Have We Changed Because of Adepticon?!

In this three-part reflective episode of Trapped Under Plastic, hosts Scott and John delve into their experiences at Adepticon 2026, examining how the convention has transformed both personally and within the broader miniature hobby community. They begin by processing the emotional weight of not winning the Golden Demon trophy, which catalyzed a powerful shift toward prioritizing personal joy and creative freedom over competitive pressure. This introspection led one host to abandon rigid, high-performance painting styles in favor of a more expressive, drama-infused approach inspired by artists like Roman Lapot. The other emphasized the importance of maintaining a 'hobbyist mindset' through monthly hangouts, low-pressure painting sessions, and community connection to combat isolation. The hosts also highlight tangible changes at Adepticon, including expanded vendor spaces, the rise of accessible high-quality plastic miniatures from studios like Archon Studio, and the challenge of 'quicksand'—the overwhelming social demands of constant interaction. Unexpected fan gifts, like a Japanese Ninja Turtles gold bill and premium batteries, symbolize the heartfelt, personal bonds that make the hobby meaningful. The conversation evolves into a broader meditation on the state of the miniature gaming hobby, celebrating the vibrant growth beyond Games Workshop with a surge of indie games and passionate new creators. The hosts contrast this with the tabletop RPG boom, noting that while storytelling thrives in small groups, miniature gaming relies more heavily on local play communities—making accessibility and consistent local engagement crucial for long-term investment. They praise in-person conventions as essential 'vitamin D' for creativity, recharging their passion and reminding them to focus on what excites them in the moment rather than long-term content goals. The episode closes on a warm, humorous note, expressing gratitude to listeners and acknowledging the role of pets like Dobby and Luna in the podcast’s atmosphere. Ultimately, the hosts reaffirm that the true value of the hobby lies in joy, connection, and imperfection—both in creation and community.