Wargaming Recon

Havoc is one of the longest-running historical wargaming conventions in New England, 2017 is its 33rd continuous year. This year we record LIVE from Havoc! The best thing about it – it went smoothly!

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

History of Havoc

Havoc began in 1985 in Waltham’s South Middle School, a small gathering in a cafeteria.

Slowly growing to break 250 attendees in 1994 at the Framingham Sheraton.

In 1995 The Dave Award for best in show was created by way of honouring the late Dave Donovan, a key player in the creation of Havoc.

2004 is when Havoc moved to Maironis Park in Shrewsbury.

In 2010 the Al Award born for most visually appealing game in honor of Al Garnache.

2013 is when Best of Timeslot awards began sponsored by The Hobby Bunker in Malden. Co-host Mike Paine won in 2014 for his Hanghai Raiders – A now staple game to be seen at most New England conventions.

 

Dealers

This year saw fewer dealers than usual at the con, it is free to come and shop if you choose to not play games. Adrian and Jonathan used to come and shop.

Silver Eagle Wargame Supplies – They have a variety of wargaming goodies

Games

Adrian and I are signed up for The Battle of Legnano May 29, 1176, GMed by Chris Parker using his Day of Battle medieval rules but it was canceled

There’s Bolt Action

Mike Paine is running Hanghai

Some Lion Rampant GMed by Richard Wareing

Timothy Kesling had to cancel his Mighty Monsters by Ganesha Games

Dave Valentine had to cancel his Deerfield Raid 1704 using Osprey’s En Garde rules.  He ran it at TotalCon.

Dan Eustace is doing some Axis & Allies minis for A Bridge Too Far (like the film)

Black Powder and Pulp Alley also being run

Michael Johns is running Frostgrave

Pros

It is an affordable con, being only $40 for a weekend of playing. GMs are free or $10 if they play games. Or you can come and shop for free.

Kids age 14 and under are heavily discounted

Easy to get to this con.  Centrally located right off Route 9 in central Massachusetts.

Nice mix of games, periods, and styles of game.  Same is true for vendors.

The hall is cozy but a good size for the con.

Adults are allowed to use the bar at any point during their gaming. Not all cons allow this.

Mailbag

From Twitter

Listener @hddbstephen said of Ep 178 TotalCon 2017 “It was good, but too much a review of the hotel… Earlier shows have more on games”

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

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Recent Reviews

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PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

$55 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Next Episode is 181 releasing on April 24 2017

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact Wargaming Recon

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio files welcome)

Leave Telephone Voicemail: (347) 470-4263

Subscribe on iTunes

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Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song. Please give his other music a listen at www.matthewebel.com.

Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio for th[...]

You know what really grinds my gears? What gears you ask? Well the GEARS OF WAR(gaming conventions). Join Jonathan today as he vents his mind in regards to what can improve our beloved gaming cons.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

 

1 – Unnecessarily Difficult Experiences

It shouldn’t be like searching for the Ark of the Covenant to find where you are supposed to be gaming. Failing to number tables for GMs, mentioned in the TotalCon 2017 ep, is a prime example, This is a simple fix and very easy to avoid. Other things would be inadequate gaming space, having the con in hard to find locations, when your GPS says “good luck” when you put in the address is a bad sign.

2 – Registration problems

You should not be able to pre-register for games that are full. Opening pre-registration for hotel rooms and/or the convention too far in advance also falls into this category. Just like a fat person getting small clothes before they lose weight, when the time comes you just don’t know if it will fit.

3 – Unclear rules

The con should have a clearly stated and found code of conduct/terms of service/policies. They should at least state what is or is not allowed and also how monetary transactions are to occur. By this I mean they should say how much a ticket costs, payment methods, etc. If Moses could present 10 rules to the Hebrews, con organisers could come up with a handful of common sense guidelines.

