lewitmann
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Why isn't Warhammer more popular in Iowa City?Iowa City has a young population, not even counting the university. Why isn't Warhammer more popular? I know the cost and time involved scare off a lot of people. Oftentimes, if I'm playing a game, someone will come over, and seem really interested, because it really is a pretty impressive thing to see two whole armies in the middle of a game, then they ask how much the models cost...
Is there some other reason besides the money and time? Is it because of the MMORPGs? I played 10 years ago in Washington state, and it was a lot more popular back then.
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admin
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I think part of it is the absence of a regular 'group' or meeting time. CHG is more than happy to use these forums to get people together and run another league. Once a firm day has been picked it's easier for folks to stop by and move the little men.
I've always pushed Thursdays but it seems like Saturday or Sunday will have be the main day(s).
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Groomie
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This is a more complex question than it might appear. Miniatures games are not as accessible in some ways as card games or board games. Many players have limited time to play, and they play more than one minis game.
One thing I did recently discover during the Chamber of Commerce gathering at the store is that there are quite a few players who don't play at the store.
Warhammer Fantasy is quite popular in my opinion. The Mighty Empires Campaign system sustains around 6 to 8 players consistently. Jason Knox has really worked hard to keep the ME Campaign going, and right now 40K doesn't have that kind of leadership.
Here is my (re)assessment of 40K. 40K could be more popular if any one of the following was done:
1. Start a Mighty Empires campaign system. Obviously the store copy of ME can't be shared, but Knox has a second set that I might be able to borrow for this purpose.
2. Start a bi-monthly apocalypse game. Every two months invite players to bring whatever they have and run an apocalypse game. It is ridiculously easy, and if you keep the game non-competitive, I think that this suggestion could really bolster interest in the game.
3. Keep things simple. Serious league or campaign play won't just start. I strongly suggest that someone take ownership of the game and volunteer to organize events that we can play at the store. This person should have a good knowledge of the game, background, and armies. They should also be ready to teach the game, too.
4. My final suggestion may be the most controversial. I suggest that in store gaming be as close to a "Hobby" play style as possible. Hobby play is not about uber lists. It is about making a fun list that looks cool. You don't play crappy units, you just play. 40K is shifting away from a tournament style game towards a more narrative style, and there are growing pains. I think that if we want to grow players, we have to be able to play nicely, and not with the most cracked out lists we can find. Nothing, and I mean nothing, turns off a player more than to be smashed over and over again.
That is my two cents on the subject.
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