U-Con Expands Miniature Gaming Offerings in Ypsilanti

The U-Con gaming convention in Ypsilanti is rolling out the battle mats and setting up the terrain for an expanded miniature gaming experience this year, being a great place for tabletop tacticians, model enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the world of miniature wargaming.

We’re looking for GMs! If you already love miniature games, sign up to run one at U-Con as a GM!

A Growing Battlefield

Recognizing the surging popularity of miniature gaming the convention is planning to expand its offerings in this category. From seasoned generals commanding vast armies to newcomers picking up their first dice, the convention will cater to players across the entire spectrum of miniature gaming experience.

The expansion reflects broader trends in the hobby, where miniature games have evolved from historical military simulations to encompass everything from skirmish-based steampunk adventures to large-scale sci-fi strategic battles. U-Con organizers have structured the miniature gaming program around three distinct event types, each designed to serve different player needs and preferences.

Here is a taste of games you can expect this year:

Warhammer 40K – The world’s most popular miniature game is in its 10th edition and more popular than ever. Set in the grim and dark future of the 41st millennium, humanity struggles against all sorts of threats, external and internal.
Battletech – A staple at U-Con going back decades, expect more games this year of brutal mechanized combat. Pilot your mecha to victory!
Marvel Crisis Protocol – Superheroes takes on supervillains in this skirmish game set in the world of Marvel Comics.
Warmachine Prime – Skirmish battles in a steampunk fantasy world
Full Tilt – Learn to play this charming game of Halfling Knights competing in jousting tournaments.
Moonstone – A charming fantasy skirmish game where faerie tale creatures fight over the magical moonstones.
Witchborn: Enter Perdition – A campaign based skirmish game that can be played cooperatively or competitively.

Learn-to-Play Events: Your Gateway to the Hobby

For those intimidated by complex rulebooks and intimidating army lists, U-Con’s learn-to-play sessions offer the perfect entry point. These beginner-friendly events pair newcomers with experienced gamemasters who guide them through the fundamentals of various miniature game systems.

Whether you’re curious about the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000, the fantasy battles of Kings of War, or the World War II skirmishes of Bolt Action, these sessions provide hands-on instruction with pre-assembled armies and simplified scenarios. The emphasis is on fun and learning rather than competition, creating a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and mistakes become teaching moments.

These events typically run for two to four hours, giving participants enough time to grasp basic mechanics while experiencing the tactical depth that makes miniature gaming so compelling. Many first-time players leave these sessions with shopping lists for their own armies and a newfound appreciation for the hobby’s blend of strategy, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Minis of Marvel characters including Hulk, Black Panther, and Okoye ready to dive into action on urban terrain.

Narrative Miniature Events: Stories on the Tabletop

Narrative miniature events elevate gaming beyond simple victory conditions, weaving compelling stories into every dice roll and tactical decision. These events focus on collaborative storytelling, where the outcome of battles contributes to an overarching narrative that unfolds throughout the convention.

Players might find themselves defending a besieged city across multiple linked scenarios, with the results of early battles affecting later engagements. A failed defense in the morning could mean reinforcements arrive late for the afternoon’s climactic battle, while a stunning victory might unlock special units or advantageous deployment options.

These narrative events often feature custom scenarios, unique objectives, and special rules that prioritize thematic gameplay over pure competitive balance. The goal is to create memorable moments and epic stories that players will discuss long after the convention ends. Character development, moral choices, and unexpected plot twists become just as important as tactical positioning and army composition.

An army of mecha approaches an army of vehicles at a scarred outpost

Bring and Battles: Showcase Your Collection

The “bring and battle” events represent the purest form of miniature gaming competition at U-Con. These casual competitive events invite players to showcase their personally crafted armies in structured gameplay environments.

Participants bring their own painted miniatures, often representing months or years of hobby investment. These events celebrate both the gaming and modeling aspects of the hobby, letting players show off and admire each other’s miniature painting.

Giant red alien creature battling a mecha with other minis in the background.

Miniature Painting Tutorials

U-Con’s popular “paint and take” sessions will be back this year where you can show up, pick a figure from a diverse selection and paint alongside miniature painting veterans there to guide you. Additionally, look for advanced painting tutorials this year walking you step-by-step through miniature painting techniques that you can use in one of the miniature games or to add that extra something to your roleplaying or board games with painted figures!

A close up of alien-looking miniatures in a variety of colors

Building Community Through Miniatures

Have a miniature game you love? Share it by signing up to GM an event! GMs can get access to discounted convention tickets and best of all you get to meet other players interested in the games you enjoy. These events build lasting communities around shared interests and connecting players. Veterans of the hobby often speak of the friendships forged across gaming tables and the collaborative spirit that emerges when players work together to create engaging gaming experiences.

As U-Con continues to grow its miniature gaming offerings, the convention positions itself as a destination for Michigan’s tabletop gaming community. For the curious observer, U-Con’s miniature gaming events offer a window into a hobby that combines strategy, creativity, and craftsmanship in unique ways. Whether you’re drawn by the tactical challenges, the modeling opportunities, or simply the chance to command armies in exciting battles, U-Con 2025 will be a great chance to try out a new game system and discover a new hobby!

James Arnoldi is miniatures track coordinator for U-Con 2025. He has been an avid miniature gamer since he started playing Warhammer 40k with the launch of the game’s 2nd edition. He loves sharing the hobby and plans to grow the U-Con miniature track over the coming years.