4 – Lack of gaming variety/too much variety

It is annoying when a con has 5 games using a single system/time period to the detriment of all else.  It is also annoying if there’s a lot of different games that don’t cover any of the most popular systems/time periods. Clumping similar games/periods together such as all the WW2 games in a Saturday afternoon slot can be another problem. This tends to rely more on the GMs submitting the games as they submit what they like and when they can run the game.  The con does have a responsibility to intervene. Not everyone can be at the con all weekend or can play in that Saturday afternoon.  You need spread things out. Just like vegemite, it is better if its spread lightly and evenly.

5 – No Attendee Feedback

Every con should strive to provide the best customer service it can. Nobody is perfect and even for those that are great they can benefit from feedback. Every con should have some method for attendees to easily provide feedback. This can be as simple as a SurveyMonkey survey online, feedback forms at the con, or posting on social media. The con needs to take that feedback to heart, think about it, and make any necessary changes.  Don’t be like comic store guy from the Simpsons – “worst feedback ever….”

Mailbag

From Facebook

Listener Don said of Episode 176: Cigar Box Battle Mat Review -“I’m selling them in the studio now.”

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

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PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

$55 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Next Episode is 180 releasing on April 10 2017

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact War[...]

Adrian Benson and Jonathan chew the fat about TotalCon 2017 in the first ever Wargaming Recon live show at the con. As a side note from the show note monkey, I’m jealous!

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

The Hotel

Just to clarify it wasn’t the Bates Motel, it was the Best Western Royal Plaza in Marlborough, their convention rate = $129 for a standard room and $159 for a deluxe room which has a microwave and a fridge, nicer decor, the standard room doesn’t.  Lets face it, if you’re there for the con, you’re there to game and not sleep!

Hotel Pros

Larger venue so can fit many more games

Located near a variety of places to eat.  Loved the Indian restaurant we went to.

Lots of smaller rooms for more intimate games or specialized programs.

Parking lot is HUUUUUGE.  Plenty of space for everyone.

Hotel Cons (Not gaming cons or comic ones)

We had bugs in the room when I arrived.  Only ladybugs but still.  Hotel promptly resolved.

Got stuck in the elevator once.  Was told it a common occurrence.

There’s 4 elevators but they’re in a central bank.  So many people queuing up & most elevators full.

Took more than 30 min to bring stuff in to the hotel.  All carts were in use or hidden. We had to park far.

Layout is bit of a maze at first. Con ran out of books so we couldn’t our find way around.

New location is much further away than old for me.  Had to drive on 495 (Aussie thinks your slang for highway is weird) to get here…that’s a pain.

Weird experience at hotel restaurant last night (May have been hit on by a big bearded biker named Pam). Ended up getting dinner elsewhere.

Frostgrave

Michael Johns ran this fantastic fantasy game.  It was Johns first time playing and had a blast. Michael modified the game for a con setting where each player has a wizard and a warband they control. They venture into the ruins of Frostgrave, killing monsters, completing missions, earning points. to add a bit of flare, the player with most points at end of round 8 wins. It reminds Jonathan of Mordheim or Stratholme in WoW. He is totally head over heels for this game.

And Now a Word From a Gamer

Tabletop gaming documentary being done by Steve Wollett of Nerd Rage News.  Adrian & Jonathan were both interviewed because of Wargaming Recon. The film should release to film festivals later in 2017.  It will hopefully be shown at TotalCon 2018. Here are some familiar faces we should expect to see!

Tim Kask

Frank Mentzer

Nik Palmer

Jay Libby

Peter Bryant

James Carpio

Jeffrey Talanian

Final Thoughts

There were a few things we picked up on during the occasion. Things such as having the tables numbered in the gaming hall and better navigation of the hotel would have made the experience a tad more enjoyable. All round though, anytime you get to be with other gamers in a great atmosphere always magnifies the positive!

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page:

Listener Alyssa said of Episode 175: Cigar Box Battle Mat Review “I do like their mats.”

