Game about painting minis?

[Harmacist]

When I was a kid, many years ago, I used to paint minis (WH40k). I really miss that. Is there any game where you can paint, ideally following some sort of campaign or tutorial?

Something like the "Simulator" games where you have a PC and people make orders (PC building sim, powerwash sim, mechanic sim, etc)?

Bonus if I can use a Wacom drawing tablet

Thanks!

Note: not looking for serious software like Surface Painter or ZBrush to professionally paint. Just want to play around without spending hundreds of euros on Games Workshop paint sets

PS: saw the trailers for Demeo and Moonbreaker, which is what gave me the idea that maybe something like this already exists

[Thordred]

Isn't Moonbreaker already what you're looking for? It's available on Steam.

Or maybe something like impcat?
https://www.impcat.de/about/
(for Android and iOS)

[Mad Scientist]

Look into this one, I believe it might have painting abilities in it, but you'll want to make sure:

[wuddih]

moonbreaker is also early access. if its not already possible, you might wanna nudge the dev to allow players to focus on that part of the game. then you have one option more.

[Harmacist]

I already said Moonbreaker isn't what I seek :D

[cinedine]

Originally posted by Viking Tomato:

Just want to play around without spending hundreds of euros on Games Workshop paint sets

Buy Vallejo or Army Painter? Preferrable from an LGS, who often offer on discount. Games Workshop being overpriced with their hobby accessoiries is nothing new.
Same for the minis, lots of amazing companies out there nowadays, even more if you have access to 3D printing.

If Moonbreaker isn't what you want, then there is little else. Some games like Dawn of War have army painters, but that just amounts to colouring in panels at best.

There is impcat[play.google.com] for mobile, but that also amounts to colouring in. Looks a bit better because it simulates your typical shade + base + (edge) highlight.

[MoonC A T]

Originally posted by Viking Tomato:

Note: not looking for serious software like Surface Painter or ZBrush to professionally paint. Just want to play around without spending hundreds of euros on Games Workshop paint sets

You do realize that you don't have to buy expensive Games Workshop paints?

Any cheap acrylic set will do. It's not hard to mix paints. I never use GWS media.

[MoonC A T]

Originally posted by Washell:

Originally posted by MoonC A T:

Any cheap acrylic set will do.

While I agree that branded paints are overpriced, cheap acrylic paint usually has poorer coverage and courser pigment which can lead to a loss of fine detail. You don't have to spend the hundreds on Games Workshop paints, but you shouldn't pick it up at the local dollar store either.

I'm not saying that but there are very good quality paints that don't cost an arm and a leg that you can get from (at least here in the US) places like Hobby Lobby and Michaels...brushes too.

[Eduu. あ]

:yay:

[Eduu. あ]

lel

[MoonC A T]

There are some experiences and tangible hobbies I just don't think any software can duplicate, no matter how intricate or elaborate the software.

Miniatures are a tangible thing that I don't think software can replace, especially if you have already experienced it, as you stated in your OP.

I'm twice as old as most people here on Steam and still enjoy painting Warhammer, Gundam, and other models while maintaining an active family life with my wife.

Just something to think about.

[Harmacist]

Originally posted by Washell:

@OP: If you like the idea, old miniature games figurines like Mage Knight can be gotten for pennies per model. Personally, I'm painting the figures from my boardgame club's boxes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325493244725?hash=item4bc8e8c335:g:74QAAOSw1~hjszvV

That is an excellent idea. Will investigate and support my local store, see if they have something covered in dust

Originally posted by MoonC A T:

There are some experiences and tangible hobbies I just don't think any software can duplicate, no matter how intricate or elaborate the software.

Miniatures are a tangible thing that I don't think software can replace, especially if you have already experienced it, as you stated in your OP.

I'm twice as old as most people here on Steam and still enjoy painting Warhammer, Gundam, and other models while maintaining an active family life with my wife.

Just something to think about.

Completely agree. After spending some time investigating, non-GW paints aren't that expensive, and found a nice set by The Army Painter that seems very decent.

No need for software, going back to the real stuff!

Thanks, all!

[wesnef]

Originally posted by Viking Tomato:

Completely agree. After spending some time investigating, non-GW paints aren't that expensive, and found a nice set by The Army Painter that seems very decent.

Back when I was still painting figures (ugh, my vision sucks now. Not so steady hand anymore, either. Yay, aging), I got good results from a mix of Vallejo miniature paints, and cheap acrylic craft paints from Micheals craft store. Delta Ceramcoat & similar.

(I used the real miniature paint like Vallejo for good metallics & stuff that craft paints just don't have, like multiple flesh tones, or military colors.)

[pasa]

Originally posted by MoonC A T:

You do realize that you don't have to buy expensive Games Workshop paints?

Any cheap acrylic set will do. It's not hard to mix paints. I never use GWS media.

Well, in this case the expensive stuff is justified. on YT you can find plenty videos where pros compare the cheap paints with those meant for mini painting. Conclusion is if you're a pro, you can work with them and get similar results using 15 layers instead of 3. If you're not a pro... if you're like most people, who get motivation from some trace of initial success, you really need the help of well working paint.

I think I spent ~$200 to start, what covers everything needed. There are guides to cheap start to go down to maybe $60. What is good for those not sure they continue, then probably will spend more. :)

It's not cheap, but if you like the action and/or the results, it is rewarding. I don't really get the idea how would you replace it with software, the whole idea is IMO revolving around using the materials.

One absolute pro point is the community. Full of very nice enthusiasts. Happy to help and guide. on YT, on BGG. In painting shops.

(If you just meant GSW strictly, you're right, I use mostly Vallejo and there are other brands, they are somewhat cheaper, but still look pretty expensive. Especially for the start, as the smallest quantity is good for some 50 minis.)

[Harmacist]

Grabbing a set of stuff, mostly from Army Painter, with some stuff from Vallejo. Will dust off my 3D printer for cheap minis to ruin and practice