The SITREP Podcast

The Burst of the Gaming Bubble: An Industry in Flux

Welcome to the SITREP Podcast! Join host Bill and the full crew as they dive into the latest episode discussing the state of the gaming industry. With insightful commentary from Dawn, Martin, Oriskany Jim, and Chris, this episode delves into the notion that the golden age of gaming is over. The team explores the bursting bubble of the gaming industry, touching on the decline of major players like CMON and Fantasy Flight Games, the impact of Kickstarter, and the shifting landscape for smaller companies.
As the gaming world adjusts post-COVID, the crew discusses the potential for one-piece miniatures, the resurgence of war games in a box, and the transition to virtual and mobile platforms. They also highlight the importance of adapting to new technologies and reaching broader audiences. With lively discussions and personal anecdotes, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the gaming industry today.
Whether you're a historical wargaming enthusiast or just curious about the future of gaming, this episode is packed with insights and perspectives that will keep you engaged. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join the SITREP Podcast for an engaging exploration of the evolving world of gaming.

Cracking the Code of Two-Player Starter Sets: A Deep Dive into Wargaming and Marketing

Welcome to the latest episode of the SITREP Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to historical wargaming. In this engaging episode, our lively hosts, Chris, Oriskany Jim, Dawn, and Bill, come together to unravel the secrets behind what makes a great two-player starter set. With a focus on the marketing genius of Games Workshop, they delve into the art of creating the perfect gateway into the world of wargaming.
As the team goes live, they share their experiences and anecdotes from recent conventions like Autumn Wars in Bannockburn, Illinois, and Dragonfall in Lake Geneva. Amidst the vibrant discussions, they explore the impact of starter sets on the gaming community and the clever strategies that keep players coming back for more.
The conversation takes a twist as they tackle the recent controversies in the Magic: The Gathering community, highlighting the chaos and drama surrounding the banning of high-value cards. Join them as they navigate through the intricacies of the gaming world, offering insights and opinions on the ever-evolving landscape.
Grab your favorite beverage or paintbrush, and immerse yourself in this thought-provoking episode. Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone in this lively discussion. Don't miss out on the laughter, insights, and camaraderie that make the SITREP Podcast a must-listen for gaming enthusiasts.

Tech Troubles and Community Ties

Welcome to today's episode where we dive into a series of technical challenges and heartwarming community efforts. The team struggles with some technical issues but manages to get the show live across various platforms. We also discuss the absence of some key members due to work commitments and technical difficulties.
Our conversation shifts to the importance of community in the gaming world, highlighting some unfortunate news about Paul Sawyer from Warlord Games and Mel the Terrain Tutor. We discuss their health and financial challenges and how the community is coming together to support them.
We also touch on various gaming topics, including upcoming conventions, new game releases, and the significance of two-player starter sets. Join us as we navigate through these topics and more in this packed episode!

Creating the Ultimate Game Store: A Gamer's Dream

Join the SITREP podcast team as they dive into the world of gaming and discuss what makes the perfect game store. From clean bathrooms to thematic rooms, a pub, and immersive experiences, the team shares their creative and practical ideas for an ideal gaming environment.
Jim, Chris, Dawn, and Bill explore various elements that can elevate a game store experience, including dedicated rooms for different genres, a maker spot for 3D printing and laser cutting, demo days for trying new games, and even a pub serving coffee and beer. They emphasize the importance of community input and creating an atmosphere that gamers love to return to.
Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with nostalgia, humor, and innovative ideas that could transform any game store into a gamer's paradise. Whether you're a fan of historical wargaming, sci-fi, or fantasy, this episode has something for everyone.

