One of the commenters to my previous post mentioned that they had thought about getting into Star Wars minis but didn't know anyone in the area who also played the game. I thought it would make a good blog subject, especially since it would have been longer than the reply function would allow, and might help others as well.

First, note that Star Wars Roleplaying Game Saga Edition and the Star Wars Miniatures games are two separate (though related) games and you may play one without the other. In fact, many fans prefer one over the other, depending on the type of game they like.

It is, of course, perfectly possible to learn to play by getting each game, reading the rules and start playing, assuming you have other players around. However, it is quicker and easier to learn from experienced players, and that is the most common method of getting into a game.

If you're looking for an introduction into the specifics of each game, see my earlier posts (which are updated periodically...and need to be tweaked again soon):
Starting the Star Wars Roleplaying Game
Starting the Star Wars Miniatures Game

So that explains a bit about the actual games, but not much about how to get into them or where you might find other interested players. That's where this post comes in.

In many cases, the easiest place to find local players is to find your friendly local game store and see if they are running any events or have a group that plays at the store. If they don't, they still may be able to put you in contact with local players. Events may be demonstrations, game days, miniatures release events or weekly minis leagues. These stores are usually relatively small and locally owned - we're not generally talking about Barnes and Noble here. Some are combined with comics shops or hobby stores. If you need a place to start, click here for a list of shops that ran Star Wars Miniatures release tournaments. While the event has passed, many of these stores will have related events.

In fact, many of those stores, along with others, run Star Wars Miniatures tournaments through an organization called DCI. Through this Wizards of the Coast program, you can play in sanctioned events. You earn points for each event, which are tracked by the DCI. Some events may have prizes (such as the cash prize at GenCon this year). Some stores also run weekly leagues of their own. You can find upcoming DCI events here, or refine your search here. Even if you don't like competitive play, you can still meet other players.

On the RPG side, everything above about the game stores also holds true, except that the official organized play group is called the RPGA. However, currently, there are no Star Wars events, until the Dawn of Defiance campaign starts up soon. You may be able to find DoD games at that time, and some stores may organize some games. Note that you don't have to play through the RPGA to play DoD.

A similar option to the game stores is game days and game conventions. These are scattered around the world, and may be as small as a few tables and players, to hundreds or even thousands of attendees. You normally have to pay an entrance fee, so you'll want to check the schedule ahead of time for Star Wars events - and maybe sign up early, as games do fill up. You can usually find this info online. Here is a short list of some conventions. You can also try googling gaming convention and a town in your area.

There are also game clubs out there ready and willing to take on new members and/or introduce others to the hobby. If you're on a college campus, your chances are better. Look for a gaming, RPG, D&D, miniatures or board game club. Even if they don't exactly match your Star Wars interest, where there are gamers, there are potential players. Your best bet is probably googling RPG club with your city or area name.

Lastly, you can make contact with other players through online message boards. Message boards are usually a good place to ask rules questions, locate events and even play by post online. The Wizards of the Coast Star Wars boards are excellent for the first two, for both games. It has areas dedicated to rules interpretations, ideas and general discussion, sometimes with official answers (check out the stickied threads). Another good one is the SWRPGNetwork, which also has online gaming. There are others out there as well.
As always, play it safe when meeting others through an online connection, and be careful when meeting in person.

You might find some of the RPG and Minis fan sites helpful as well.

Good luck.