When I saw Glen's post on our Facebook Group, it really stirred something up in me. It was amazing: 40-year-old minis that are still relevant and helping to create fun memories with the family. Things like this are why I love our hobby!
I told my daughter about it, and we thought it would be great to write a blog post on our website. This is what gaming is all about for me, and I love that 40-year-old toys are bringing more fun games to the table, but now for a Dad and his kids. It's such a brilliant story.
There's something incredibly special about taking a toy from the past and breathing new life into it, especially when that toy is a miniature soldier from our childhood games. For many of us, these aren't just toys; they are capsules of our youth, carrying memories of epic battles and wild adventures. They represent a simpler time when imagination ruled the day.
As we've grown older, moved up the ranks in our careers, perhaps even served in the military, and become soldiers ourselves, we too easily move further and further away from those innocent times. Now, with families of our own, being able to share something integral to our childhood with our children is unmatched, almost magical.
Consider Glen's set of miniatures that have been lying dormant in his loft for over four decades. These figures, once the cornerstone of numerous tabletop wars, have survived the passing years only to find their way back into the limelight. They've been rediscovered, dusted off, and repainted—ready for battle and a new chapter in the book of family memories. But this isn't just about playing games with our old toys; it's about connecting with our children on a level that's deeply rooted in our past experiences, and these connections are what life is all about.
Miniatures like Glen's are more than just game pieces; they are a gateway to teaching our kids about strategy, patience, and creativity. They allow us to share stories of our own childhoods, tell tales of our adventures, and then develop new ones together. This is particularly poignant for dads who have served in the military, where the friendships and bonds formed are hard to come by in civilian life. Just as we learned about brotherhood, resilience and teamwork in those days, we now have a perfect vehicle to teach those values to our children and form the same bonds with them.
Each game we play is an opportunity to build lasting memories. It's a chance to laugh, teach, and perhaps even win a battle or two. Tabletop gaming is such a meaningful way to spend quality time with our children as we set aside our phones, forget about real life, and focus entirely on the game and each other. For a child, these moments with their Dad are profound. They sense when their father is fully present, wants to spend time with them, and is genuinely engaged—it makes them feel valued and loved. If I had a list of things I want my children to feel and remember, valued and loved would be at the top.
The reintroduction of these 40-year-old miniatures into family life is more than just a revival of old toys; it shows the timeless nature of play and the enduring value of passing down hobbies from one generation to the next. It's about creating connections that go beyond the game table, crafting stories, and building relationships that last a lifetime.
To all the dads out there, whether you've served, led, or supported, remember that sometimes the simplest traditions, like a family game night with old, cherished miniatures, can mean the most to our kids. With them, we can craft a joyful present with our families and set the stage for a future where those same miniatures can be treasured by the next generation. So, let's dig out those old toys and keep the legacy alive, one game at a time.
Rogue Warriors: A Modern Warfare Skirmish Game
Prepare your Fire Teams, choose your battlefield, and enter the fray. Victory awaits those bold enough to claim it. Welcome to "Rogue Warriors."
Find out more ...
Get the UK Paperback book here: https://amzn.to/3xixins
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Get the German and other EU regions Paperback here: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CZJN97CH
Get the PDF here: https://tabletopskirmishgames.com/products/rogue-warriors-pdf-version
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