The tabletop wargaming hobby is full of exciting variety right now. On one side, we’ve got the traditionalists who love the sight of two massive 28mm armies clashing across a six-by-four table. On the other, we’ve got innovations that are changing how people collect, paint, and play. The real question is, can we identify the “weathervane products” that point the way toward the future of the hobby?
A weathervane product isn’t necessarily the biggest or most profitable release of the year. Instead, it’s the kind of product that shifts expectations, inspires imitation, and shows us which direction the wind is blowing. In my latest YouTube video, I take a closer look at several examples that I think are acting as true signposts for where wargaming is heading.
Games Workshop’s skirmish titles like Kill Team and Warcry prove that accessibility and narrative-driven play are here to stay. Warlord Games’ Epic Battles line shows how even large-scale historical games are moving toward affordability and practicality. The rise of 3D printing subscription services decentralises production, allowing hobbyists to personalise their armies in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Hybrid boardgame-wargames, such as Marvel Crisis Protocol and Star Wars: Shatterpoint, are attracting completely new audiences through popular IPs. And digital tools, from army builders to campaign apps, are transforming how players engage with the hobby on and off the table.
These products don’t replace the old ways. Big armies, physical books, and traditional clubs are still thriving. But they do point toward a future where the hobby is more accessible, more diverse, and more flexible than ever before.
So what do you think are the real weathervane products of today? Do you agree with my analysis, or do you see other trends leading the way? Watch the video and join the conversation.