Listener Chris said of Episode 175: Cigar Box Battle Mat Review “Hotz mats does the same but the patch isn’t as garish.”

Comment on our Facebook page about an episode & it might get read on air!

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

 

Announcements

 

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

 

$2 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket C[...]

Mike Paine and Jonathan are right back at it, braving the creepy and the hollow they interrogate fellow gamer and terrain maker Mike Johns on his project Creepy Hollow Restored.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Terrain Making

Mike offers some great tips and tricks for those who want to begin their own journey – even discovering foam core! Mike gives a run down of his projects!

Commissioning a Terrain Maker

Mike answers life’s greatest questions:

How do you refer to yourself?

Describe how the process goes from a client approaching you until finished product?

Why should someone hire a terrain maker instead of doing it themselves/buying ready made?

Frostgrave and Conventions

We aren’t talking about the graveyard of ice cream salesmen, we learn about the new game making waves in the gaming community. They also discuss upcoming conventions and all the effort they are putting into them.

Youtube

This comes to one sentence: best area for resources!

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page:

Listener Tim said of Episode 176: Cigar Box Battle Mat Review “My early complaint with them was placing that garish label on the gaming side of the mat it needs to be on the underside. If someone wants to know where I got the mat from, I’m happy to tell them but I shouldn’t have to fork out those prices to advertise someone’s product in my games. Otherwise, it’s a very nice mat, well-made, and worth every dollar.”

Comment on our Facebook page about an episode & it might get read on air!

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

 

Announcements

TOTALCON 

TotalCon is Feb 23-26, 2017 @ Best Western in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Jonathan & Adrian will be there Friday-Sunday.  Mike will be there Saturday.

The Saturday afternoon Bolt Action game is full.  But, come in case someone doesn’t show up

Mike is running his Hanghai game Saturday at 1pm

Jonathan’s convention schedule is at:

THE SCHEDULE

There will be a listener meetup and open gaming with Jonathan

LIVE Wargaming Recon recording in the TSR Play room Saturday 7pm w/Adrian in which we’ll discuss the convention, games played, events and other fun

LIVE recording releases as episode for March 13, 2017

Many thanks to Mike Kafes of the Mythwits for acting as our producer for the TotalCon 2017 episode.

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

 

$2 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Next Episode is 177 releasing on February 27 2017

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact Wargaming Recon

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio files welcome)

Leave Telephone Voicemail: (347) 470-4263

Subscribe on iTunes

Find us on Facebook

Twitter

Stitcher Radio

Send a Voicemail (free, you only need a microphone and computer).

Theme Song

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song. Please give his other music a listen at www.matthewebel.com.

License

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relation[...]

In this episode we crack open a box of ol’ stogies and see what lies within!  Alex and Jonathan review Cigar Box Battle Mats!

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Mats Being Reviewed

Field of Battle #406 PLUSH sized 4x6ft plus

Cost = $69 for standard version.  $74 for PLUSH

Tundra #129 4x6ft plus

Cost = $69 for Standard, $74 for PLUSH

Desert #120 4x6ft plus 

Cost = $59 Standard, $74 PLUSH

Frozen Ruins #201 3x3ft mat 

Cost = $55

 

Sizing

4x6ft plus = approximately 56×76 inches

3x3ft mats = approximately 36×36 inches

Customisation

Hexes (1, 2, 3, and 4 inch in size)

Circular size (60″ i.e. inches)

Fleece fabric or PLUSH fabric (i.e. short teddy bear fur)

Pros

Mats are superbly well made/very high quality item.

Lots of variety in style, customization, and design of mats.

PLUSH mats are incredibly soft.

PLUSH mats add some 3D effect by mussing up the mat a bit.

Mats can easily create contoured elevation by placing objects beneath them, only possible because of the print process and the larger mat size.

Incredible customer service.  They are responsive to every need.

You can wash the mats.  Jonathan has not yet tried this.

