Mindtrick
Warrior
233 Posts
    
 | | 03/14/2006 10:09 AM |
| OK, so this game is a combination of Magic, SWTCG, DDM/SWM, Hecatomb and chess/checkers.
Hmmm....
My only hope is it doesn't detract too much from DDM. I will give it a try but will be very disappointed if they don't ramp up the prize support for DDM tournaments. My guess is they wont. The thinking is since SW and D&D have such a loyal following over the top marketing is not required to sell an appropriate amount of product to make a profit.
It really is too bad the Sealed event for Dreamblade is at the same time as the DDM Championship. [:(!] | |
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Sharn Inquisitor
Underboss
1623 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:17 AM |
| quote:
Would someone rather spend the day at the grinder, so that can hope to compete and take up a second day, or would they rather jump in and play for cash?
Yeah, if I don't qualify for the DDM championship and have to face the grinder, I'd much rather play for a chance at $20k...or some % thereof instead of playing for the chance to design a mini and win more minis I don't need. I love DDM, but cash makes it all happen. | | | |
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Sammael
Underboss
1881 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:19 AM |
| Jesse's post above shows why pushing the Skirmish aspect of DDM this year instead of the RPG aspect was a mistake: Skirmishers will switch to a new game in a heartbeat. Not that I blame them - prize support for Dreamblade is most certainly worth it.
I maintain my opinion that most DDM purchases are made by role-players, and DDM should primarily cater to the role-playing crowd. | |
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2004 D&D Miniatures Champion
Kiddoc
Underboss
1797 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:24 AM |
| <--- Broken Hearted
[B)]
But as a kiddie shrink, parent, and eldest child let me tell you this:
Such is the fate of eldest children.
When you're the first in the line, the oldest, you are the guinea pig. You receive the "experimental" treatment. It's the natural way of things. Your parents "try out" various techniques on you. In this case, there was not even a shred of guarantee that the line would survive. They were in for 2 sets and then... "we'll see..."
But DDM busted things wide open. Not only could WoTC compete with the well-established CMG's out there, it could whup them. And so it did. And then someone said, "Now if I could do it all over again, no strings attached..."
And I suspect that is what this new game is. Getting it right from the start, with all the experience and wisdom of about 20 sets of 2 different (and differently successful) miniature lines behind them.
I understand the decision from a corporate standpoint. They know what M:TG is to them financially (and in terms of both pride and recognition). I get the STRONG impression that this new line is meant to be the M:TG of miniatures. No prior attachment to theme (other than "generic" fantasy-related), well-refined mechanics, and TONS of prize support in the form of cash (this is what drives magic at the highest level, and sets up a competitive structure that drives the prestige of the game, and the appeal to new players).
Really there's no better way to lure gamers in. Throw out obscene cash bonuses for a release tourney. If they offer a 20k cash prize at gencon, about a billion people will sign up. Hell, I might sign up, screw the championship on the same day--that has almost no prize support compared to 20 grand. It's luring flies to .... well, you know. If local game shops are throwing a grand out at local tournaments, this game will SUCK people right in. Nothing is a better motivator than cash. Not history or nostalgia, not even pride.
The one thing that stings me about all this (I know it's good for the company but still...), is the nagging wonder:
If all THIS support (It's OVER 200,000 dollars in total cash JUST for prizes alone, if you add it up)is going into this:
"What's going to happen to the D&D miniatures line?"
I'm not talking about extinction. The RPG market alone could now drive a basic product line.
But, what have we noticed with the last set? Declining quality of paint and some QA problems. I hate that the thought comes into my head at all, but it does: If this product is to be the new "baby" at WoTC, maybe some time/effort/energy/funding is being syphoned away from DDM. Maybe that's why we saw a dip in quality all of a sudden?
Worse still, it pains me to see how hard folks like Mike Derry, Brad Shugg, Pete Scott, and countless others have worked to develop a local community. Hard, selfless work. And a message is sent to them: "We're listening! We support you." And that message is, 250 dollar vouchers for gencon, or free tickets, or case of boosters.
Suddenly the message to a completely new game is: "Hold a local tourney, we'll give you a grand." Ouch.
While it's not a direct slap in the face to the DDM guys that have been working so hard to build a community and increase the level of organization and competition, it SURE feels like getting the rug pulled out from under you.
I don't see the sky falling, but damn did this announcement knock some of the wind out of my sails. | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:31 AM |
| Sitting here thinking about things instead of work. Which made me think that if it wasn't for skirmish/RPG/collecting then I don't feel the success of the DDM line would be what it is now. Since most RPGers and collectors are after specific minis. But it is the skirmisher, IMHO, that makes the "three prong" apprach viable as a line.