Do You FOMO - SITREP Podcast Episode

Welcome to the SITREP podcast! Join the whole crew as we dive into the world of tabletop gaming, discussing everything from historical gaming to fantasy and sci-fi. In this episode, we delve into the topic of FOMO (fear of missing out) in the midst of convention season. Discover some exciting news pieces, including a special announcement that might surprise even our regulars!
In addition to our main discussion, we catch up on the latest happenings, including recent games and projects. From painting and 3D printing to major convention updates and new game releases, we cover it all. Tune in for a lively chat with our hosts and get ready to explore the dynamic world of tabletop gaming.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, grab your favorite beverage and join us for an engaging and informative episode. Let's hit it!

SITREP Podcast: Are Tournament Rules Killing the Fun?

Welcome to another exciting episode of the SITREP Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything wargaming and tabletop gaming! In today's episode, we delve into the world of rules and tournaments. Joining us are Dawn, Marty, Chris, and Jim (who's off playing Marine today). We kick off with some updates from our personal hobbies and gaming experiences, including the latest on Magic: The Gathering and Warhammer.
As we shift gears, we dive into a heated discussion: Are rules and tournaments a buzzkill in the gaming community? Inspired by a recent video from Vanguard Tactics, we explore the fine line between competitive gaming and the joy of playing for fun. We also touch on the broader impacts of major gaming companies like Asmodee and Hasbro on the community.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore competitor, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in for a lively discussion, some laughs, and a whole lot of gaming insights!

Battle-Ready Banter: Unleashing the Perfect Wargaming Scale

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the SITREP Podcast! Today, we have  Jim joining us from a secret remote location across the country. We delve into the ideal scale for tabletop wargaming, discussing everything from 54mm gladiatorial combat to the intricacies of 6mm epic battles. We also talk about the impressive new releases from Spectre Miniatures, the latest from Age of Sigmar, and the upcoming Port Royal Campaign from Firelock Games.
In our news segment, Marty brings us updates on the new Firefight Edge of Sanity two-player set from Mantic Games, the transition of Warmachine to Steamforged, and the much-anticipated arrival of CMON Comic Volume 2 in the U.S. Plus, we have some breaking news about Historicon that you won't want to miss!
Grab your favorite beverage or brush, and let's hit it!

Navigating the Future of Tabletop Gaming: Industry Shifts and Engaging the Next Generation

Welcome to the latest episode of the SITREP Podcast! Join us as we dive into some significant news shaking up the gaming industry. We'll cover the surprising announcements from Atomic Mass Games and Asmodee about the discontinuation of Star Wars X-Wing and Armada, and explore the future of War Machine as it transitions to Steamforged Games.
Additionally, we discuss the challenge of attracting younger players to tabletop games in an era dominated by video games. Discover insightful strategies and game recommendations designed to capture the interest of the next generation. From leveraging popular IPs like Halo to exploring historical and fantasy games, we cover it all.
So grab your favorite beverage or brush, and let's hit it!

Team Building, Big Announcements, and Hobby Adventures

Historical Gaming Highlights and Projects Unveiled

Good morning, everyone. It's Bill. Hey, it's Dawn. And we are coming to you for a special Sunday edition of the SITREP podcast. Today, we're going to catch up on everything hobbyish. Jim joins us as we discuss UK Games Expo coverage and other wargaming news.
In this episode, Jim shares updates on his recent Anzio game tables and upcoming projects, including a focus on the Saipan invasion. We also delve into the challenges of building and maintaining gaming supplies, like superglue mishaps.
Bill and Dawn discuss their new venture into printing custom gaming merchandise and share some of their creative designs. We also introduce a gaming wheel to diversify our gaming experiences, with suggestions from our audience.
Our main topic explores why we play historical games versus other genres. Jim emphasizes the meaning and grounding historical games provide, while Bill enjoys the underdog scenarios and the what-ifs of changing history. Dawn shares her perspective on the approachability of historical games.
We revisit some of our memorable projects, including the 13 days to 13 hours Benghazi project, and discuss the planning and execution involved in such large-scale endeavors. We also touch on potential future projects and the importance of balancing historical accuracy with entertainment.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the world of historical wargaming and our journey in this fascinating hobby.