Cons

Mats are made to order resulting in 3-4 weeks from order to delivery.

They’re not cheap.  The average 4x6ft plus mat = $69 USD.  PLUSH = $74 USD.  3x3ft = $55 USD, roughly $2.33/square foot for a 4×6.  $2.68/sq foot for 4×6 PLUSH.  $6.11/sq foot for 3ft

Bottom Line

Buy a Cigar Box Battle mat.  You won’t be disappointed.

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page:

Listener Lord J of Jayington said of Episode 174: Self-Publishing Your Game with Gabriel Landowski “I still have 25mins again of the latest episode, it’s great. What an interesting discussion.”

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

Announcements

TOTALCON 

TotalCon is Feb 23-26, 2017 @ Best Western in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Jonathan & Adrian will be there Friday-Sunday.  Mike will be there Saturday.

The Saturday afternoon Bolt Action game is full.  But, come in case someone doesn’t show up

Mike is running his Hanghai game Saturday at 1pm

Jonathan’s convention schedule is at:

THE SCHEDULE

There will be a listener meetup and open gaming with Jonathan

LIVE Wargaming Recon recording in the TSR Play room Saturday 7pm w/Adrian in which we’ll discuss the convention, games played, events and other fun

LIVE recording releases as episode for March 13, 2017

Many thanks to Mike Kafes of the Mythwits for acting as our producer for the TotalCon 2017 episode.

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

 

$2 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Next Episode is 177 releasing on February 27 2017

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact Wargaming Recon

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio files welcome)

Leave Telephone Voicemail: (347) 470-4263

Subscribe on iTunes

Find us on Facebook

Twitter

Stitcher Radio

Send a Voicemail (free, you only need a microphone and computer).

Theme Song

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song. Please give his [...]

Timothy Colonna creator of Trilaterum, Trilaterum being Latin for 3, talks about his 15mm scale miniatures for sci-fi company level wargaming.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Design Process – Some Great Insight.

Timothy tells us about the all important process of designing his miniatures and games. From ideas to play testing, Timothy goes into the nitty-gritty of conception to birth of his games and soldiers.

Advice For Designers.

Take all feedback but can’t incorporate all of it.  Stick to your guns when you’re sure you are right.

Be willing to change things if really worth it.

Give yourself plenty of time to create the rules.

You can follow Tim and Trilaterum:

Trilaterum.com

Facebook.com

Midgard Games in New Hampshire

Buy Trilaterum at WargameVault

StanJohansenMiniatures

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

Announcements

We will be reducing the number of episodes appearing in our RSS Feed & in your Podcast Players. Being the longest-running wargaming podcast means our feed is GIGANTIC. It has become too large so we had to cut it down. Well not really, just organise it a tad differently. Our older episodes will still exist on our website and be available for you to play and download. We will also continue to call back to older episodes as pertinent. Stay tuned for compilation episodes comprised of an entire year’s worth of episodes in a single download – Looks like Josh won’t be getting much sleep!

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

 

$22 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Next Episode is 176 releasing on February 13 2017

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact Wargaming Recon

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio files welcome)

Leave Telephone Voicemail: (347) 470-4263

Subscribe on iTunes

Find us on Facebook

Twitter

Stitcher Radio

Send a Voicemail (free, you only need a microphone and computer).

Theme Song

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song. Please give his other music a listen at www.matthewebel.com.

License

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

 

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name.  I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

The post Trilaterum Games with Timothy Colonna: Wargaming Recon #175 appeared first on Wargaming Recon.

The post Trilaterum Games with Timothy Colonna: Wargaming Recon #175 appeared first on Wargaming Recon.

Gabriel Landowski, author of sci-fi & fantasy novels, Give Me My Damn Bar: United States Army OCS, Miniature Gaming (Fun With Miniature War Gaming Book 1), takes the risk of coming on the show to discuss the process from writing to self-publishing.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Some time with an Author.