If you take out the skirmisher will the line still be as "good"? Perhaps, this is why the scale difference, as to discourage cross use. I hope not because this is the same tactic that GW uses, and this tactic is not very popular with many gamers... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Zaukrie
Underboss
2007 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:31 AM |
| Well, this is interesting. I think this could kill DDM. Hasbro is spending a lot on HeroScape, WotC is clearly spending more on this than DDM (gee, I wonder where all the good painters went?) - My buying of DDM may have just come to a screeching halt. While I also use these for my monthly D&D game, I have plenty of minis for that now. I keep buying for the skirmish game. If you really want D&D pre-painted minis, I'm guessing you have maybe 2 years left to buy them.
OP looks about 100 times more organized for this than for DDM (not to mention willing to spend a LOT more money). I'm glad I wasn't just hired to run a line that looks doomed (DDM). | |
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Sharn Inquisitor
Underboss
1623 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:32 AM |
| Well written Kiddoc. It's everything I'm thinking, but too lazy to type.
I have to run a tourney on Saturday, I just know my skirmish group is going to be nuts. Several guys are already going to be PO'd. I'm disappointed more than anything.
Well, if the skirmish aspect of the game does disappear in favor of this MTG minis game, I sure know I can get rid of some extra pieces I keep for skirmish only. | | | |
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Hero of Skirmish
doubtofbuddha
Commander
3371 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:33 AM |
| Well said kiddoc. Even now the only thing preventing me from saying "Screw the Championships, I am going for the Dreamblade pre-release" is a) all the time and effort I have put in improving the local community and my own skills b) If things go like I am expecting this could very well be the last "real" DDM Championship, and c) I've heard horror stories about some of the more cash prizen driven tournament structures, and would rather not deal with the sort of antipathy that causes.
Sammael, I get your point, however WotC created the problem for itself. If they gave the prize structure to DDM even close to what they are doing for this, then I wouldn't be even considering going anywhere. | |
I am not gone. | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:35 AM |
| quote:
Worse still, it pains me to see how hard folks like Mike Derry, Brad Shugg, Pete Scott, and countless others have worked to develop a local community. Hard, selfless work. And a message is sent to them: "We're listening! We support you." And that message is, 250 dollar vouchers for gencon, or free tickets, or case of boosters.
Suddenly the message to a completely new game is: "Hold a local tourney, we'll give you a grand." Ouch.
While it's not a direct slap in the face to the DDM guys that have been working so hard to build a community and increase the level of organization and competition, it SURE feels like getting the rug pulled out from under you.
I don't see the sky falling, but damn did this announcement knock some of the wind out of my sails.
Well said, BUT, lets not panic "yet". Ian did start a thread over on the WotC boards asking the fans what we would like to see. I don't think anyone thought that there was this kind of money out there, and I don't remember anyone suggesting that DDM "deserved" such treatment.
We haven't see the release info yet for the Championship. There is a chance that we will see WotC kick things up for DDM. Admittedly I don't think we are likely to see such a huge boost, but increasing what they do offer at least will help ease the pain.
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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Kithmaker
Commander
3926 Posts
| |
Mindtrick
Warrior
233 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:40 AM |
| A few other points of interest:
1) There seem to be 96 minis in the first set.
2) Given the prize support and tournament structure I would say they are trying to premiere this game at the same volume as the current Magic environment but without the years of developing a fanatical following. It may backfire on them, then again if it succeeds good for them.
3) This will definitely suck some life out of DDM/SWM/AAM. At the worst it may just make it harder to get newer players into those games since this new one has all the flash and bling of the amped-up tournament scene.
4) I really hope WotC holds the Premiere Event for this game later in the day on Saturday at GenCon Indy. It will give those of us who are not going to make it very high in the final standings of the DMM Championship a chance to play.
5) Time to create a new Dreamblade branch on the Maxminis site???? | |
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Hero of Skirmish
doubtofbuddha
Commander
3371 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:40 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
We haven't see the release info yet for the Championship. There is a chance that we will see WotC kick things up for DDM. Admittedly I don't think we are likely to see such a huge boost, but increasing what they do offer at least will help ease the pain.
Definitely. I am not even expecting DDM to get that much support. But something approaching that level would make a choice between DDM and Dreamblade a lot easier... | |
I am not gone. | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:41 AM |
| | Kiddoc, very well put. This is what many of us are thinking; I fear... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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striderlotr
Commander
3370 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:47 AM |
| I think that panicing is the wrong thing to do completely. People will try the game out and some will switch over, but DDM is more then just the skirmish game. Many people collect the figures strictly for the RPG side and have no use for skirmish, so I don't think the line is going any where.
