Brent: Wargaming: What’s Trending Now?
Welcome again to Terrible Tuesday… but how bad could it be? Most of you are probably reading this from work.
Ignore me. It’s jealousy talking; the network where I earn my miniatures-money blocks me from any part of the Internet that’s remotely entertaining.
So, what’s Trending Now? This will be an irregular series of articles about the trends in our fine hobby. I’ll present variations on a theme and offer my opinion about what’s trending up and what’s trending down. To put it another way, what’s popular or gaining popularity versus a trend that’s losing steam. This will no doubt offer the Trollish among you to make the ever obvious, “Brent is trending down,” sort of jokes. My goal is to make it all just so easy.
This article’s focus is on the traditional versus the digital. The categories are:
Books versus E-Books
Like many of you, I grew up reading history, fantasy, and science fiction. I was perhaps a bit of a snob when the Black Library started producing books… after all, I couldn’t stand the D&D series that were everywhere; when I’d try to read them, it was like I could hear the dice rolling in the background. Some Games Master’s generic trope passed off with big-bosomed female warrior sisters who never had to take a leak in the woods and always looked hot.
Take a guess who didn’t date much in high school, said the author.
But anything else was fair game, and still is. But I held out on reading Black Library books… until the Horus Heresy series. Man, those are so freakin’ good! I couldn’t resist checking out others, and I’m glad I did. I’ve gone through a number of them now and haven’t made a purchase I regret. They have the dark, gothic tone with a British snark I find appealing.
I have to admit, I haven’t strayed into the Warhammer side – it’s been strictly Space Marines or Xenos scum for me, thanks.
But book versus e-book? Is there a clear winner? In mind mind it is, and it’s so obvious it barely needs explaining. If you don’t own a Kindle or iPad, what are you waiting for? Yeah, I like collections too… but it’s easier to appreciate them when you’re not storing them on a shelf.
White Dwarf versus Electronic Dwarf
A few years back I wrote a pretty dismal review of White Dwarf, when it had slowly morphed into a book you waited the month for into advertisements for models you could appreciate more online.
Okay, that’s probably still the case, but I’ll admit I’m pleased to say the White Dwarf team is trending up in my view! Games Workshop can keep a secret now, so new releases are actually pretty exciting. Combine that with the new speed at which books are produced…
(Heck, the printers can’t keep up! Hope you enjoy the wait for the Farsight Enclave!)
…and there’s a new army or faction or book to read about in the pages of the monthly mag I just can’t stop buying. Except I can, and did.
The electronic copy is cheaper, better, and (somehow) crisper. The electronic price point brought it down into the “Well Worthwhile” category for me. Winner.
Brick and Mortar versus The Shopping Cart Icon
I’m of the firm opinion that if you play in a Brick and Mortar you probably ought to shop there. Yeah, you can save 20% – or more, sometimes – but what about keeping open your gaming space?
Does your wife want your friends over every Saturday afternoon or Thursday night?
My local store supports monthly tournaments and keeps the card gamers (ugh) in their own area. We have two always open tables and can fit a third if we need to. There’s great terrain you don’t have to drag from home – what’s not to like?
Don’t be that guy. Support your store!
Lastly, regarding the discount, if you’re making a big order just ask and see what he or she can do. Chances are, if you’re loyal, they’re loyal.
Hardback Rules versus Digital Rules
We’ve touched on a lot of the topics here, including space on the shelf… but how about space in your backpack? Several of the guys keep their gaming rulebooks in a backpack in their vehicle – when you see some guy huffing that in, you begin to realize just how many books there really are.
So yeah, I like to carry mine around on the iPad. But what really sold me was the rulebook. The links make navigating to pertinent sections a cinch. It’s just an old fashioned improvement, if you ask me.
So, What’s Trending Now?
E-Books !!
Electronic Dwarf !!
Brick and Mortar !!
Digital Rules !!
Ebay versus Bartertown
