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Gw pushy sales people, that do not think i know crap about the hobby.Heck i was playing when most of them were still in diapers.Also the prices(most locals if you spend over a 100 $ will give you some type of discount),lack of gaming space( except the Chicago Bunker).theese are my main three issues.with a GW store.I have others but i will stop the list short.

Going to have to say that I dislike gaming at either venue. I play the game mainly to have some fun with friends. They come over, we play a few games, some beers are had. Good times. When I go to stores to play though I seem to have terrible luck with either rules lawyers/rules exploiters or shop owners who won't let me play one game without suggesting I buy half their inventory which they assure me will lead me to victory.

Best way I have found to play is just find some friends you enjoy playing the game with and build your own table at home.

Well, the local GW store is small as hell. 3 gaming tables and a painting table that is 2' x 6'. And frankly this really is unforgivable, retail space here is cheap as hell - no reason for the GW store to be a broomcloset. I was shocked how small it was, especially since it is in a strip mall on the outskirts of town.

I also get the feeling the guy running the place has no clue, because last week (on Sept 2) he said the Ogre stuff would be out the next day, (Sept 3). I probably would have bought the Army book if he had it on the shelf, since I was there picking up the battle magic cards I had shipped to store.

Of the local gaming stores, one is nice and new looking, but unless you are buddies with the store staff expect to be ignored while there. The other is kind of dingy and such, but has a few tables. The staff there is OK, but kind of loses interest in you when you aren't looking for M:TG stuff. There are a few others, but those are the only ones with gaming tables.

I prefer my GW over my FLGS, for quite a number of reasons.

The FLGS doesn't have any terrain, or boards for that matter just MTG tables, also the guys at my local GW are chill guys, there's about 5 of them too, as compared to the 1 in the US stores that i've been hearing about. They all hold true to the whole hobbyists first saying, in that you can have a conversation with them about what you're working on, or what they're working on and they don't jam products in your face.

It's a really tiny store as well, 3 4x4 gaming tables, 2 are generally used for playing on with the 40k and fantasy starting games jammed onto half of the 4x4 board. I think they've realised that old customers that keep returning spend more than if they were to shove baneblades in everyones faces.

All stores are different, i didn't vote mainly because it's just too broad a topic.

Phobos wrote:Well, the local GW store is small as hell. 3 gaming tables and a painting table that is 2' x 6'. And frankly this really is unforgivable, retail space here is cheap as hell - no reason for the GW store to be a broomcloset. I was shocked how small it was, especially since it is in a strip mall on the outskirts of town.

GW don't want to pay multiple staff in their small, introductory stores. The point is having a small store to go buy things and to introduce new people with introductory games and a few painting tips. One staff and a small store is plenty for that. 3 gaming tables is generally pretty standard too - they have 3 games, after all. One table set up with the starter set for each game.

They only really do multiple staff now in their 'battlebunkers'.

If you have good players and a manager that doesn't suck, who cares if it's a GW or a FLGS?

kronk wrote:If you have good players and a manager that doesn't suck, who cares if it's a GW or a FLGS?

Anyone who wants to play a game other than a GW game?

While a good GW is better than a bad FLGS, if you've got a good FLGS, I can't imagine why you would ever set foot inside a GW store.

From what I've read GW wins. The flgs, when I had one, was always a nice place to play with generally clean folks and several tables. The staff was never pushy and while not the most informed about the going ons of miniature wargaming were generally nice, if we don't count the owner who didn't like us.

GW, while I've never been to one, has a pretty big rep for being a terrible place to attempt to play at unless you have a salesman swatter.

biccat wrote:

kronk wrote:If you have good players and a manager that doesn't suck, who cares if it's a GW or a FLGS?

Anyone who wants to play a game other than a GW game?

While a good GW is better than a bad FLGS, if you've got a good FLGS, I can't imagine why you would ever set foot inside a GW store.

This is it exactly. Most of my stuff nowadays is converted using 3rd party components, or even using completely non-GW miniatures. If you are considering representing a 40k army using just new Mantic warpath stuff for example then playing in GW is just not possible.

Although I will always think fondly of them for the gaming environment their stores provided for me as a child.

Pacific wrote:

biccat wrote:

kronk wrote:If you have good players and a manager that doesn't suck, who cares if it's a GW or a FLGS?

Anyone who wants to play a game other than a GW game?

While a good GW is better than a bad FLGS, if you've got a good FLGS, I can't imagine why you would ever set foot inside a GW store.

This is it exactly. Most of my stuff nowadays is converted using 3rd party components, or even using completely non-GW miniatures. If you are considering representing a 40k army using just new Mantic warpath stuff for example then playing in GW is just not possible.

Although I will always think fondly of them for the gaming environment their stores provided for me as a child.

Bingo, Back in the late 80's early 90's GW's where awsome. When I fist stepped foot in there Janes Addiction was playing on the CD player, the Manager had hair down to his ass in a poneytable with nost ring, one guy was the 'goth' all in black, and the other was the 'nerd' normal looking guy with glasses.

