Local game shops are under pressure, and Warhammer players may hold the key. Find out what could save the FLGS scene from fading away.
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.
Episode 490
Show Summary:
This week, the crew talks about the future of local game stores! Here are the key takeaways, section by section:
- (00:02–07:04) Cold open and banter.
- Inside-joke saga about getting “glizzy iced” mutates into a prank where a friend DoorDash’s a whole rotisserie chicken to Kenny right before stream time.
- (07:04–10:58) Mike’s update.
- He bumps into Long War listeners at a USPSA match. Shares a reality check on skill progression in competitive shooting and laughs about running “hobo-tier” but beloved gear.
- (12:32–18:37) Animal interlude.
- Rob accidentally befriends a very bold raccoon while watching a friend’s chicken coop, complete with ring-cam video and stern dad voice, then a PSA to never domesticate wildlife.
- (19:06–21:59) Meta snapshot.
- London GT tops 1,000 players. Variety in Top 8 across World Eaters, Custodes, Tyranids, Astra Militarum, AdMech, and Aeldari hints that balance may be improving.
- (20:27–22:09) Product news.
- Ultramarines Combat Patrol with an upgrades sprue and decal sheet incoming. Imperial Fists CP sold out, Salamanders and Raven Guard in limited stock. Allocation frustrations continue, with stores reportedly getting two Drukhari battleforces each.
- (22:09–24:01) Line extension questions.
- Legion Imperialis “combat forces” appear while some stores report low demand for Old World and LI. Hosts worry resources are spread thin away from 40k items that actually sell.
- (24:29–31:49) Retail mechanics.
- Alleged “inside job” STL leak rumors and observations about Warhammer Community quality. Big segment on GW’s wholesale model putting inventory in store back rooms days early, effectively decentralizing warehouse risk onto retailers.
- (26:13–32:20) The headline topic.
- A Hyundai car dealership in California has a legit game store inside its showroom. Is this a gimmick or a glimpse of FLGS 2.0 where retail pairs with high-experience spaces and nontraditional hosts.
- (32:40–35:47) Quick hits.
- Amazon pre-order for GW Character Encyclopedia with free Titus mini. Dawn of War 4 trailer looks strong. Archon Studios playtests StarCraft Miniatures at Blizzard. Event notes for Cherokee Open, Las Vegas Teams, and LVO Doubles signups.
- (40:05–1:00:07) “Death and rebirth” of the FLGS.
- Survival hinges on community first, volunteer leadership, and product diversity. Some shops are shifting toward clubhouse vibes or memberships for pre-order priority and 24-hour access. Concern about aging demographics and affordability, with onramps via parents, Barnes & Noble-style board games, and youth outreach seen as key.
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