The miniature wargaming hobby has more layers than the proverbial onion.
Firstly, there’s the complete diversity of games and storyworlds out there. Some gamers focus exclusively on the historical, attempting to recreate real-life battles in the most authentic way possible.
Miniature wargaming also lends itself to the escapism of fantastical and science fiction universes. Here, the possibilities are endless. From a small group of Space Marines fighting their way through the cramped corridors of an alien-infested spacecraft, to a vast shambling horde of undead closing in on a beleaguered Imperial settlement.
Miniature Wargaming, Minus the Gaming
And yet, the actual “gaming” aspect could still be considered a small piece of the wider miniature wargaming pie.
Some people simply like to collect miniatures. Often, these collectors will be interested in the painting aspect. There are some world-class mini painters out there these days who’ve seldom rolled a dice in their life.
Others like to build terrain. This can range from simple trees and hills, to entire villages and cities. Often, these folks will be creating terrain in order to improve their gaming experience. But in some instances, the purpose may be to construct intricate dioramas and other such works of art.
It’s common for miniature painters to have an interest in converting and “kit bashing” their models too. Some may even choose to become sculptors themselves, and create original pieces from scratch.
A Tactile Hobby
Many have questioned why, in a world of state of the art immersive video games, there are still people who physically push static miniatures around a table.
Ostensibly, it seems like there’s no contest between miniature wargaming and its digital counterpart. Video games are so realistic these days, there’s no real set up or tidy up time needed, and the bar of entry is often as low as a one-off cost to buy a game.
Miniature wargaming on the other hand, requires quite a lot from the hobbyist. The buying and painting of minis, the learning of rules, the arranging of games and getting together somewhere to actually play your game of choice.
And yet, we do it. I think this is because there’s so much satisfaction in the hobby that simply can’t be replicated in a digital form. From manoeuvring that newly painted squad of warriors through those scratch-built ruins, to the direct social experience of you and your opponent playing out an immersive story on the tabletop in front of you.
A video game will spoon feed you every little detail of an experience. A tabletop miniature game on the other hand, is a collaboration between the physical pieces on the table, and your imagination.
Storytelling
That brings me on to the final (but in my view, most important) aspect of miniature wargaming.
The storytelling.
Yes, there are some hobbyists out there who play simply to win games. And if that’s what gives them the most pleasure, then all power to them.
But I think the vast majority of us look for the escapism in the miniature world we’ve physically built in front of us. That tangible sandbox we interact with – each one entirely unique in its own way.
These battlefields are often part of a wider world or universe too. Entire campaigns are created to fight out heroic sagas, either in the custom-built worlds of the gamer, or in popular and iconic settings such as the Warhammer Old World.
The layers and sub-layers of the miniature wargaming hobby are fascinating. Each of us has our own unique background and areas of interest, but what connects us mostly, is that we are storytellers.
Summary: The Miniature Wargaming Hobby
I’ve noticed a bit of a pattern in the hobby since I returned to it last year. And it’s exactly that – folks returning to their childhood passion after a long hiatus.
Of course, there are some out there who stuck with it through their late teens and early 20s. And there are others who didn’t collect or play at all as kids. But it’s very common to hear about people who thought they’d “grown out of it”, only to walk past a Games Workshop one day in their 40s, and… well, you know the rest.
I think this is great, because it shows the hobby stands the test of time, and it doesn’t matter what age you are. It’s also an excellent way to engage with your kids and get them involved in something physically creative. Something that can give them a rare escape from the world of smartphones, tablets, and Playstations.
For more on this, check out:
- Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast
- On Returning to the Tabletop Miniature Hobby
- Top 29 Tips For Beginners Paintings Minis
I’d love to hear about your own experiences and thoughts on the miniature wargaming hobby. Were you one of “the returned” – brought back to life by the great hobby Necromancer? Did you join on in later life? Or have you never been away since picking up your very first mini? Leave a comment in the comments section below, or tweet us to get the discussion going!