war table games shut down 2020

Water 2024

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30-12-2024

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The Fall of the War Table: Examining the 2020 Shutdowns of Popular Tabletop War Games

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, and the tabletop wargaming community wasn't immune. While the pandemic forced many businesses to adapt or close, several prominent war game publishers and distributors faced significant hurdles, leading to some unexpected shutdowns. This article explores some of the key factors contributing to these closures and reflects on their impact on the hobby.

Several factors converged to create a perfect storm for some war game businesses in 2020. The most obvious was the global pandemic and associated lockdowns. These restrictions severely impacted supply chains, disrupting the production and distribution of games. Factories closed, shipping became unreliable and expensive, and many smaller retailers struggled to stay afloat amidst dwindling foot traffic and online competition.

Beyond the immediate impact of the pandemic, several underlying issues exacerbated the situation. The already-competitive nature of the tabletop gaming market meant that smaller publishers and distributors had less resilience to withstand economic shocks. Many relied on conventions and in-person sales, which were largely eliminated overnight. The shift to online sales, while necessary, often came with increased costs and logistical challenges for businesses unprepared for a sudden digital transformation.

Another contributing factor was the reliance on crowdfunding platforms. While crowdfunding can be a successful funding model, it also carries significant risk. Delays in production or fulfillment, often exacerbated by the pandemic's supply chain issues, can damage a company's reputation and strain relationships with backers. For some companies, the pressure of fulfilling crowdfunding commitments during a period of significant disruption proved unsustainable.

While pinpointing specific companies that definitively "shut down" solely due to the events of 2020 requires careful consideration of individual circumstances (some may have faced pre-existing financial difficulties), the general impact was palpable. The industry saw a wave of consolidations, acquisitions, and unfortunately, some permanent closures. The loss of these businesses represented a loss of unique game designs, innovative mechanics, and a connection to the community fostered by their individual brands.

The impact on the hobby itself was multifaceted. The reduced availability of new games temporarily slowed down the release of new titles. Existing games became harder to find, driving up prices in some cases. Furthermore, the loss of smaller publishers often meant a reduction in the diversity of game genres and themes available to players.

In conclusion, the 2020 shutdowns within the wargame industry were a complex consequence of the pandemic, pre-existing economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing market. While the hobby has shown resilience and continues to thrive, the events of that year serve as a reminder of the fragility of even established businesses and the importance of adaptation and diversification in the face of unforeseen circumstances. It also highlights the importance of supporting smaller publishers and distributors directly to help ensure the continued diversity and innovation within the wargaming community.