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Last week the Battlefront/GF9 New Zealand team suddenly lost a member of our extended family when Phil Petry passed away unexpectedly of natural causes. Phil’s gaming background goes back decades but most Flames Of War and WWIII: Team Yankee players in NZ knew him for his beautifully painted armies and his warm personality. That’s not to say he couldn’t play hard on the tabletop as he enjoyed a win as much as the next person, but he always played in such a way that everyone could enjoy the game.

He was also an immensely passionate board gamer, helping the GF9 team as a lead play tester for many of the games that grace our shelves (and some yet to come out).

He had an analytical and insightful view that helped to refine and improve our games and was always keen to get involved and try out some new game mechanic.

His passion for boardgames and generosity extended so far that he even volunteered his gaming group to travel to Gen Con in 2016 to assist the team with the launch of Star Trek Ascendency, where they taught hundreds of players over the course of the weekend, whilst still finding time to squeeze in a little shopping.

Phil’s quiet but proud contribution to our shared hobby will be greatly missed, whether you knew him or not.

~The Battlefront/GF9 New Zealand team