Australian Gaming Con 2022 – Wargaming Recon #277

In episode #277 I am joined by Joshua Shoobridge. Joshua is a podcaster, wargamer dad, 3D printing enthusiast and our audio editor. We start off talking about what games and hobby tasks that he is enjoying currently. We also discuss how COVID has impacted gaming.

Joshua talks about his local convention CANCON and how long it has been running.  During COVID lockdowns many gaming events and conventions had to shut down or make changes. We discuss what changes CANCON made.  We talk about this years convention and what sort of safety precautions were employed at the convention; and we speak on how it felt to be at a convention and he offers a few suggestions for cons during something like COVID. Joshua compares this years attendance to prior years.

The next segment is the long absent Mailbag Segment. Members of the community have responded positively to our return.

Listener Chris R. said “play with Lego! You may want to consider Star Wars Legion as your game system. I am collecting an Endor force myself…”

Listener and superstar GM Mike Paine invited me to use his beautiful layout for LEGO wargaming. Mike is a friend, one of my favorite GM’s and does a lot to grow the hobby.

Podcaster Jay Arnold did a great episode of The Veteran Wargamer with guest Owen Staton. They discussed mental health and how tabletop gaming can be helpful. Jay kindly gave us a nice shoutout in the episode. Look for Episode 75: The Time Between.

Read More»

Solarian Games Rises – Wargaming Recon #276

In this episode, we are joined by games designer Peter Bryant.  Peter has quite a resume, he is a game designer, former podcaster, dad, science nerd, TotalCon Industry guest and co-owner of Solarian Games.

We briefly talk about how TSR had change names to become Solarian Games.  Wargaming Recon used to be part of the TSR Podcast Network, and we talk about it’s demise and why Solarian Games does not have one to replace it.

Solarian Games has a impressive collection of products under it’s banner.  Peter talks about some of the games and teases a few upcoming releases. He even offers some advice for the aspriring game designer.

I mentioned earlier that Peter was a former podcaster.  He was on the Mythwits podcast. For those who don’t know, it was a fun weekly video show covering games, science, technology and pop culture. We talk about why it went of the air and if it will return. We also get Peter’s thoughts on if he would ever want to host another podcast.

Read More»

Grief, LEGO, and Gaming – Wargaming Recon #275

Referencing the award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, Jonathan shares how chronic depression, anxiety, and grief caused Jonathan to feel like a sinking ship with no land in sight.

That is until Jonathan rediscovered a love of LEGO.  LEGO is more than a building toy.  It can even be used for tabletop gaming.  Listen to this episode to hear the tale.  You’ll also find out about some upcoming podcast guests and topics.

“Dear Jonathan, today is going to be a good day and here’s why…..”

If you, or someone you know, is with depression, anxiety, and/or grief please consider looking at Harvard Medical School’s “Ways to support someone who is grieving” or reach out to a friend or therapist (you can find trained therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and support groups through Psychology Today’s website).  You are not alone.

Seeking help is NOT weakness.  Sometimes we all need help and that is ok. IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE USE THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE AREA YOU ARE IN (911 IN THE US, 999 IN THE UK, ETC…)

Read More»

Lessons From Pandemic – Wargaming Recon #274

Kicking off the 2022 season with some lessons Jonathan has learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Jonathan shares a few lessons that apply to the tabletop battlefield and everyday life.  The global pandemic has impacted many individuals in a variety of ways.

If you, or someone you know, is mourning a loved one please consider looking at Harvard Medical School’s “Ways to support someone who is grieving” or reach out to a friend or therapist (you can find trained therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and support groups through Psychology Today’s website).  You don’t have to mourn alone.

Seeking help is NOT weakness.  Sometimes we all need help and that is ok. IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE USE THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE AREA YOU ARE IN (911 IN THE US, 999 IN THE UK, ETC…)  You are not alone.

Read More»

Oathmark – Wargaming Recon #273

In this episode Joshua talks about Oathmark by Joseph A. McCullough. Joshua gives a review of the game and covers the mechanics. He explains how to build your units and the different miniatures you can use.

Joseph’s bio can be found here.

The Oathmark rulebook can be found here.

Additional resources are found here.

The bases Joshua uses can be found here.

Read More»