Tabletop games of all kinds are on the rise, with board games and card games both seeing rising sales. Another tabletop genre seeing a boost in popularity is wargaming, and it is, in my opinion, the one you should definitely play.

Wargaming can be summarized as using tiny armies and playing out battles on a table or board, but this would be an oversimplification. The hobby has a great deal to offer, and I'm here to share what those things are.

1. The game itself.

This is, of course, a major part, as it's why you start. Depending on what you like in a game, you can find a wargame that fits your play style. Do you want something small, tactical, and quick?

Check out Warmachine/Hordes or Necromunda. Ever felt the desire to be in charge of an army, with hordes of models on the field? Check out Warhammer 40,000. Have you ever wanted to remake those great space battles in "Star Wars"? Here's X-Wing and Star Wars Armada. The point is, wargaming has the diversity to help you find your niche.

2. Painting and customizing, otherwise known as "your dudes".

The artistic aspect is also a big deal. While some wargames have pre-built and/or pre-painted models, many don't, allowing for a wide variety of paint jobs and designs. Even when you're not playing, you can break out the paints and brushes, and get to work on making a model unique, vibrant, and wholly yours.

Customization is more thorough when you have a variety of pieces, allowing for a truly unique model, and a design that not even the game designers thought of.

3. The wargaming community and fanbase.

Many people get into wargaming from a social perspective, and the community is definitely a major part of why people join. There's nothing quite like sharing wargaming with someone else, as there's the camaraderie of the hours spent building, painting, and then putting in the game. While many hobbies have dedicated members, wargamers put in all those extra hours for the game, engendering a mutual respect and bond.

4. The stories, tales, and grand narrative.

The final aspect to wargaming, and possibly my favorite, is the lore and stories. Most wargames have a background, with large fictional worlds to explore. Warhammer 40,000 is a tale of Gothic tragedy, never-ending war, and cruel gods.

Malifaux is a stylish ride with steampunk and horror. The stories and game can be mixed together, with narrative games, where you can make a name for your models and create your own tales of heroism and glory.

Wargaming is a wonderful hobby and deserves wider recognition. Find a starter box and try it with a friend. Get some paint and make that model yours. Grab one of the books and learn about the world you've begun to explore. And most importantly, have fun.