The competition wasn't the problem at all. The players were mostly good and easy to get along with. There are a number of problems with the location and the management. I really don't want to drag anyone through the mud like I said but we made some references to issues earlier. My kids are mostly just losing interest in the game, but I had decided months ago after I won the Galaxy at War tourney and was treated wrongly that I wouldn't be back.

And it may be DCI in name but none of the games over the past 7 months or so were entered into our DCI stats, even though I've asked repeatedly why? We have the DCI member # and what not all set up in the system.

That's just one small issue, the bigger problem by far is the amount of space (extremely cramped), that our events are backseat to the other stuff the store is doing, and they're always running some other gaming tournaments where the players are using language that is NOT family friendly (dropping F-bombs and taking the Lord's name in vain like it's going out of style). Not something I want my kids around, not now not ever. I had to speak up to some of those characters practically every time we played in a tourney there and the management hardly ever did. "Hey we got kids over here guys".

And changing up how they award the winner prizes AFTER a tourney is complete and depending on who won the tourney is just wrong. If I were the only person that has noticed this I'd just be quiet and keep my family home, but it wasn't just me.

So I've got 3 options essentially:

A. Quit Star Wars mini's altogether.
B. Just play at home or online or with friends when and if I have the time for a game.
C. Find another venue to host tournaments for us and see about getting the necessary certification to run the tournaments and make sure they get run rightly and fairly.

I heard about the GaW tournament and the prize support is nothing like it was. (but at least we get it) and the Manager claims that the DCI data is entered right but sometimes we get it and sometimes we don't (I would like to have that string of 2nd place finishes on my record) Gamerz from what I understand isn't the most Pro-SWM place on earth but if you could get the word out to some of the guys than they would come. Randy's only place to play is the GP and he wouldn't mind playing most likely, and if you get Randy you might get Joruus

Seems I'm lucky; our LGS hosts actual DCI tournaments every Saturday, and puts up 8-12 players regularly, with solid prize support. In walking distance, too.

I think that is what can happen if the tourneys are run right!

i think minis just goes in and out of season. for us up here this is minis season, RPG season, water gun season and nerf gun season. and so the circle continues

I know alot of people are worried the game will end after Masters but I'm hoping it keeps going for sure. There is a huge layover between Masters and a possible fall set but hopefully it is filled with a few battle packs. I love to see those. Some huge pieces again would be nice. There are limitless possibilities for more figs with the cartoon, movies upcoming games and the tv live action show. I guess it all depends on their profits. In this economy at least this is a fairly cheap hobby for alot of people.

Our LGS does better in the summer than during the school year. We have quite a few kids that play. A normal night in the summer is around 15-20. Right now I think it is more like 8-12. We've had some tourneys when the Owensboro group comes out that goes well over 20. Likewise, I've been to a couple at their LGS that push 30.

While I have scene some drop off at our local scene, I would atribute it more to a bad local economy than lack of interest in the game. There are a lot of other factors to take into consideration regarding the constant ups and downs of SWM. I don't think the end is here just yet. In my personal situation 2 sets this year would actually be a blessing, however I realize to some it would be a slap in the face. My gut tells me we are in for a hiatus, while Peter Lee gets ramped up for new sets. Peter does a lot around Wotc, so I am sure he is not going to get to dedicate as much time as Rob did when he was the lead designer and less sets per year could be our future.

I also play War at Sea, which is the Naval version of Axis & Allies Miniatures. It is also produced by Wotc, and designed by a really nice guy named Rich Baker. He is in a similiar boat as Peter Lee, as he is over a lot of things and WAS is kinda a side project. We get an expansion per year, and they are always delayed by months at a time. It would not surprise we to see SWM go to something similiar with perhaps 2 sets a year instead. But who knows for sure. I would just enjoy the ride while it lasts, and be thankful for each new set/expansion that we get. Who knows for sure when the ride will eventually end, and like all things in life, eventually it will.

I'll still be playing even if the new sets stop

Yep. One reason I've built my collection up as big as I have. I can easily supply a small group with maps and squads to play when production eventually stops.

Another reason: a-d-d-i-c-t-e-d

WOTC is the only one who has a collectible Miniature Game on market, why should they cancel it ??