From a Coop Supermarket to a Cult Store: An Interview on 30+ Years of Tabletop and Role-Playing History

Anyone who’s been into this hobby for a while knows that local game stores are more than just shops—they’re hubs, meeting places, and the heart of our scene. I sent Michael Gschwind from Imp’s Shop a list of questions to learn more about his background and the Ulm scene. In his written responses, he takes us on a journey from the nostalgic beginnings in the ’90s, through the hobby’s transformation brought about by the internet, all the way to the current Battletech comeback in Ulm. He also addresses the question of why small role-playing systems are currently bringing such a breath of fresh air to the hobby.

Enjoy reading this “Zeitreise” interview! And here, of course, is the link to the store. You can also find the store at Herrenkellergasse 20 in 89073 Ulm.

The Interview

1. From a Haphazard Idea to a Cult Store

MechStrategists: How did it all actually start for you back then?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): That was a really quirky story, in which chance played a big role! I’ve been playing role-playing games since 1983. In 1991, a player from my group wanted to open a computer store—the kind that were common in the ’90s. He had rented a former Coop supermarket for that purpose and asked me if I’d be interested in running a small role-playing corner there.

When I realized that the planning for the computer store was a bit chaotic, I suggested setting aside a small section of the supermarket. So I spontaneously opened a mini role-playing game store there—basically right out of my living room, just as a side project at first, but with shipping right from the start.

Back then, there were hardly any stores for role-playing games (not to mention tabletop games), aside from toy stores that carried a little DSA or D&D. Our selection was a wild mix at first—we even had LARP gear, which was just starting to catch on in Germany in 1991. But we quickly realized that shipping and traveling from convention to convention as retailers were our future. Since the store was located quite out of the way (the local pastor even urged the kids not to go to this “occult store”…), we soon moved to Ulm.

Since the early ’90s, we’ve been through all the ups and downs of the scene—long before the internet and before *Magic: The Gathering*. And we’ve attended countless conventions: from the small, grassroots convention with 50 people to the legendary START in Hamburg with 3,000 attendees.

2. The Store Then vs. Now: From a Cult Destination to a Service Oasis

MechStrategists: How has the role of the retailer changed over the decades?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): In the early ’90s, there were few new releases and hardly any sources of information. We published printed catalogs twice a year, which were usually already out of date by the time they came out. The store was a real cult spot: It was where people met up, posted flyers for conventions, or used the bulletin board to find fellow players.

These days, thanks to the Internet, customers often know more about a game than the retailer does before making a purchase—and they’ve already checked for the best price. A classic Swabian story: I’ve had a customer walk out on me before because he found the game one euro cheaper online!

But the good news today is that there are far more opportunities to play right in the stores. If the service and the community are right, players are absolutely willing to spend a few euros more. And as for trends: tabletop games come and go in waves. Warhammer is the perennial favorite, but even Battletech has had periods where things were quieter—until the next wave came along.

3. Service with a Personal Touch and Intuition

MechStrategists: What sets your store apart today, and how do you select your product lineup?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): I offer very personalized service. You always speak directly with the owner—whether in the store or when ordering online. No anonymous, generic emails. Some regular customers just drop by to chat—and usually end up buying something anyway! This personal connection really motivates me.

After more than 30 years, choosing which products to carry is a mix of personal interest, empathy for customers, and pure gut instinct. Over time, you develop a sense of what will be a real hit and what will be just a flash in the pan.

4. The Big Battletech Comeback & The Evolution of Terrain Construction

Mech Strategists: How are you experiencing the current Battletech revival, and how is 3D printing changing the DIY scene?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): The new wave of Battletech miniatures has really gotten the Ulm scene rolling again! Battletech was never completely dead here, but back in the MechForce days we had three chapters; after that, for a long time, we had only a handful of active players. Now we have a regular weekly meetup again, and lots of newcomers and returning players.

When it comes to crafting: A lot of materials are bought online or as 3D prints these days. And, in true Swabian fashion, the motto is, of course: Make as much as possible yourself and save money! We do sell fewer ready-made terrain pieces than we used to, but we sell an enormous number of individual role-playing figures instead. I pay close attention to getting good value for the money and check out the miniatures myself beforehand. But the perennial favorites in the hobby world remain the same: brushes, paints, and everything needed for base painting.

5. The Community in Ulm: Where Do People Play?

Mech Strategists: Where do you guys meet up to game?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): At the store, we have a painting workshop on Thursdays, Yu-Gi-Oh! Day on Fridays, and Magic on Saturdays.

For large tabletop and role-playing game groups , we’re incredibly lucky here in Ulm to have the Übermorgenwelt e.V. club . They have fantastic facilities in the historic federal fortress (Fort Albeck). There are regular sessions there for Battletech, Star Wars, historical tabletop games, role-playing games, and much more. The regional scene is also very well connected through the online community Schwarze Laute, where you can find out about all the conventions in the area (such as Catcon, Übercon, or Zeltcon in Biberach).

If you’re looking to connect with others: Just stop by my store or send me an email—I’d be happy to put you in touch!

6. Looking Ahead & Insider Tips from a Veteran

MechStrategists: What are your plans for the future, and what games would you recommend right now?

Michael (Imp’s Shop): As for the future, the plan is to just keep doing what we’ve been doing and stay true to ourselves. It’s the best feeling when customers come back after 10 or 20 years and say, “It’s so nice that this place is still exactly the same as it used to be!”

My current insider tip: As a longtime role-playing veteran, I highly recommend the new wave of smaller indie systems from the U.S. (like the games from Exalted Funeral). They bring an incredibly fresh perspective—compact rulebooks, great new ideas, or simply a single, thick rulebook. Modern classics like Mörk Borg (or Cy_Borg and Pirate Borg) are also a ton of fun: fast-paced rules, dark vibes, and a fantastic open-licensing policy along the lines of, “If you come up with something, just put it out there!”

Conclusion

A huge thank you to Michael from Imp’s Shop for this amazing trip down memory lane and the deep insights into our scene! Next time you’re in Ulm, be sure to stop by, chat about Mechs & Mörk Borg, and support your local game store!

Greetings Sören from Mechstrategen

Sören Spieckermann

Ich bin Sören Spieckermann, der Kopf hinter mechstrategen. Seit Jahren faszinieren mich taktische Tabletop-Schlachten und die strategische Tiefe von Mechs. Ob schnelle Gefechte in Halo: Flashpoint oder epische Schlachten bei BattleTech Alpha Strike – hier teile ich meine Erfahrungen und Taktiken mit dir. Mein Ziel? Sowohl Einsteigern den Start zu erleichtern als auch alten Hasen neue Impulse für das nächste Match zu geben.