Ray and I hit the road and headed down to Dover for what turned out to be an absolutely fantastic day of gaming, filming, and hobby chat with Paul from @Pazoot-Wargaming. If you’ve watched Paul’s channel, you’ll know how full of energy and enthusiasm he is about all things tabletop — and meeting him in person was every bit as fun as we’d hoped. From the moment we arrived, the welcome was warm, the tea was flowing, and the conversation quickly turned to miniatures, rulesets, and all the strange and wonderful stories that come with this hobby of ours.
Between filming and gaming, Paul made sure we were extremely well looked after — let’s just say the food was far too good to resist! All in all, it was a perfect wargaming day — great company, great games, and plenty of laughs. Huge thanks to Paul for hosting us!
Held at Newark Showground on Sunday, 12th October 2025, The Other Partizan once again proved why it’s regarded as one of the premier events in the UK wargaming calendar. Known for its outstanding presentation, creativity, and the sheer enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors alike, Partizan has become a must-attend show for anyone interested in tabletop wargaming, historical miniatures, and the wider hobby scene.
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In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a detailed tour of the event, showcasing some of the most impressive demo and participation games on display. From large-scale historical re-enactments to small skirmish setups, each table tells its own story — brought to life through expertly painted miniatures, beautifully built terrain, and the dedication of the hobbyists behind them.
Most of us have played games that just go on too long. The last few turns feel like a slog, both sides hanging on by a thread but still fighting when, historically, any real army would have called it quits. In real battles, soldiers didn’t fight to the death. They broke when morale failed — when fatigue, fear, and chaos overcame training and leadership.
That idea of what keeps soldiers in the fight sits at the heart of this week’s video, where I look at how different wargames handle morale, resolve, and fatigue. We often use “morale” as a catch-all term, but it really covers everything from discipline and leadership to exhaustion and shock. It’s the hidden mechanic behind every victory and every collapse.
In Chain of Command, morale works on two levels. Units suffer shock as firefights wear them down, while the entire platoon has a Force Morale that drops as losses mount. When it hits zero, the fight’s over. It’s elegant and tense, making battles feel alive.
Test of Resolve takes a broader view. Its English Civil War battles hinge on “resolve” — a measure of determination that slips steadily away. Early on, units can recover, but once the army’s resolve starts cracking, collapse comes fast.
Meanwhile, Clash of Spears ties fatigue and morale together. Every action, from running to fighting, adds fatigue, but seeing comrades flee or die adds even more. The result is a wonderfully organic system where armies don’t shatter all at once — they slowly crumble, just like in history.
Across these games, the message is clear: morale isn’t just a number, it’s the soul of the battle. Understanding how different designers approach it can change the way you see your tabletop wars.
Watch the full video to explore how realism, psychology, and playability collide when wargamers try to capture that crucial question: what really keeps soldiers fighting?
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.
