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hello, i have been going to the same gw for the last year or so. i only go there once every 4 or 5 weeks but i generally spend a rather large ammount of money (60-275 dollars) every time (altogether ive spent 2164 dollars at the store). i want to become more friendly with the shop so that i might be able to comfortably play games of 40k with the staff and other hobbyists their, i was wondering how i could do this?

Comment about age removed. Safe than sorry eh ? reds8n

hence my playing 40k lol

Well... I might not be the best person, but since there aren't any other responses, I'd just suggest finding a regional forum (or posting on this one) to get game at the store and setting it up that way. If they have tables for gaming, and reservations aren't required, just arrange for a time at the store and get a game that way. Just post that you're looking for a game of 40k in your town and see who responds. Good luck.

Do they have a beginner's night? Not sure if you're a beginner, but it's generally a friendly event for those new to the hobby / area / store.

Just walk into GW saying "I have daddys credit card" and the GW associate will roll out the red carpet for you

To get better aquainted I like to sit and paint. The gw staff, believe it or not are normal humans ( before i go into this further lets just say if i was a dnd character my charisma would be decent) and like normal humans they very much like it when attention is payed to their efforts. When one rolls around ask him what army he plays. he will gladly show you models. then you nab him by asking him about a particularily easy to describe painting technique (for example you say how did you do those lines on the leg(a simple drybrush)) and they will go on telling about it. also browse and walk alot while asking them questions about the various products and boxes and say airy fairy comments like "thats alot of models for the money". It'll get them talking for sure. Usualy even someone who is socialy akward will easily take it from there. I appologise if my cynisism offended anyone, but I can read alot of people like books and i'm not afraid to call it like I see it. Hope this helps OP

PS as for the hobbyists it nice to ask them what they are working on and subtly hint that their stuff is better than yours(I.E. your stompa is cool. that gun is bigger than my rhino! what strenght is it? can't wait to see it painted!). Similar technique.

pps no one able to admit they are socialy akward in any form is ever 100% truly socially akward

If you are only looking to play at a GW I'd suggest jumping on their facebook page and trying to set up a game over it or joining in on their regular organised events (if you ask at the store the manager will usually have little calendars printed out with their events for the month on it). That takes away the need to introduce yourself to random people at the store to set up a game, if you are a shy person I guess thats probably the hardest step. Once you have a preorganised game you can pop in and you'll find people will come around to the table and talk to you instead of the other way around. Once you get to know the local crowd you can turn up more randomly and ask for games.

If you'd consider gaming at a club too you could pop over to wargamerAU and check out the QLD club sections and see if any interest you.

No better cure for being socially awkward (his words) than just forcing yourself to ask someone to play. Once they remember your name, you'll be fine.

I'd also start exchaning some sort of contact information with other people who play and also find out if there are any local clubs or independent retailers you could check out as well. There might be a wider gaming community around you just waiting for you.

I figure its much like joining any club, go and introduce yourself and get involved with games.

Turning up to a shop and buying stuff isn't going to get too much recognition.

Play some games and be friendly. There will be other kids like you so you should quickly meet others who are similar and the staff all at the same time.

I'm not saying you would but don't be a blow hard who makes out he knows it all (you will soon get found out). Young'uns sometimes think they will be more liked for knowing more than everyone else or want to prove their knowledge - if you want to make friends this is ore often or not counter productive.

Don't get paranoid because you feel no one is talking to you - they might not be but as a new bloke there will be existing close relationships and they will naturally chat, you will slowly get involved with this but it may not be immediate and shouldn't be seen as cliquey.

Equally don't be a wallflower and sit there passively - get involved. When people know your face and that you have something to say they will warm to you.

Events are ideal for joining a group - if you play in something and get a name for being good or even not very good you will be recognised. By good/bad I mean a good sport/talented/loose gracefully (Jebus knows I tend to be the latter!), not a WAAC cry baby.

 notprop wrote:
I figure its much like joining any club, go and introduce yourself and get involved with games.

Turning up to a shop and buying stuff isn't going to get too much recognition.

