Location, Hobby, Gaming Preferences.

[Damo1701]

Hail brothers and sisters of Deliverance.

 

It's pickled Raven time again, or, more precisely, my regular gaming buddy has decided to sell up, and leave.

 

Now, keeping in mind I have just passed my Driving Test, and been able to take the pair of us to a city 30 minutes away on a bi-weekly basis. This leaves me pondering a few things.

 

The first if these is whether it's worth the drive on my own. Now, the club has a large selection of products bit GW and their competitors, as well as around a dozen 6x4 gaming tables, all themed nicely with decent terrain. The people are Nice, and not WAAC, but with enough tooth to give a decent game.

 

Secondly, is a 30 minute, solo drive worth it? Especially when we consider the fact that in the UK, winter is fast approaching, and conditions aren't always favourable.

 

Thirdly, is there still a future for 40k? He is far from the only person locally who has thrown in the towel after a number of games of the new edition. The scene at my local GW is pretty awful, with players finding every broken combination possible, for the sake of it.

 

Am I being pessimistic?

[SanguinaryGuardsman]

Is it worth driving 30 mins to play 40k?  If you like rolling dice, talking trash, and maybe have a beer then it seems like a no brainer.

 

Winter in the UK.. that is adorable.  Where is the stiff upper lip?!  

 

Bottom line... if you like it and have fun doing it, then driving 30 mins every two weeks in a heated car isnt any issue at all.  

[Damo1701]

Is it worth driving 30 mins to play 40k? If you like rolling dice, talking trash, and maybe have a beer then it seems like a no brainer.

 

Winter in the UK.. that is adorable. Where is the stiff upper lip?!

 

Bottom line... if you like it and have fun doing it, then driving 30 mins every two weeks in a heated car isnt any issue at all.

Lol.

 

Mainly bringing it due to inexperience with handling a vehicle that size in icy conditions.

 

How far do you travel to get your games in? I'm honestly curious what travel distances people feel are worth the time and fuel.

[Cordova]

I think it depends.

I gave up on super competitive gaming ages ago, including playing in store, as it made me want to smash people round the head with an old metal dreadnought.

However, I play with a group I have recently found (friends of friends) and will drive 30-45 mins - the games are a few hours and the company make it worthwhile.

 

You've just got to see if you can find anyone like-minded in the area...

[Sharrowkyn]

Where in the UK are you?

[SanguinaryGuardsman]

 

Is it worth driving 30 mins to play 40k? If you like rolling dice, talking trash, and maybe have a beer then it seems like a no brainer.

 

Winter in the UK.. that is adorable. Where is the stiff upper lip?!

 

Bottom line... if you like it and have fun doing it, then driving 30 mins every two weeks in a heated car isnt any issue at all.

Lol.

 

Mainly bringing it due to inexperience with handling a vehicle that size in icy conditions.

 

How far do you travel to get your games in? I'm honestly curious what travel distances people feel are worth the time and fuel.

 

 

Sorry if I seemed like a bit of a smart ass.. i just figured since you didnt mention money(fuel cost),  it wasnt really an issue for you.  

 

I travel by subway... about 30 mins in the city of Toronto which is colder than anywhere is England.  If you lived in this part of the world you wouldnt think 30 minute drives in the cold are a barrier to any activity really.

 

I still maintain that if you really like 40k and can afford the time/money for it then what trouble is a short drive?  Assuming the roads are safe most of the time.   

[ddarz]

Where in the UK are you mate? Not near Warhammer World I take it?

Driving solo is the best time to catch up on 40k audio books and podcasts!

30 minutes ain't so bad _ unless you are around the M25 ;)

how long have you been driving? It becomes routine in time

 

Also do a search for any Facebook groups in your area, there might be a good community around where you are

[Brother_Gneecapper]

He says in the post he just got his license so I'd imagine he's still pretty green. Driving 30 mins in bad weather when you're still a bit fresh can be a bit daunting. Thirty minutes is considered a short drive around my parts so I'd take that most days to play 40k. I'm guessing gas is more expensive over there than it is in the states so that'd be a factor as well depending on the vehicle.

