Tabletop wargaming’s future is heating up beyond 40k, with tech, new formats, and bold ideas changing how we play. This episode breaks it all down.
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 discusses the future of tabletop wargames. Here are the key takeaways, section by section:
- (00:00–01:17) The hosts kick things off with humorous banter, quirky bits about “floor salad,” “bathtub burger,” and debating whether a naked man or a million roaches in your attic is more tolerable.
- (09:20–11:00) A key news highlight: Games Workshop has cracked the top 50 global licensing brands, placing them alongside giants like Hasbro, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.
- (13:36–15:13) Discussion on new Warhammer 40k releases: the Salamanders and Votann factions are getting strong treatment (unlike Grey Knights), and new Combat Patrol boxes offer mix-and-match flexibility.
- (15:13–15:38) Financial update: Games Workshop signals that at least a 5% price increase is coming, so buying now could save you money.
- (18:09–19:17) Excitement around a new interactive reveal event at Nova on Wednesday, August 27: model previews, Q&A, live art, freebies (even beer!), and gamer hangouts.
- (21:31–23:34) Introduction of the luxury “Bourbon & Bolters” wargaming retreat in Outer Banks (late January 2026): all-inclusive week of gaming, classes, catered meals, and swag.
- (24:52–25:41) Other tabletop news: Mantic showcased a Halo ODST box set for Drop Troopers (releasing in October), and Magic: The Gathering is rolling out a new Spider‑Man set featuring the first Infinity Gem card—Soul Gem in cosmic foil.
- (26:55–27:39) Marvel Crisis Protocol teaser: new miniatures—Red Hulk, Sensational She‑Hulk, Moondragon, Adam Warlock, Quazar, Multiple Man—spotted at Gen Con; release timing unknown.
- (28:03–29:08) Games Workshop finally released the 207-page “Horse Heresy Legacies” document, making old Heresy miniatures still playable, sparking expectations that similar support could return for 40K.
- (30:44–37:08) Philosophical deep‑dives:
- Is 40k a strategy game with lore or a lore experience with dice? Lore now dominates.
- The hobby appears more about collecting and painting than playing—GW’s ecosystem now competes for our time, not just dollars.
Helpful Links
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