What changed your hobby life since you started? Here’s what we think are the 6 things that changed the hobby forever!
The hobby world has exploded and in the past decade, we’ve seen some incredible advancements that you might have not realized were actually pretty new, relatively speaking. While some are a little older, they still have changed the game forever and deserve a spot!
Here are our top 6 things that changed the hobby forever in terms of hobby tech and products that almost everyone uses today.
6. Twitch
What is there to say about Twitch other than that ton of content creators, painters, cosplayers, and even Warhammer Community is on there! If you need some tips on painting or anything hobby-related you can find basically anything on there. If you haven’t checked out the hobby experts on there, you should!
5. Game mats (Gamemat EU, FLG Mat, etc...)
Game mats have been around for a hot minute but Gamemat.EU has exploded into the market with some incredible settings and warzones. The most basic of tabletop gear (beyond an army) is probably going to be the game mat.
While it’s simple in thought, it adds so much depth and immersion to your games it’s almost indispensable these days.
4. Airbrush Gear for Miniatures & Paints
Paint has been around for thousands of years. But there was a time where our selection was extremely limited. Airbrush companies began creating tech that was less for model planes and more for smaller, higher-detailed plastic minis. Since then, we’ve seen companies like Spray Gunner come into the market loaded with all kinds of painting gear perfect for the hobby table.
As far as paints go, GW’s Citadel paint has expanded its initial paint selection from the ’80s and ’90s. However, other paints like Scale75 and Vallejo have also come in clutch with all sorts of shades. There’s no color we can’t achieve in this day in age, especially through the airbrush.
3. TableWar Cases
Tablewar cases are hard-shell cases that use metal trays instead of the traditional foam that models are tucked into. With the biggest tabletop games out there being 40k and Age of Sigmar, we’ve seen some pretty spindly minis on the tables. From Sylvaneth and Nighthaunt to anything Chaos in 40k, there are so many spikey bits (no pun intended) that need to be protected.
Luckily, with a TableWar case, you can magnetize your minis to the tray and have them protected by simply not touching anything. If you drop your case or have to slam on the brakes, your minis won’t go anywhere.
2. Battlefoam
If you’re a traditionalist or don’t want to fool around with magnets, Battlefoam is actually newer-ish to the game than you might think and could be just right for you. Obviously, pre-cut foam is used to protect your minis and if you’ve got a bunch of smaller, non-spikey units like Space Marines, this may be the way to go.
Foam still remains probably the most popular way hobbyists store their collections worldwide. Plus they have a similar product to the TableWar case above as well.
1. YouTube
This might come as a shock (maybe), but the last ten years have been the decade of videos and streaming. While YouTube has grown into a mainstay app for everyone on social media, YouTube is also a goldmine for hobby content like painting/basing techniques.
With all of these six covered, which do you use the most for the hobby? How much have hobby channels on YouTube/Twitch taught you?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