We asked Gabriel how did he start?  Where do the ideas come from? Gabriel also goes into the nitty gritty of self publishing, the editing process and why he works the way he does. If you want some do’s and don’ts – this is for you!

You can follow Gabriel’s work here!

Mailbag

From Facebook

Adam Carriere said of Episode 171: Fort Devens Game Day 2016″I gamed with Peter Lowitt recently.  He mentioned how much he enjoyed the podcast discussing the event.”

Do You Like Wargaming Recon, then Review the show

If you like what you hear please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes and Stitcher Radio are some of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Recent Reviews

Announcements

We will be reducing the number of episodes appearing in our RSS Feed & in your Podcast Players. Being the longest-running wargaming podcast means our feed is GIGANTIC. It has become too large so we had to cut it down. Well not really just organise it a tad differently. Our older episodes will still exist on our website and be available for you to pla and download. We will also continue to call back to older episodes as pertinent. Stay tuned for compilation episodes comprised of an entire year’s worth of episodes in a single download – Looks like Josh won’t be getting much sleep!

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Patrick

Chris Parker of Day of Battle Games

Kyle from Vermont

 

$22 away from next Patreon Goal

Reminders

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Contact Wargaming Recon

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio files welcome)

Leave Telephone Voicemail: (347) 470-4263

Subscribe on iTunes

Find us on Facebook

Twitter

Stitcher Radio

Send a Voicemail (free, you only need a microphone and computer).

Theme Song

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song. Please give his other music a listen at www.matthewebel.com.

License

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

 

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name.  I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

The post Self-Publishing Your Game with Gabriel Landowski: Wargaming Recon #174 appeared first on Wargaming Recon.

The post Self-Publishing Your Game with Gabriel Landowski: Wargaming Recon #174 appeared first on Wargaming Recon.

Dilly Green Bean Games’ TotalCon 2016 Cocktail Hour Class Photo depicting some of the talented industry guests, con staff, vendors, and your’s truly too.

 

Hope you enjoy this final of two “Best of” 2016 episodes. Originally released on February 29, 2016 the episode features TotalCon 2016’s highs and lows.

Don’t worry! We’ll be back with NEW episodes of Wargaming Recon in 2017.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Events Attended

Tiny Epic Galaxies with industry guest GM Ben Gerber

Convoy to Malta War at Sea Game with GM Dan Eustace

Writing for RPGs panel with industry guests Michael Curtis, Jeffrey Talanian, and Mike Pondsmith

My wife and daughter visited for the afternoon

Riding the Rocket the First 5 Years at TSR panel with industry guest Tim Kask

Playing 1775 with listeners (and friends) Patrick and Cary

Dilly Green Bean Games Cocktail Party

Problems Encountered

Hotel under renovations despite promising con it’d be finished before Feb 1, 2016

Guests were given wrong rooms

Interior of some rooms were covered with plaster dust (on the bed, TV, etc)

Problems with the water in some bathrooms. Turns off randomly, only gives scaldingly hot water in spurts

Telephones were not hooked up/operational in some rooms

Furniture haphazardly tossed into some rooms

It impacted all rooms but surprisingly it heavily hit suites and rooms for industry guests

More than 60 parking spots are filled with construction debris and tractor trailers storing items

Construction debris could be found in some hallways making it difficult for attendees with limited mobility to get by

The hotel’s restaurant had exceedingly slow service

NONE OF THIS WAS TOTALCON’S FAULT.  They did their due diligence but the hotel gave them incorrect information.

Support Jonathan through PATREON

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page:

Listener John said of Ep 152: Pulp Wargaming Hanghai with Mike Paine “Great to hear the Grand Poobah speak and enlighten us all. Nice job.”

Listener Richard said of Ep 152: Pulp Wargaming Hanghai with Mike Paine “”Great interview.”

Do you have questions, comments, or constructive feedback? Then please share it with us on Facebook, Twitter, or via e-mail at [email protected].

