This was 2018

2018 was a decidedly mixed year on the real life side, with some bumps along the road that unfortunately also affected my gaming. However, I did get a good amount of gaming in, judging from the BoardGameGeek statistics:

2018 was definitely the year of Sellswords & Spellslingers. It even overtook Sharp Practice as my most played game! I played it with a lot of different people, which just goes to show what a good game it is – it can be enjoyed by old grognards as well as by newbies. S&S also was the reason for a completely new direction for my miniatures collection: To get the necessary figures, I started collecting and painting good old 28mm fantasy figures, and I have to say that I had a blast.

I’m happy that I’ve still had quite a number of games of Sharp Practice – on average I managed one per month. It’s still my favourite game and I can’t see myself losing interest anytime soon.

 

At the end of the year, a newcomer managed a meteoric rise to third place: namely Gloomhaven. We’ve bought it especially to play with my nephew, who fortunately is pretty excited about it.   I’m very happy that it led to more regular gaming with the kid.

The rest is a mix of old favourites (like Zombicide) and new games, most of which I’ve played with my chums Sigur and Virago. I’m really happy with the balance of very few favourites which I play regularly and often and a plethora of various games I’m able to try out – most of the time without having to buy them myself!

Apart from gaming, there were several highlights of my hobby year. One milestone was that I managed to publish my first article in a wargames magazine, namely my scenario for the Combahee River Raid in Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy 96.

There were also several great events. In April, the Gettysburg Battle Day at the local club. Then, in autumn, we had an event at our house called Missin’ in Action 2018. This was a lovely day with good friends and I definitely want to organise another one next year. Finally, a couple of days before Christmas we had Sigur’s splendid Christmas game, a festive extravaganza that left us with lots of ideas for other themed games.

One of the highlights of my gaming year was the trip to CRISIS. K. and I had a marvellous day at Antwerp, where we met old friends and made new ones and I came back with lots of inspiration and my painting mojo replenished.

Again, I’m glad to say that I’m really happy with my hobby life. Most of all, I’m grateful for my congenial friends and gaming partners. Thanks guys, your support and enthusiasm means a lot!