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Preface: I love playing 40K. To the exclusion of all other games in fact. I am exceedingly excited about 8th edition.

However, recent family obligations and work schedules have pretty much halted all access to going to my favorite game store (at least for long enough to get a decent game in). I can no longer stay later when other players are available and there isn't enough table space for pick-up games on the weekends (very active tourney community). I can participate in the monthly 40K tourneys, but I feel less comfortable doing so without the casual practice games leading up to those. Playing in tourneys just for fun can be very hit or miss if the competition is much higher and can make for an unfun game if unprepared

So aside from resigning myself to never playing 40K for the foreseeable future, what should I do?
I have plenty of painting projects to slowly work on in the rare moments of spare time I do have, but once I run out of those, I don't know what to do.

I've played 40K consistently since mid-4th ed. I've never taken a "break", but life seems to be forcing me to right now. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Side note: I have 2 boys and a 4x4 table at home with terrain, but most times I try to get them to play it don't end well. Either my youngest gets frustrated and has a temper tantrum or my oldest gets bored and starts being obnoxious. I guess 11 and 13 just aren't the right ages to wean them off video games and youtube.

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Maybe look at a skirmish game like Guildball, Malifaux or Shadespire that can be played quickly?

That's a pity. Your contributions here were always very useful.
Maybe you could stay informed by buying and reading the new codices coming out in the near future.

Schedule games with people when you have time availiable. I think that’s what most people do.

Look into playing Herald of Ruin. Its basically killteam but 10x better, and LOTS of fun. They are still flushing out 8th ed rules for it, but they have a full listing of 7th ed rules. Just google them and it will come up, its an awesome alternative to full fledged games.

Know how you feel. Haven't played a game of 8th yet. Think I've painted once or twice this year.

The tourneys you mentioned are a good way to get some intensive games in over the course of a day. I'd just continue with them to stay in touch with people. You don't even need to be hyper competitive if it's a big enough event, as there should be plenty of people on the lower tables who are more focused on just having a few good games in a day. Tourneys were all I played at one point when I was moving around too frequently to have a local club I knew well.

 Galef wrote:
Preface: I love playing 40K. To the exclusion of all other games in fact. I am exceedingly excited about 8th edition.

However, recent family obligations and work schedules have pretty much halted all access to going to my favorite game store (at least for long enough to get a decent game in). I can no longer stay later when other players are available and there isn't enough table space for pick-up games on the weekends (very active tourney community). I can participate in the monthly 40K tourneys, but I feel less comfortable doing so without the casual practice games leading up to those. Playing in tourneys just for fun can be very hit or miss if the competition is much higher and can make for an unfun game if unprepared

So aside from resigning myself to never playing 40K for the foreseeable future, what should I do?
I have plenty of painting projects to slowly work on in the rare moments of spare time I do have, but once I run out of those, I don't know what to do.

I've played 40K consistently since mid-4th ed. I've never taken a "break", but life seems to be forcing me to right now. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Side note: I have 2 boys and a 4x4 table at home with terrain, but most times I try to get them to play it don't end well. Either my youngest gets frustrated and has a temper tantrum or my oldest gets bored and starts being obnoxious. I guess 11 and 13 just aren't the right ages to wean them off video games and youtube.

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Invite over friends maybe? Life is a wonderful thing, but it can kick you in the crotch now and then. If you don't have any friends that play 40k and rely on the pick-up games at your FLGS, then consider joining a Facebook or Forum where people from that FLGS post, and invite some to your place for the match. Finally, you can invest in doing some 40k-by-email games. I remember that there's a program you can download that does a pretty awesome job at 40k (so much so that some people use it exclusively). While I fully recommend people play the real game, it does sound like something that can help you in this interim period. If you do decide on that option, PM me the program, and I'll gladly have a match with you!

 Yarium wrote:
Invite over friends maybe? Life is a wonderful thing, but it can kick you in the crotch now and then. If you don't have any friends that play 40k and rely on the pick-up games at your FLGS, then consider joining a Facebook or Forum where people from that FLGS post, and invite some to your place for the match. Finally, you can invest in doing some 40k-by-email games. I remember that there's a program you can download that does a pretty awesome job at 40k (so much so that some people use it exclusively). While I fully recommend people play the real game, it does sound like something that can help you in this interim period. If you do decide on that option, PM me the program, and I'll gladly have a match with you!

This is what I would recommend too; this was the only way I got in games abroad for quite some time, and it's perfect for having games engineered to your playstyles and developing a friendship with another hobbyist

My LGS started up a FB page where we can schedule a game on days off besides our shops usual Sundays. Its been helpful. And if you truly wish to play a game, a kitchen table, some cardboard ruins, and youre good to go. Ive introduced the game to a coworker of mine that way, and since then he has started Nids, Chaos, Daemons, AND Necrons.

As above.