GIVEAWAY IS OVER.  Listener Kyle won the free weekend pass to TotalCon.  Here is his 5 star iTunes review:

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name.  I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Do You Like Wargaming Recon?

If you like what you hear and you use iTunes to get our content we ask a favor of you. Please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes is one of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Review us on iTunes

Stitcher Radio is fast becoming a popular way for listeners to find great podcasts. Help a would-be listener find Wargaming Recon by leaving your review.

Review us on Stitcher Radio

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through our Patreon. It costs just $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Dave & the Wargames @ BattleShades Facebook group

Patrick

Chris P.

Announcements

Wargaming Recon LIVE Page

Jonathan is recording Wargaming Recon LIVE for your viewing pleasure. You can watch the live streaming episodes through our brand new LIVE page.

It shows the live streaming recording, a calendar of upcoming live recordings, and it features a chatroom for you to chat with other listeners and with Jonathan!

Please visit our LIVE page to be an active part of the community.

The Maine Historical Wargamers Association (they’re the people behind HUZZAH “Historical Wargaming for New England” are a new sponsor for the show. [...]

Hope you enjoy the first of two “Best of” 2016 episodes. Originally released on March 28, 2016 the episode features now co-host Mike Paine discussing how to successfully run a game at a convention.

This ReCast tells is the episode that gave Jonathan the idea to invite Mike to be a co-host!  If you’re listening to this on Dec 22nd, I hope you’ll send positive birthday thoughts my way.

Don’t worry! We’ll be back with NEW episodes of Wargaming Recon in 2017.

The longest-running tabletop wargaming podcast on the planet

Links to Items Discussed on the Show

HAVOC Game Convention

Huzzah Game Convention

Buy Frostgrave on WargameVault (affiliate link)

Fencing Frog Blog

$20 Aurelian Unit Tiles by Sam Mustafa on DriveThruCards (affiliate link)

How to Make Custom Cards Youtube Video

$42.23 Hail Caesar rules on Amazon (affiliate link)

Hobby Bunker in Malden, Massachusetts

HaT Industrie 1/72 scale Ancient Roman miniatures

Caesar Miniatures 1/72 scale Ancient Roman figures

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page fans were asked to caption this photo:

Listener Cary said “It’s A B B A Select Start, how many times do I have to tell you.”

Listener Peter said “This new formula one racing game sure is kickass.”

Listener Irene said “Multitasking….you got this.”

Guest Mike Paine put his caption in the photo seen below:

Do you have questions, comments, or constructive feedback? Then please share it with us on Facebook, Twitter, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name.  I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Do You Like Wargaming Recon?

If you like what you hear and you use iTunes to get our content we ask a favor of you. Please consider reviewing us on iTunes & Stitcher Radio.

iTunes is one of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Review us on iTunes

PATREON

Patreon backers get the newest episodes FIRST

Don’t want to wait?  Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Thank you to:

Dave & the Wargames @ BattleShades Facebook group

Patrick

Chris P.

Announcements

Grow the Community

Want to get your friends to listen to Wargaming Recon?  We have lots of Wargaming Recon business cards.  E-mail Jonathan with your mailing address and how many cards you want.  He will send them to you for FREE.

Simply hand one to your buddies and fellow gamers when you’re at cons, game days, or club nights.

Wargaming Recon LIVE Page

Jonathan is recording Wargaming Recon LIVE for your viewing pleasure. You can watch the live streaming episodes through our brand new LIVE page.

It shows the live streaming recording, a calendar of upcoming live recordings, and it features a chatroom for you to chat with other listeners and with Jonathan!

Please visit our LIVE page to be an active part of the community.

The Maine Historical Wargamers Association (they’re the people behind HUZZAH “Historical Wargaming for New England” are a new sponsor for the show. So grateful for their support. Please be sure to go to Huzzah May 13-16, 2016 at the Doubletree Inn in South Portland, Maine. I’ll be there doing a LIVE podcast recording.

