From loyalty rewards to hidden game nights, we spill the secrets of your FLGS. Don’t miss these essential game store tips and tricks!
Another Long War Two-Fer is HERE: Keep those hobby muscles strong with this week’s webcast and the latest exciting podcast of table-top wargaming awesomeness mostly centered around Warhammer 40k.
Show Summary:
This week, the crew walked about LGS secrets you may not know about. Here are the key takeaways, section by section:
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[00:01–02:38] Guest Introduction & Backgrounds
The hosts welcome Max Dubois of Hellfire Hobbies. Max shares his deep experience in the gaming industry—from running stores and commission painting to working in various roles, excluding only board game design. Get 50% off his Complete Introduction to Airbrushing Miniatures course for a limited time here: -
[05:46–08:08] Product Release Frustrations
Discussion about allocation issues surrounding Warhammer’s Grand Cathay and Saturnine box sets. Stores received limited stock, frustrating retailers and customers alike. GW’s inconsistent product support is criticized. -
[09:57–11:41] Space Marine 2.0 Codex & Release Speculation
The crew speculates on upcoming 40k releases—rumors of new detachments, Grey Knights and Black Templar drops, and a major Space Marine revamp by October. -
[12:56–15:51] Bad Game Experience & Player Etiquette
Rob shares a frustrating game with a casual player. This sparks a discussion on the importance of social interaction in gaming and setting expectations at the table. -
[18:05–19:14] Competitive vs. Casual Play Attitudes
Max and Haspil discuss the mindset difference between competitive and casual players, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation, even in sweaty games. -
[20:29–24:14] MidJourney Lawsuit & GW Discontent
Mention of a lawsuit involving AI-generated content. Then Haspil vents frustration with the lackluster Grey Knight Combat Patrol, accusing GW of abandoning veteran players and “telegraphing” the faction’s demise. -
[31:00–33:38] Reality of Working with Big Publishers
Max explains how companies like GW and Wizards of the Coast care little about individual game stores. Good customer service from smaller companies like Army Painter is praised by contrast. -
[36:48–38:25] Community Building Is Key
Haspil emphasizes that stores must build strong, family-like communities to thrive. The importance of events, trust, and player support outside sales is highlighted. -
[40:39–42:57] Dealing with Limited Product Allocations
Max shares practical and empathetic strategies for dealing with limited releases—transparent communication, face-to-face discussion, and fair raffles instead of favoritism. -
[51:13–56:04] Advice for Aspiring Game Store Owners
Rob advises against opening a store unless properly prepared. Running a successful store requires business acumen, defined roles, community leadership, and financial planning—passion alone isn’t enough.
Helpful Links
- Game Store Fails: The Hidden Costs of Gaming Tables
- Max Dubois Airbrushing Introduction Course
- LVO Tickets
- Monument Hobbies Paints
- Get Your Warhammer and hobby supplies from Fabricators Forge
- J15 Games Has Your Game Aides, Tokens & Templates!
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