 

I guess it comes down to how much you enjoy playing 40k. It sounds like your local meta isn't a friendly one though which I could see as another thing working against wanting to drive. Some days when I have the time to play I chose to just stay home and paint instead, setting up and playing games is alot of effort if you don't enjoy the people you're playing with. Are there other groups near by you can play with that has a better scene more in line with your play style?

Edited November 7, 2017 by Brother_Gneecapper

[Claws and Effect]

I consider it worth it. My drive to get a game in is 30 minutes minimum, and I drive a rear wheel drive sports car ( Mustang) which are notoriously squirrelly in ice and snow.

 

As long as you're still having fun, I'd keep doing it.

[Damo1701]

Some great answers guys, thank you.

 

I'm in Suffolk, and have started heading to Colchester, which is 30 minutes from home. I've only had my license 4 weeks now, so there are still plenty of conditions and situations that I either haven't encountered yet, or roughly know the theory of handling. I came late to driving due to being terrified of controlling a 2 tonne weapon and perceived cost. (Worked out cheaper than I thought on that front)

 

As for fuel, I discovered the first time I did the drive with my mate that it takes around £5 There and back, which is roughly 4 litres of diesel.

 

I'm on the club's 40k Facebook group, and can generally organise a game if I know I'm going, which is much better than I can do on closer groups.

[Shadow Captain Vyper]

The lengths people will go to enjoy their hobby varies from person to person. I've spent 26 hours in a Mitsubishi Eclipse (without stopping to sleep/rest) to play in a Grand Prix for MTG. At the same time, I have known people very dedicated to their hobby that wouldn't be bothered to take a 20 min car ride to a suburb town for an event that suits their needs. 

 

To each their own.

 

What I can say about the state of the game is: I feel 8th has done a massive service to the health and growth of the game. While there are veterans that may be quitting over the changes, this happens in every core edition, and will continue to happen. What 8th brings, in lieu of that, is a much healthier game accompanied by a more insightful developer than it has ever had. I have had talks with folks at varying levels of the hobby (competitive gamer, casual, hobbyist only), and the one universal thing that all of them have said: They are impressed with the rules set and the direction Games Workshop has been going in the last 18 months.

 

From what limited amount I know of you, you seem to enjoy the hobby a great deal. While it lately has been frustrating you, I would say you owe it to yourself to take the time and reach out to neighboring communities and meet new folks. After you meet a new play group and get to know them, I would wager that if you mesh with them well, a 30-min car ride will seem irrelevant in contrast to those friendships (at least based on my personal experience).

[duz_]

If you enjoy the game and it sounds like the gaming groups that are 30mins away are more inline with what you want go for it.

 

When I was back home I was a 10min bus ride to my local GW which is where I generally played. Occasionally I would drive 20mins to another club to play which I didnt really appreciate but like the atmosphere and was good for tournament practice.

 

Now days I have to drive at least 20mins to my local store to play. Although driving 20+ mins in the US is like doing 5mins everywhere else... ;)

 

As far as sticking with the hobby I've heard about more people starting / getting back into the game than leaving it!

[NiceGuyAdi]

As for the driving, I can remember the terror of being a newly passed driver left on my own in charge of a car. You’ll find that the worry of driving goes soon enough, particularly on routes you’re familiar with (like the one to Colchester).

[thewarriorhunter]

I have to drive about 20 minutes to game at the closest store to me. There are a couple of people ~5 - 10 minutes away but we haven't been able to connect yet with our schedules. I've driven up to an hour to play before.

 

I'm used to traveling to do anything since I tend to live in the burbs outside of the city.

 

I understand your concerns about driving in inclement weather. Maybe now is when you work on models/painting and game less until weather improves? I know I'm spoiled because where I live I can ride my motorcycle year round.

 

If you enjoy the hobby I say pursue it.

[Damo1701]

Well, I thank you for the support, and your experiences.

 

I'll give it a go, and see how I go.