I'm a garage gamer, for the most part. My buddies and I get together and play at my friend's garage, mostly. I seldom, if ever, play 40k at an LGS any more. I play pick-up Warmachine some Friday nights, but that's it.

Making friends as an adult is tough. No matter how you do it, it seems to come off weird. Having a common interest is a key element though, and it sounds like you're already there. Ask people you meet at tournaments if they would have time [when you do] to play games. Maybe at your place, if the only time coincides with a busy time at the LGS.

For me, being able to hang out with my buds and have a drink, play a game while we shoot the gak is something I look forward to whenever we can get together. Whatever game we play, and we change it up now and then. 40k's fallen out of favour with us since mid 7th, but we get a game in now and again for the giggles of it.

So my best advice would be to try to meet some people that would like to get together Friday / Saturday nights [or whatever's good for you] and try to make it an every other weekend kind of thing.

 wuestenfux wrote:
That's a pity. Your contributions here were always very useful.

Aw. That's really cool of you to say Wuestenfux

I think for now I'm just going to "keep my ear to the ground" and get games when I can.
I think playing in the monthly tourneys is probably the best way to keep current (even though my LGS is generally all over the place in terms of play styles and what players bring)

I'd like to invite friends over, but generally if I am home, it's to spend time with my family.
My LGS doesn't have a "regular" monthly tourney until Feb due to the holidays and some off kilter events (that could be fun, but I really just want a regular game)

Thanks for all the feedback!

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Masturbate furiously : )

Also, If you have computer access, you might also want to consider Vassal and/or Tabletop Simulator. They both have a learning curve, but once you surmount it, can help to keep you in the gaming loop.

A few years back, I had to pull back from my own obsession with D&D, and nowadays I find myself a lot more interested in boardgames and wargames, with RPGs taking a back seat. There's no shame in a shift of interests and trying other things out - sometimes it helps us to discover things we like more, or in some cases to hone what it is we like about a particular hobby we do like. Don't be afraid to branch out if you can't scratch the 40K itch.

I have played maybe 10 games since 4th edition. I keep my interest up by lurking here, checking out GW and FW sites every now and then and by keeping in touch with old friends who play regularly in there areas.
That and I doodle 40k stuff all the time.
I find that the game is only one aspect of the overall hobby. I can satisfy my needs in other areas of the hobby until I finally finish an army before selling it.

Find a place that has open play on the weekends. That's how i get my games in.

I don't see how you can be an adult (work, commute, cook, exercise, significant other) during the week, and still get games in. That is crazy. Having kids would compound that, especially since they won't be interested at that age. Everyone is different of course, I would have been stoked if my Dad would have brought home some miniatures to play with. We played Magic instead though.

I've been under this situation for over a month, and I don't think I'll be able to remedy it anytime soon (at least not in 2017). All I can do is to dive deep in my other hobbies (games, comics, RPGs) and to keep reading 40k sites (and getting envious of people being able to play :( ) to get myself up-to-date with the new stuff

 Marmatag wrote:
I don't see how you can be an adult (work, commute, cook, exercise, significant other) during the week, and still get games in. That is crazy.

I think you accidentally stumbled upon the answer; no sleep. But seriously it is possible if it’s scheduoed and you prioritise it. I play a 3-4 hour game of DnD every second Wednesday night. I have to leave work on time, i get less sleep that night, GF knows I’ll be busy. It’s possible. Suspect adding kids to the mix might prohibit it though.

I used to go every Tuesday after work, but my wife has a later shift now, so I have to go straight home for the kidos and make dinner.

Painting and checking Dakka while at work is really the only thing keeping me connected.
From what everyone is saying, it sounds like that should suffice, so thanks for all the encouragement.

I’ve had some “dark” times, when there wasn’t a convent FLGS a/o life was just non compliment. Posting/reading forums helps scratch the hobby itch. Paint when you can. I used to go the my last FLGS’s small little tourneys, as I knew it would be 3 games, even though I am more of a casual player. After the first round, I’d generally be playing someone my speed. There are generally a lot of ways to get in touch with other players these days online. Even anti-social luddites like myself can line up games from time to time; I’m sure you can as well.

Even when life is a chaotic mess, make sure you take some time out to do stuff you like. It’s important. Might not be easy, or as often as you like, but make time.

I build models and write fluff.

Which, coincidentally, is all I've been able to do since picking up 8th.

I probably should share that fluff doc...

M.

Looks like a lot of good suggestions so far. When I can't find a game or make the wife play with me, I get a kick out of the Armageddon and Sanctus Reach PC games. There's going to be a new 40k 4x coming out soon too. As for the kids, have you tried teaching them individually? Sounds like the difference in learning the game may be a problem. I was about 11 or 12 when I found a Games Workshop for the first time, and managed to infect my brother and step brothers (4 yrs younger to 4 yrs older) by playing 1 on 1 skirmish games and doing my best to set the game up in their favor without it seeming like it. After a few wins, they were hooked and I could play for real.

