Hi I was wondering how could I hold demo games in ventura county at my local gaming store. I ask if they would but told me I wanted to do demos and game nights I would have to do it my self but could use the store to hold them in. So my question is, is there a way i could be part of a demo team or hold offical events in my area? Really love the game and would love to spread the word and fun!!!!

Well first get a set date. Prob a Saturday or Sunday would be best. Then get them to post it on their site. Next fill out the form on my blog under forms for an event. I'll post it on my calender and have a post come up the Sunday or Wednesday of that week (depending on which day of the week you have it). Second try to get at least 2 copies of the game.

If you are going to teach someone fresh on how to play the game I would use the first mission in Blue Thunder but change it a little different. First I would just do a scenario with 2 squads of guys, then play again with tanks, and play again adding heroes. That way it doesn't get too complicated and your progressively making it harder. Second I would make the terrain set up kind mirror each other that way its even.

Also I'd make sure they have some Dust Tactics there at the store so people can buy it when they are done playing. I know this part is depending on the store but I'm just saying.

hope that helps. blog is in my signature if you do not already know it.

Have the store contact FFG for Game Night Kits:

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=2746

with the understanding that you will run the events.

FFG doesn't have a demo team program that I've heard of, but they do have stuff for stores to use to help promote their product. They may well be developing more program options for fan support, but at least they have the kits as a current option. Player run events can help a lot, but a lot of companies have gotten burned through the years by players that took advantage of the programs for freebies without actually doing any work. FFG may start up a more comprehensive program, but hopefully they'll be smart so it doesn't come back to bite them.

As for running an event, I would suggest any demo game should include both walkers and infantry, both to showcase the game, but also because the walkers are a very good element for generating interest. Heroes add to the game, but are not as important for showcasing it quickly. The game is tactical, but the mechanics are not so hard you can't teach with both infantry and walkers. I've demoes and taught a lot of games with more complicated mechanics without a problem. If the store has much traffic, running separate infantry and walker demos means people can easily miss what the game is about unless they came specifically to watch every game. That tends to be a small minority for the people a demo can reach.

My FLGS is working to get Game Night Kits, but beyond those, I've been doing painting demos in their store for some time, and simply seeing the walkers on table generates a lot of excitement. Simply playing in the store will generate interest, so try and play when there's a lot of traffic in the store.

Definitely, for teaching games I'd go with 2-3 squads, 1-2 walkers and 1 hero. The original core set is great for this, not too many special rules and don't sweat the small stuff. Movement, shooting, LOS.

Be sure to have all of your minis displayed to help get the interest up. If you can, try to get another player taught and interested enough to play some demo games with you. Also, your store should know when they are going to have slow times for other miniature gaming nights, you could show up there when people who might be interested enough to start playing some.

Try to have painted minis for it too. The figs are great as-is but I've encountered a number of 'wargamers' who cant see past the grid and think of it only as a 'board game'. Paint on the minis helps them see the light.

Thanx folks, I am working on a game night there already. I need to get another Core set for it and taking painted mins is a great idea. I'll fill out the form needed as soon as it is set in stone. If it goes well they told me they will carry the game which is awesome. Any idea when the Warfare rule book is coming out? And what the deal with the Dust Tactics Hardcover book available through target mail order?

First off, make the game impressive and attractive to draw attention, playing with the 2d tiles won't cut it. Go to Board Game Geek and download the 3D terrain rules then the board will look so mutch better.

Don't start of with just a couple of squads as this will appear boring and tacticless when first played, first impressions are important. The original core set is ideal as it gives variety and easy to play as everything has the same armour value and the rules are easy to pick up anyway, everybody should know how to play within the first couple of turns.

I've had a lot of interest from the models, with terrain being a far second place, for games I've demoed. That varies from place to place, however. I look at a new game for the figures, because terrain is something available too many other places.

Painting the figures, even with simple schemes to highlight the primer colors and add weapons and flesh tones, brings out a lot, and can be used to draw in a lot of attention. Try doing that in the store leading up to your first event.

The original Core Set can be nice, but so can the Revised Core Set. Both give a variety of units. The Revised Core Set has the advantage of using the updated point costs on the stat cards, but the revised card package makes an easy fix for the Core Set.

Sure, everything takes second place to the mechs, but you still need to go that extra bit to make the whole package as good looking as possible, and there is no reason not to.

Have you been able to demo DUST at your local game store yet? Talk to the manager or owner and tell them to ask their FFG rep about their "demo copy" program, and how they can get a demo copy of the game.