Anyone who\u2019s been into this hobby for a while knows that local game stores are more than just shops\u2014they\u2019re hubs, meeting places, and the heart of our scene. I sent Michael Gschwind from Imp\u2019s Shop<\/strong><\/a> 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 \u201990s, through the hobby\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n Enjoy reading this “Zeitreise” interview! And here, of course, is the link to the store<\/a>. You can also find the store at Herrenkellergasse 20 in 89073 Ulm. <\/p>\n\n MechStrategists:<\/strong> How did it all actually start for you back then?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp\u2019s Shop):<\/strong> That was a really quirky story, in which chance played a big role! I\u2019ve been playing role-playing games since 1983. In 1991, a player from my group wanted to open a computer store\u2014the kind that were common in the \u201990s. He had rented a former Coop supermarket for that purpose and asked me if I\u2019d be interested in running a small role-playing corner there. <\/p>\n\n 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\u2014basically right out of my living room, just as a side project at first, but with shipping right from the start. <\/p>\n\n 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\u2014we 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 \u201coccult store\u201d…)<\/em>, we soon moved to Ulm. <\/p>\n\n Since the early \u201990s, we\u2019ve been through all the ups and downs of the scene\u2014long before the internet and before *Magic: The Gathering<\/em>*. And we\u2019ve attended countless conventions: from the small, grassroots convention with 50 people to the legendary START in Hamburg with 3,000 attendees. <\/p>\n\n MechStrategists:<\/strong> How has the role of the retailer changed over the decades?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp\u2019s Shop):<\/strong> In the early \u201990s, 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. <\/p>\n\n These days, thanks to the Internet, customers often know more about a game than the retailer does before making a purchase\u2014and they\u2019ve already checked for the best price. A classic Swabian story: I\u2019ve had a customer walk out on me before because he found the game one euro cheaper online! <\/p>\n\n 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<\/em> is the perennial favorite, but even Battletech<\/em> has had periods where things were quieter\u2014until the next wave came along. <\/p>\n\n MechStrategists:<\/strong> What sets your store apart today, and how do you select your product lineup?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp\u2019s Shop):<\/strong> I offer very personalized service. You always speak directly with the owner\u2014whether in the store or when ordering online. No anonymous, generic emails. Some regular customers just drop by to chat\u2014and usually end up buying something anyway! This personal connection really motivates me. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Mech Strategists:<\/strong> How are you experiencing the current Battletech revival, and how is 3D printing changing the DIY scene?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp\u2019s Shop):<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Mech Strategists:<\/strong> Where do you guys meet up to game?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp’s Shop):<\/strong> At the store, we have a painting workshop on Thursdays, Yu-Gi-Oh!<\/em> Day on Fridays, and Magic<\/em> on Saturdays.<\/p>\n\n For large tabletop and role-playing game groups ,<\/strong> we\u2019re incredibly lucky here in Ulm to have the \u00dcbermorgenwelt e.V.<\/strong> club .<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, where you can find out about all the conventions in the area (such as Catcon<\/em>, \u00dcbercon<\/em>, or Zeltcon<\/em> in Biberach). <\/p>\n\n If you’re looking to connect with others: Just stop by my store or send me an email\u2014I’d be happy to put you in touch!<\/p>\n\n MechStrategists:<\/strong> What are your plans for the future, and what games would you recommend right now?<\/em><\/p>\n\n Michael (Imp\u2019s Shop):<\/strong> As for the future, the plan is to just keep doing what we\u2019ve been doing and stay true to ourselves. It\u2019s the best feeling when customers come back after 10 or 20 years and say, \u201cIt\u2019s so nice that this place is still exactly the same as it used to be!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n My current insider tip:<\/strong> 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<\/em>). They bring an incredibly fresh perspective\u2014compact rulebooks, great new ideas, or simply a single, thick rulebook. Modern classics like M\u00f6rk Borg<\/strong> (or Cy_Borg<\/em> and Pirate Borg<\/em>) are also a ton of fun: fast-paced rules, dark vibes, and a fantastic open-licensing policy along the lines of, \u201cIf you come up with something, just put it out there!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n A huge thank you to Michael from Imp\u2019s Shop for this amazing trip down memory lane and the deep insights into our scene! Next time you\u2019re in Ulm, be sure to stop by, chat about Mechs & M\u00f6rk Borg, and support your local game store! <\/p>\n\n Greetings S\u00f6ren from Mechstrategen<\/p>\n\n Transparency notice on the use of AI (in accordance with the EU AI Act):<\/strong> Why?<\/strong> This enables me to prepare complex issues more precisely and to focus fully on the quality of the content and research. The final editorial control and responsibility for all published content lies solely with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This blog is a project of the heart that can only continue to grow with your help. Every comment, every recommendation – and especially your financial support – secures the future of this platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you want this content to remain freely accessible?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is how you can support the mission:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s make this blog an even better place together!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Interview<\/h2>\n\n
1. From a Haphazard Idea to a Cult Store<\/h3>\n\n
2. The Store Then vs. Now: From a Cult Destination to a Service Oasis<\/h3>\n\n
3. Service with a Personal Touch and Intuition<\/h3>\n\n
4. The Big Battletech Comeback & The Evolution of Terrain Construction<\/h3>\n\n
5. The Community in Ulm: Where Do People Play?<\/h3>\n\n
6. Looking Ahead & Insider Tips from a Veteran<\/h3>\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n
\n\n\n\nTogether for better content!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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