Episode Guide Tells You What’s in the Pipe

Some Reminders:

We suggest Mobile Users use Pocket Casts ($3.99 for iOS, Lite version is FREE). $3.99 for Android users.

Read the Episode Guide for sneak peeks at future episodes.

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Many thanks to Jeremy Kostiew, Troll ITC’s logo designer, for our amazing logo. Check out his portfolio at MightyNightGaunt.com

Penny for Your Thoughts

We hope you enjoy this episode of Wargaming Recon and welcome your feedback. Send it all to:

[email protected] (Audio [...]

The Great Wargaming Survey

Karwansaray Publishers and their magazine Wargames, Soldiers, and Strategy launched The Great Wargaming Survey in July 2014. Almost 7,800 wargamers responded to the survey. Jasper Oorthuys, Managing Editor Publications of Karwansaray Publishers, discusses the survey in this episode.

In this episode Jasper:

Explains why the survey was created

Shares how they distributed the survey

Dives into the statistics behind the responses

Tells some survey results

Want to know more about Jasper & Karwansaray Publishers?

Visit their website Karwansaray Publishers.

Stay up to date with their Facebook page

Follow them on Twitter

Peek behind the curtain with The Great Wargaming Survey results

Buy WSS Issue 75 for the full results

Mailbag

Via our Facebook page:

We’ve crafted a few theme weeks on our Facebook page. Just finished content from Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy magazine in honor of upcoming guest Jasper Oorthuys and also naval wargaming via ManBattlestations.

Do you have questions, comments, or constructive feedback? Then please share it with us on Facebook, Twitter, or via e-mail at [email protected].

iTunes Reviews

Stevbee from Canada left a 4 star review titled Great Stuff! saying “A great podcast full of a variety [of] good quality information.”

Josh Weaver from the UK left a 4 star review titled Cheers saying “Thanks fo ran excellent podcast! I’ve only recently discovered the podcast and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the cast and the dedication to improving that quality…all in all a great podcast! Happy gaming”

We’re up to 10 ratings with an average score of 4.3 stars! Please take the time to REVIEW the show on iTunes. It helps others to find our show and it also helps to grow the hobby. Thank you to those who have rated and reviewed us.

Do You Like Wargaming Recon?

If you like what you hear and you use iTunes to get our content we ask a favor of you. Please consider reviewing us on iTunes.

iTunes is one of the most popular ways for listeners to find podcasts. Why not help a potential new listener find our show and help grow the hobby?

Review us on iTunes

Announcements

On October 25, 2014 Jonathan is participating in the Extra Life 24 hour game-a-thon to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital. This fundraiser provides the money so that no child is turned away regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Children’s Hospital has done so much for my little cousin Gracie in her battle against CF. She is routinely admitted to the hospital to get her lungs cleaned out. It isn’t a pleasant experience for anyone nevermind a young kid. But Children’s has always gone above and beyond to turn this scary disease into something less frightening for my cousin.

My heart broke when I found out how many kids don’t get treatment because their families cannot afford to pay. Thankfully Extra Life helps those kids in need.

PLEASE consider making a DONATION

Over the years I’ve had a variety of guests on the show. Now I need to know who YOU want me to have on the show. Please CONTACT ME with who you want me to get on the show. If you can share their contact information or an introduction that is even better.

Henry Hyde, editor of Miniature Wargames with Battlegames AND author of The Wargaming Compendium has released a new product. The Wars of the Faltenian Succession compiles his 12 part series (originally published in Battlegames magazine) into one PDF. It has color photos, live links to external websites and other pages in the pdf.

Please BUY The Wars of the Faltenian Succession. Henry is donating 1 GBP from each sale to the Combat Stress charity. Henry’s new storefront is LIVE!

To further help Jonathan has a mission for each of you. He will make a donation to Combat Stress for every single sale he generates.

How does this wo[...]