I skipped school in grade 8 (so 1990) and went down there with a handful of random figures. The 'goth' guy sighed and gave me the store Blood Angel army while he used the store Harliquins.... This was RT era time....so after I got my a$$ handed to me he showed me what I did wrong and we wrote up a army list for me and we played a few more games until I got the hang of it.

That weekend I went down there and got the Compendium, RB01,space marine paint set, expert paint set and a bunch of space marine models. Those where the good old days eh? Sighs I feel old.

The last store I spent time in was the Cambridge GW since I was in the city taking a CELTA course so I could teach English abroad (I'm now in Bratislava). I went there a couple of times a week for the month or so that I stayed in the city and it was a really excellent time.

The atmosphere was great, the staff didn't push to sell me anything at all. In 4-5 weeks and 10+ visits not a single sales pitch was made. Instead they talked with me about the hobby, fielded my questions and worries about Finecast, let me assemble a model or two once they were released so I could experience it first hand and even asked me to play a guy needing an opponent with a staff member's Blood Angel army. On gaming nights (twice weekly) there were at least four gaming tables set up and a good mix of people playing. I only had one annoying opponent ("Oh, that squad of monopose bolter marines actually has a powersword that you didn't tell me about?") and the store manager gave him a talking to after he pulled out the aforementioned trick.

To FabricatorGeneralMike, I agree with you that the old GW feel was the best but fortunately for me, the GW cambridge store has that vibe.


That said, my general experience in GW stores has been less positive and a lot more of the hard sell and kids playing. Still, it's nice to find the exception to the rule :-)

Happy gaming.

Pete

In the City I live in when I'm in the UK (There are none in the country I live in FLGS or otherwise), I'd say the GW was far better.

The GW has friendly, helpful staff.

The FLGS, is cliquey, has rude staff (who ignore you if they happen to be playing yu-gi-oh) and the smell....
I've found dead rotting animals who smelled less offensive.
The only good thing I can think of about the FLGS, is that they sell Vallejio paint.

My Flgs is pretty sweet. The had a lot of game boards we could pull out of his main table and put on other tables when we need to game. But recently decided to build 3 new gaming tables for permant use. Staff not pushy, there are some staff getting into the games themself, and they are asking questions of the vets and picking brains.

I have never really had an issue with GW for gaming, but I find they do a lot of 'directed play'. Basically it isn't open gaming... it is always an event or play directed at a product... which is fine as long as you intend to show up on the game night that emphasizes your chosen gamesystem.

Don't show up on fantasy night to play 40k and you will be fine. Some of the events and narratives they do can be kinda fun too. I always enjoy TANKSGIVING

I live local almost equal distance from a GW and LFGS.

Primary what makes me heads to 1 vs the other is the even. Currently i'm involved in a GW sponsored escalation league, which I entered to play in 40K. I was returning to the game and needed to learn. So I headed to a GW, as the LFGS did not have a advertized league at present. However, as I think they started one (Mikhaila did you? I heard rumblings?) That may likely drive me that way.

GW is good if there is nothing around you, however I'd much rather, traffic allowing, drive over to my FLGS. Why? quality vs quantity. Ironically yes Mikhaila stocks most direct order items, his shelf space is greater, and he has more GW sponsored product. He's buddies with the GW manager so I know they joke around and poke fun at each other. Why else would I head to FLGS? Where do I go for Earth magnets? Not GW. Where do I got for GF9 products? Not GW. What do I do when I need Micro Art Ork Pirates bodies? Not GW.

Early in the gaming career, GW does fine. By longevity, for products you want and desire your likely going to a FLGS, they will have a broader range for conversations, modeling, and what you want to achieve. Their events will be more diverse if you are lucky. I will admits, i've seen countless LFGS close their doors due to patrons internet buying, and lack of going there. However, I attributed this to knowning your population base.

Also.. I distest that most GW's will not let you use their bathrooms. A few select stores allow it. Lastly, they have 1 employee now? Ever have to watch a store be shut down for an hour mid tournment? Its highly annoying. Plus its fun every now and then when Mikhaila plays in his events while someone else runs it. Its fun to try and play the owner... and Throgg or his awesome orks~!

mikhaila wrote:

Nocturn wrote:FLGS, simply because their selection can't even begin to touch that of a GW outlet.

Really? I pity you then. You need to move north. I know for a fact that I have more stock in my store than the local GW's. We can carry direct only items that they can't, order FW for customers, sell used miniatures, and stock enough of everything to fill customers needs. That's just considering GW. The non GW product we carry offers many more options. 6 paint racks beats 1 paint rack. On the other side of PA, Legions also carries enough stock to rival GW stores. And both of us have space equal to the GW bunkers, especially legions with an absurd amount of square footage.

As Mikhaila said. There are good Independent stores and there are bad ones, just like there are good GW stores, and bad ones.

My only option is a GW store, and luckily it's a pretty good one.

Worglock wrote:

My only option is a GW store, and luckily it's a pretty good one.

A good GW store is a treasure indeed - which one is it?

I don't HAVE an FLGS - just a GW, and it's a dogbox.

I last played in a GW over 12 years ago.
This was when their staff was cool. The staff were replaced.

