makes the creative process enjoyable for each individual. Peter recounts his experiences with easy-to-use painting handles and dry brushing tips, fostering a shared enthusiasm for DIY craft approaches in wargaming.
Listeners will appreciate their genuine advice on forming connections and finding like-minded players, whether through local game stores, conventions, or even the digital realm. Peter suggests that the key to easing the entry into wargaming is being proactive—whether it’s starting a club at school, seeking out events at local libraries, or simply finding the right people to play with. They express excitement about fostering new players, inviting all listeners to come together as a community, and even banter about their playful predictions and light-hearted perceptions of the hobby landscape.
Throughout the episode, it’s clear that Jonathan and Peter share a passion for fostering inclusivity and camaraderie within the wargaming community. Their conversation encapsulates hope for all newcomers, providing encouragement and tangible tips that can aid them on their journey into the ever-expanding universe of wargaming. The takeaways are practical yet motivational, promising listeners that even in the face of challenges, the joy of wargaming offers a fun, rewarding experience that is well worth the effort.
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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.