I have been in pretty much the same spot before from the end of 3ed into most of 4ed. I started to work on my own gaming space at home, and in doing so launched a whole new obsession of terrain building! Which did afford me the opportunity to have an opponent over to play rather than only having the LGS as an option. I bribed quite a few opponents with steaks on the grill, whatever works right?

As far as the children go, I spent a lot of that time grooming my son i to a war gamer. I dug out my old Lego Castle mini's and we were using them with a very basic version of WHFB to push figs around and roll dice. We left the casualties on the table, stripped of their gear and left in a pile of it usually with a weapon impaled in their gut.

It really began to take on a GoT Battle of the Bastards feel once the bodies started to pile up. My son had over 100 of the trolls in his horde and tons of games before he started looking for something else. I gave him a couple sets of Black Reach marines and we started building his Blood Drinkers force. I super glued them (he was eight and I didnt want to tell the wife why his finger was attached to his eye ball) and did all the spray painting and helped clean up the detail work. He is older now, but even with school and him having a girlfriend and a job, we manage to get in a game at home even if we don't get to the LGS for an event or league.

Last, I would say that if you can make the tourney, go. Tourney prep fames are a luxury I have never really had but the chance to play and meet up with your local players who might be in the exact same situation you are can really help increase your pool of available opponents. I offered up grilled meat, they brought something to drink. Whatever works for you.

The real issue will be finding a couple of like-minded buddies - people you normally meet at the game store or club.

Even though I have a lot of spare times at the moment, when I'm more busy I just understand I'll only get a game a month or so --- but I try to plan ahead and make a day of it, get a few games in and make sure it's worth the time. I'm fine if the games are good, models and terrain are painted, and we have a great time. A few great games are better than half-assed games on a Thursday evening, etc.

Just to comment on your side note in the origional post. That's probably a bit late to start with 40k. I started my son playing make beleive with mu unpainted or poorly painted models when he was 5. So now at 8, he can 'get his head around' a strictly imagination based game.

The biggest joy of parenthood is making people to play your favourite games with, so I'd start them on simpler board games and work up to 40k. Good luck

kungfujew wrote:
Just to comment on your side note in the origional post. That's probably a bit late to start with 40k. I started my son playing make beleive with mu unpainted or poorly painted models when he was 5. So now at 8, he can 'get his head around' a strictly imagination based game.

The biggest joy of parenthood is making people to play your favourite games with, so I'd start them on simpler board games and work up to 40k. Good luck

My son, now 11, is starting his own salamander army. But I eased him into wargaming with simpler things first, like Risk. But 8th is a really good starting point for new players.

 Nevelon wrote:

kungfujew wrote:
Just to comment on your side note in the origional post. That's probably a bit late to start with 40k. I started my son playing make beleive with mu unpainted or poorly painted models when he was 5. So now at 8, he can 'get his head around' a strictly imagination based game.

The biggest joy of parenthood is making people to play your favourite games with, so I'd start them on simpler board games and work up to 40k. Good luck

My son, now 11, is starting his own salamander army. But I eased him into wargaming with simpler things first, like Risk. But 8th is a really good starting point for new players.

yup.. got mine in at 10 and kept him interested until about 16 yrs old. Started simple with the battle for McCragg box set and worked up from there. He eventually built his own Chaos army.
I "gave" him a small older army of mine to start with..and allowed him to do whatever he wanted with it. I think when kids know the stuff is theres it makes a difference.

We would paint/build together.
We would do some small...non competitive interesting games. add a theme... plus allowed him to win alot at first.
Christmas and birthdays he would get some 40k that he wanted and if he earned some extra money.
We went to a couple local gamestores together. He played smaller games at first and i played bigger ones...but we still both got out and had fun together.
Eventually we joined a local club and i would bring him to game nights.
We went to Tournaments together as well... he really got excited in those and the players were very gracious to my son.

I made the hobby "Our" hobby ... not "Dads" hobby and it got me through 6-7 years until he got old enough where my responsabilities of child rearing were basically at a different level.
Years before that when my Daughters were young, i was big time into RC Car racing. I gave them both 2 older Cars to use on the tracks.. they had a ton of fun not only running the cars but also watching Dad race his. We did that for a few years until i got out of it and they got older... they still look back on it fondly..we laugh about it.

My job requires i do different shifts on a monthly basis.. i sometimes work 16- 24 hrs in a row. I work every other weekend 12 hr shifts on both days. My schedule is weird. My wife works full time. So yea you juggle alot around as a parent.

Some times its all about budgeting your time and making arrangements with the wife. I get to game once a week. She gets to do something for herself and i make sure she gets a date night once a week.

you will make it work

Oh and by the way... taking a break isnt always a bad thing. I have had periods in my life that i have had to take breaks from 40k. I always come back.. and and many times with a better outlook on the game and its community.