From Shelves to Showdowns: Exploring the Two Realms of Wargaming Passion

Embarking on my wargaming journey once again, I've undergone a fascinating shift – parting ways with some of my cherished games to make way for fresh additions. My shelfie collection, once boasting over 400 titles, now stands at a thoughtful 69. The decision to downsize struck me one day, prompting a deliberate choice to retain only those games I actively played or held a sentimental bond with.

Observing fellow wargaming enthusiasts on platforms like YouTube and various social media channels, it's intriguing to witness the vast landscapes of board game collections they proudly display. Some collections are truly colossal, occupying entire rooms. A notable instance is MarcoOmnigamer, whose recent video documented the generous donation of over 5000 game copies to a local library – a truly mind-boggling feat. Noteworthy collections also grace the domain of ThePlayersAid, showcasing the diverse interests within the wargaming community. Many wargamers harbor expansive collections, each driven by unique goals and motivations.

I'm not here to cast shade, I recognize and respect the individuality in every board gamer's quest for game treasures.

In stark contrast to the awe-inspiring collections showcased by some wargaming aficionados, my approach leans towards cultivating a curated collection of games that I actively play. While it's unrealistic to expect to play every single game in one's possession, I've set a personal goal to engage with as many titles on my shelf as possible. The process involves trading in most of my games to Noble Knight Games, converting them into store credit to facilitate the addition of new games to my collection.

Now, the concept may seem contradictory, but it's all about balance. For every game I bid farewell to, I've introduced a replacement at a deliberate 1 in 3 ratio. Maintaining a wishlist on Noble Knight, I carefully select games that capture my interest when accumulating store credit. The objective is clear – to keep my collection below 100 titles, focusing on games that I genuinely want to play and have previously found joy in. It's a journey of strategic curation, ensuring each addition aligns with my passion for immersive gameplay and meaningful experiences.

As a tangible example of my commitment to refining my collection, this week marked the departure of four ASL Annuals (numbers #1-#4), all in pristine condition. These Annuals had remained untouched for a decade since the significant ASL purge of 2013. Additionally, I bid farewell to Panzer and Panzer #2. While initially enticing, the intricacies of their rules deterred me from ever setting them up for play. These games, though potentially excellent, simply didn't resonate with my gaming preferences.

A mint copy of the Solitaire game Carrier also found a new home through this purge. Despite its rarity, the complexity of bookkeeping in the game made it a one-time experience for me. The motivation behind parting with these games goes beyond personal preference; it's rooted in the belief that games, especially hard-to-find ones, deserve to be played regularly. I hope that these games will find enthusiastic owners who will give them the attention they merit, ensuring they become cherished additions to someone else's gaming adventures. It's all about fostering a cycle where games find appreciative homes and continue to provide joy through regular play.

In conclusion, as the title suggests, my love for wargames revolves around playing the ones that truly bring me joy. I don't classify myself as a collector, and while there's nothing amiss in collecting games, it simply doesn't align with my hobby goals. Transparency is key, especially considering my diverse range of hobbies, including riding motorcycles and exploring the great outdoors with my overlanding Jeep. These pursuits are not budget-friendly, necessitating a mindful allocation of funds.

Since 1978, playing wargames has held a special place in my heart, and it always will. However, the emphasis now lies on quality over quantity. The recent shedding of games is not a farewell to the wargaming world but a deliberate step toward investing more in experiences that resonate with my current passions.

I'm curious about your perspective. Are you a collector, acquiring games for the sheer joy of collecting, or do you purchase them with the intent to play? Perhaps it's a bit of both. What drives your wargame collection – a particular genre, publisher, rarity, or some other factor? If you keep count, how many of your games have you played? What percentage of your collection is dedicated to collecting versus playing? I look forward to hearing from fellow enthusiasts and gaining insights into the diverse motivations that fuel our wargaming pursuits. Let the discussion begin! Until next time everyone, be kind and be safe!