Every February the York Wargames Society hosts a wargaming convention called Vapnartak. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to attend for the last three years and had a blast every time (and even once managed to convince my partner to go with me). They have a good balance of traders, participation games and demonstrations on, as well as a very good table sale. The convention is split over three floors of the Knavesmire Stand at York Racecourse, with usually the big tables being on the ground floor and the traders sprinkled about all three. For anyone who has a love of miniatures and can get there within the day, I’d recommend it. There’s often several of the big names in the industry there; Warlord, Pendraken, Mantic (though Mantic were not there this year). Of course, Games Workshop doesn’t attend.

This year I noticed that easily the largest game being played was a game of Kings of War by Mantic Games. It was an interesting sight to see, as the game has only recently surged in popularity, especially with the release of its second edition.  To see it being played at an event and even binge the biggest game there was nice because I’ve felt for the last few years that Kings of War is superior to Warhammer.

It seems that with the revisionism going on with ‘Workshop Kings may take centre stage as the mass battle fantasy wargame. Another game I noticed being played was Lion Rampant by Daniel Mersey and it’s fantasy counterpart, Dragon Rampant both published by Osprey Publishing. Before though I talk about these I think I should explain my understanding of the general atmosphere of the wargaming industry. It seems as though there is a division of players, those who are (usually) younger and play games like Warhammer, Kings of War, Frostgrave and Warmahordes. These players usually have time for longer games like these and like to play competitively. The other half of the gamers are the older gents who like to play games with a historical basis and often go for simpler, faster rulesets like those produced by Osprey. Of course, this is a massive generalisation. Of course there are people who are younger that prefer historical games and those who are older that prefer fantasy. All I am stating is my understanding based on my experience and looking at how my own preferences have changed as I have gotten older so I hope I haven’t caused anyone offence with my description. To return then to Lion and Dragon Rampant. It seems that these games that can be played on smaller tables and that are suited to one to two hour games really seemed to shine this year at Vapnartak. I think it’s a bonus for Osprey that so many people are wanting to play their games and in general reflect a change in taste for wargaming in general. Kings of War is faster and more streamlined than Warhammer and Lion Rampant is more streamlined still. Personal taste seems to be moving away from the weighty rulebooks and expensively large armies of the early to mid 2000’s and towards smaller, faster games. It feels like there’s true competition in the market again, which can surely be a good thing.

Anyways, these are just my observations based upon my last three years at the convention. If any of you agree, or disagree feel free to comment, I very much enjoy listening to people’s opinions on this topic. Either way, game on, friends.