Play some games and be friendly. There will be other kids like you so you should quickly meet others who are similar and the staff all at the same time.

I'm not saying you would but don't be a blow hard who makes out he knows it all (you will soon get found out). Young'uns sometimes think they will be more liked for knowing more than everyone else or want to prove their knowledge - if you want to make friends this is ore often or not counter productive.

Don't get paranoid because you feel no one is talking to you - they might not be but as a new bloke there will be existing close relationships and they will naturally chat, you will slowly get involved with this but it may not be immediate and shouldn't be seen as cliquey.

Equally don't be a wallflower and sit there passively - get involved. When people know your face and that you have something to say they will warm to you.

Events are ideal for joining a group - if you play in something and get a name for being good or even not very good you will be recognised. By good/bad I mean a good sport/talented/loose gracefully (Jebus knows I tend to be the latter!), not a WAAC cry baby.

Exactly this. I moved to a new town/state, found the local store and stopped by to say hi. Key the assistant manager, shook hands, introduced myself, told him what games I played and he told me what nights I could stop by to find like minded individuals. Next day I went in, met the owner and talked to him for a bit, and I'd consider myself a recent regular there now. The guys are inviting me to other gaming groups from time to time and making a new guy feel very welcome. Easiest way is definitely to introduce yourself and let them know what you want/need. They can help, but only if you ask.

As long as you have this


they will be your friend

They have something that costs less than 275 AUD?

Also, hanging out and just watching a game is a good way to integrate yourself - AS LONG AS YOU ARE A GOOD WATCHER! That means staying quite, don't offer up rules or tactics advice, maybe pay a polite compliment to someone's paint-job/tactics between turns. Most players will appreciate it, especially from a younger gamer. You're likely to get a chance to introduce yourself after the game and let them know you'd like to play some time.

Talk to people ask questions and introduce your self. Im having to do that since ive moved back to CA. If that doesnt work then you might have to work on your people skills. Please remeber that last thing any one wants to do is be followed. Also take into account you must take showers and not wear the same thing every time you show up (you do not want to be mister must). Sure it helps peopler remeber who you are in turn helping them better avoid you. Like the guy above me stated watch a game be quite but not strange, do not pick up the other guys models from the dead pile i hate that. You dont have to be a cheerleader either. Ive had a few people do this while i was playing i thought they where joking. Keep in mind this is a place you want to be welcomed to and greated when you walk in by fellow players. Treat it like high school kinda and show respect for the grey beards (i am not a grey beard).

Honestly. well my Local Geedubs, i sat down at the paint table and worked on something interesting to strike up a conversation. that led to games and eventually acceptance.

Just talk.

 SheSpits wrote:
Also take into account you must take showers and not wear the same thing every time you show up (you do not want to be mister must).

lol

Last year I integrated myself into my local GW. I started by going in every 2 weeks or so and making some mid-sized purchases (a kit and some paints). The manager offered to give me some quick painting lessons - I accepted and it was a good excuse to sit down and chit chat with the people at the modelling table.

I got lucky in that they held an escalation league for 40k. Basically showed up with 500 pts of unpainted models and they just paired you up with whoever was available. Of the 20 participants about 10 were pretty new as well so the games were pretty relaxed (lots of rule flexibility).

Buy some stuff from the store .

 the shrouded lord wrote:
hello, i have been going to the same gw for the last year or so. i only go there once every 4 or 5 weeks but i generally spend a rather large ammount of money (60-275 dollars) every time (altogether ive spent 2164 dollars at the store). i want to become more friendly with the shop so that i might be able to comfortably play games of 40k with the staff and other hobbyists their, i was wondering how i could do this?

Comment about age removed. Safe than sorry eh ? reds8n

hence my playing 40k lol

Just go there, strike up some discussions and not be a mutt. It's not that hard, but you might have an issue with the smallish type spaces that they have devolved into. You shelling out money isn't what it takes. Just be cool, the rest falls into place.

Go along, Talk to people.
If they have a league, take part.
If they have painting competitions, enter.
The only way to become familiar is to go there and take part in whatever is going on.