I prefer to limit my gaming to my clubs now - access to beer and no pushy sales staff trying my patience.

If I hadn't started going to a FLGS over a GW, I never would have discovered all these great rulesets!

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:You had me there as well Chowder!
I was about to ask you why GW Newcastle upon Tyne had closed!

Erm.. It hasnt but the only times I go in the place now (after having a bad experiance with a 10 year old) is when Games day is available or if I want to play against my necron friend, there.

EDIT: this place is much better http://www.gamesofwar.co.uk/

I've only been to one GW and the guys there were very helpful. Great experience. Granted, it was 5 years ago. My local game store lies to 11 year olds and takes peoples' money for "advanced orders" then takes forever to get the product in, lying about availability because they don't want to be bothered to buy it from one of their distributors who have it in stock. Other gaming stores within an hour of me are great. Just my local one sucks. I'll pay a higher price to avoid giving them business at this point.

Worglock wrote:

My only option is a GW store, and luckily it's a pretty good one.

Seriously - which one is this - I'd love to know!

Alpharius wrote:

Worglock wrote:

My only option is a GW store, and luckily it's a pretty good one.

Seriously - which one is this - I'd love to know!

The answer is simple - why every GW of course!

I suppose it depends.

As many have said, if Warhammer of some flavor is your main game (or LotR, though I don't even know of anyone who plays it anymore ), then a good GW is better than a bad indie FLGS.

I would say, if I primarily played a GW game and had a choice between a good GW or a good indie FLGS, I would probably pick the indie FLGS.

I don't play GW games anymore, so for me an indie FLGS is better by default; I don't think the GW staff would appreciate it if I plunked down a hex grid and some Battletech miniatures.

There's a pretty damn good indie FLGS around here that I frequent. In my hometown there are actually three very good indies. Two of them got quite a lot of my hobby money, the only reason the third one didn't is I didn't discover it until I moved, but I still bought the Cygnar FoW book and a Dystopian Wars starter fleet from them. There's never been a GW within 60 miles.

I have 1 FLG within walking distance and another, larger one a short subway ride away. Its great. Theyre both awesome, friendly and inviting places to hang out and play for free and most of their GW products can be bought at a cheaper price than advertised by the company. Not to mention they stock everything else under the sun. I have no reason to ever walk into a GW.

I grew up visiting my near-local FLGS, first for comic books, and later for gaming. It has a fantastic selection of product from many different lines, massive amount of space and tables, and friendly attitudes.

There is no longer a GW store near me, but the one that was here was really great. They had a friendly and helpful staff that wasn't pushy about sales, which is a common complaint heard on this board about GW stores. The tables could get a little cramped at times, but that is to be expected from a little store in a mall.

So, I picked FLGS, but not because I have had bad experiences at a GW store, but mostly because my FLGS exceeds my expectations of what a hobby shop should/could be.

I think what worse than either is an ungrateful, whining, overprivileged customer base. Be happy that there are even places where you can purchase this stuff, and possibly even be encouraged to loiter in...

Stop complaining all the time and do something about your complaints!

GW stores aren't EVEN a gaming environment.

I prefer my local game store to Games Workshop. It just feels more laid back.

Ive been fairly lucky i suppose... When i was stationed at Fort Carson, there were 2 LGS. One was the "stink hole, weird place" where the staff wasn't good, the gaming worse, etc. BUT!! they did have at least one of EVERY reaper model currently available (for those who played other games). They didnt run "GW" events, as their main focus was definitely the RPG realm (DnD, pathfinder, etc.)

The other store... wow... it was great. If the GW stuff you wanted wasn't on shelf, it would be there within a week, all you had to do was ask. He had about 10 or so different tabletop wargames available. From the first runs of Hell Dorado, AT-43, Wings of war, Warmahordes, etc. He carried most DnD books, though he only carried the WotC pre-painted packs of minis. The store was well lit, had a small demo table, with a larger painting table in the front room. Large display cases with all sorts of minis on display. Then the back room, was converted from a garage, it had around 10 4x6-8 tables set up, and shelving that lined the walls floor to ceiling with terrain (alot scratch built, some not looking like 'Eavy Metal type standard, but Far beyond whats needed to last, and be usable)


I've only been to 2 GW stores. One in Dallas, which was small but kinda nice. I was only passing through, but one of the days i was there, they were having a GW "swap meet" where guys could bring in their old collections of GW stuff, and other players could buy an army for cheap from a fellow gamer, or if they desired, they could "trade" an army in to the store for some store credit (although this deal, to me sounded worse than what you get from a Game Stop as far as trade in credit). The traded in armies would then be "refurbished" if needed, and used as an in-store loaner army.

Then I got here in Germany, where I have GW Wiesbaden. Other than the language barrier here (which is one of the biggest reasons i hate playing in store.. the other being that i have to tote my army through downtown), it seems a good store, with a pretty active community... a few leagues spring up, along with the usual events, "farben akademie" or some such name basically a painting academy. The other nice thing for me is, paying in Euro, sometimes the price point determined saves me money, even with a terrible exchange rate.