Utah Wargaming

How many historical gamers are in Utah? Hard to say as we have not had a big convention in about 8 years. My best guess is around 150-200, but there is no organization beyond a few groups in the state. In the 1970s and '80's there were several stores that sold historical wargaming products, but now there are none. Most of the gaming stores in Utah focus on fantasy and science fiction gaming, which means that 95% of our purchases go out of state.

In the 1970's the gaming centered around Orion Hobbies and Mcewan Miniatures in SLC. Comics Utah became the main set of stores in the late 80's and early 90's, then Terrain Specialties also arrived and hosted several very successful mini-cons until the owner passes away. All stores used to carry boardgames, miniatures, rules, and books. It was the best of times!

Besides our club, here's what we know exists in the state:

NUTS group: a fairly large group that plays everything.

There is a small group in Sandy that plays 25mm ACW, Ancients, and 15mm FOW.

A group in Bountiful that mainly plays Napoleonics and has been for several decades!

There are also probably a hundred or so gamers that either play in small groups, solo, or don't know about some of the other groups. When historical products do come into some of the stores(Osprey books, boardgames, terrain, etc...) it usually sells out, but no one know who bought it!

There's been discussion of having a large historical gaming con for quite some time now. The biggest drawback is where to have it. If that can be resolved, I'm confident that we could get a few hundred gamers together and get better organized in the state.