Closing words : 1st edition of the OWAC

Last summer I met with Chris, to play a game of Oldhammer. IT was then we discussed the idea of an Oldhammer painting challenge. I was searching for my Oldhammer mojo, with me working on different projects like Epic, skirmish Sc-Fi, etc. and I wanted it back. Some kind of peer pressure activity would surely help, right?

It also happens that I love painting challenges (I'm part of the Analogue Challenge every winter). You get to help one another, meet new gamers, gain inspiration and, most importantly, THEY ACTUALLY WORK. Yes, where motivation (and lazyness) is often the issue for us gamers, painting challenges are a proven remedy, and apparently nothing lights a fire under a miniature painter's ass more than competition (and facing the shame of his peers). 

Officially slated for a few gamers, 12 at most, it just snowballed from there and before I knew it we were 36 and I had to refuse people! It turned out like an international event, too, with people from Italy and Ireland all the way to Japan!

The beginnings were a lot of work, to explain the concept and all, but also because many members were "Facebook" people and never used Blogger. Starting a challenge with that many people wasn't easy. 

But then challengers started getting in a groove, and it ran more smoothly. It got real fun, even if challenging. And, if after the 2nd months I got a bit afraid of our drop-out rates, it stabilized after that and I'm real proud we got 26 challengers at the finish line.

So was it a success? Hell yeah it was. Beyond my wildest expectations, in fact. I love seeing the (now) OWAC veterans already planning their next challenge, thinking about their armies, etc. and I hope the challenge eventually becomes a special moment of the year for all involved. As I mentionned on Facebook, there's a guaranteed spot for every victors of the challenge next time around.

Now, I did take notes, and there's gooing to be a few changes for the next round, although nothing major. 

I want to thank Clarence for the logo, Thomas, Chris and Colin on the Admin jobs., and all of the challengers who participated in the challenge, whether you reached the end or not! This fun 6 months ride was possible because of all of you!

See you all in November, December or January (I haven't made up my mind yet), and get ready for round 2!

Keep painting,
Your benevolent Overlord
Iannick