Smogcon 2014


Smogcon... never heard of it before... really was surprised to hear of this and let alone that it was so close to where I live here in the UK.

So a quick drive down the M3 and I made it into Guildford with minimal problems. And while driving down the main road, I saw a pack of people with gaming cases. Rolling down the window, and a quick shout of "Smogcon?". I was pointed into the direction of the Mandolay hotel where everyone was set up.

I have to say that it was quite impressive to see all the gamers gathered in the hall to play games...







With people playing Warmachines, Hordes, Bushido, and Dropzone Commander. Quite interesting to see all the different games being played, just wish that I saw more fully painted armies being played instead of the bare metal or primed versions.

Though there was also a small painting competition within the event. Quite impressive entries were shown off here..















Quite impressive in a lot of areas and with models that I have not seen outside of the traditional box art color schemes. I have to begin to look out for more of these have quite a bit of character in them!

But why or how did I end up at this event? It honestly came down to a really random conversation with a certain person... some might be able to recognize him.. Mr Adam Parkhouse of Poral Editor fame!


Adam was nice enough to inform me of it, and suggested that I check out the gaming/convention scene. We had quite a few chats and even played a demo game of Guild Ball's recently released kickstarter. But I will post about that later.

I was also surprised by a special gift from Adam, but again I will share that in the future ;)

Oh and as a last surprise.. although many asked about my t-shirt ( Massive Voodoo! ) there were a few people sporting Painting Buddha Shirts! So we did a quick shot all together after the painting award ceremony!


Great guys all! And it was great to see what the convention scene looks like in UK here as well. Expect more convention news and reviews to come up.. as this is just the beginning for 2014 here!!!!!

Comments

  1. wow quite brilliant showcase models there. I'm happy to see that you are not having trouble to get into convention scene there. I d like to have a decent guide for the times when I come visiting you know ;)

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    1. Heh.. book your tickets or book a month off and we will find some venues to visit. I am sure of it!

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  2. Hola
    Se os ve muy bien
    Grandes mesas de juego y grandes trabajos de pintura
    un saludo

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    1. Gracias
      Aunque hay muy pocos ejércitos totalmente pintados, por lo tanto ¿por qué no tiro del ejército, pero el concurso de pintura tenía un montón de grandes piezas! Mirando hacia adelante a los demás!
      ¡Salud!

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  3. Didn't know this one existed. Nice to see (what appears to be) a non-GW gathering. Must pencil this one in the diary for next time. Thanks for posting about it.

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    1. Cheers Mike. I only found it through Adam while chatting on a completely separate matter over FB Chat.. its in the diary for next year again.. who knows.. maybe I will even try to compete in it!

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  4. Wish I knew about this event as well since I live only about an hour's drive. Only got to know it from your FB page. Good to see people's painted work than the actual games.

    Have this in the diary for next year!

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    1. Yeah. I think it would be cool if there were a central place to post up or find out about all of these. Finding out by accident is just too random for me on the smaller venues! And only an hours drive is easily doable ( I was the same! ) and makes for a nice day out as well!

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  5. Looks like a relaxed con with space to explore new systems....
    Nice having something like next to the living place

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    1. It is a big change from how things were in Turkey. Closest "big" event would be in Izmir or Ankara, and it was not the same ( see previous articles on them! ). Plus they are not exactly an hour away neither. So to have such cheap, close, and variety in conventions now.. quite the luxury! Makes some of the negatives (weather, flooding) of here get swept under the rug in comparison ;)

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  6. You tease... :P

    Was great to meet you, look forward to seeing the next post or two ;)

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    1. Heh. I think you will like tomorrow's post mate! I am almost sure of it! :)

      Was good to meet up with you.. need to do that again :)

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