As for the cash prizes, yes it will pull some players, just as Jesse mentioned, but some people may find they are not good at the game or just don't like it. Those people will continue with DDM. This may also mean that the compitition for DDM may change greatly as new people get involved.
I have to second seveal people here and say let's keep it civil and not pound on WotC (especially Ian and Shoe), and lets not sign the death certificate on a game that is going strong. | |
Sean Banks
Champion of Elementals
Official Organizer
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:51 AM |
| | I concur. I am afraid, yes. Well, perhaps more concerned. But fears/doubts and concerns can be abolished like fog before the sun. Just a matter of time and good information flow. I am still looking forward to this game as it will bolster the ranks of giants and other huges for my RPG. | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:52 AM |
| And let's not forget folks ... some other things ...
(I'm the man of lists today, apparently)
1) It is easier to make a game with no pre-existing background; making minis/rules that are ... related to ... existing D&D takes more time/effort. That's baggage to carry that
2) When we look at something we've only seen in artwork before but is in front of us in 3 dimensions, that is meaningful.
3) We get cool maps, etc.
4) When OP eventually stops for DDM (which you have to assume will happen someday - it could be after a decade, but it will eventually stop) I'm still going to have a ton of great RPG minis.
5) There have been miniatures produced for years ... and as long as D&D exists I think there could be a nice place for DDM.
Finally, another thought. In the commercial / consumable product world it is often a good thing for your business to cycle through new product lines ... the newness generates interest, etc. Every line should not be planned to last "forever" ... that's a bad model. You should have a base, but then it is often best to produce something new, let it run its course and then move to the next item. So anyway ... not the end of the world.
Still, I'd like to see some serious cash in DDM organized play [)] | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Zaukrie
Underboss
2007 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 10:56 AM |
| I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that this MAY signal the death of the game.
If you are one of the only stores in an area that runs tournaments, and you can run tournaments that offer $1000 prize pools - enough money to pull people into your stor to buy stuff, lots of stuff - or you can run DDM tourneys that bring in 4-20 people, which one are you going to run? If you are a company that has a contract with a factory to paint minis, and you have a game that you are launching to be your flagship minis game - where are you going to put the best painters? If you are a player that primarily buys for skirmish, and you have 1000's of D&D minis already (enough to run most games), where are you going to put your money?
I don't think any of these questions is uncivil or jumping the gun. I have an MBA in marketing - I think I can guess where the effort is going to go. I think all of us can see that this is going to get a huge push from WotC - and they'll work with the stores that are used to Magic and what it can do to grow this game. These are the same stores that some of us have pulled into DDM.
I think these are legitimate questions that anyone that spends hundreds/thousands of dollars a year ont these things, primarily to skirmish, needs to ask themselves - before we order our next case or not. | |
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Champion of Juiblex | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
| |
2004 D&D Miniatures Champion
Kiddoc
Underboss
1797 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:04 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
[quote]
We haven't see the release info yet for the Championship. There is a chance that we will see WotC kick things up for DDM. Admittedly I don't think we are likely to see such a huge boost, but increasing what they do offer at least will help ease the pain.
Pat E
Agreed.
But doesn't this just beg the question?
If my logic circuits are in gear here, how could I not put 2 and 2 together?
Fact 1: DDM has a well-established, slightly fanatical, highly competitive, and healthy, growing community. They've been clammoring for info about future competition, and SPECIFICALLY about qualifiers and Gencon.
Fact 2: Completely unestablished game designed to overlap massively with D&D Miniatures, with no prior warning, announcement, or community, already has the announcement of an entire year's worth of support, including details of competitive organization and all cash prizes.
"Why if D&D Miniatures has such a loyal and healthy following, are we still in the dark?"
Sorry, I can't help but ask. What kind of PR message does that send to you, as a player? Even if they do up the ante, the psychological effect is still felt. Why did they know first? Why do they get more? Are we now playing 2nd fiddle to them?
Natural questions that follow from this. Not falling sky, just questions that beg for an answer?
---------
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not hatin' the playa, I'm hatin' the game.
Heck, given the success of the DDM, how could WoTC NOT make this game? How could they not try it given all they know now, and the resources at their disposal. Their brilliant designers would be selling themselves short if they didn't attempt it.
The damage that I'm worried about here is not financial, mechanical, or resource based. I'm more worried about what the psychological impact of this will do to the community.
DDM has stood at the top of the heap. It put the nail in many other CMG's coffins. It clearly outpaced SWM and A&A in terms of volume and competitive play/support. And now, out of nowhwere, comes a product using former DDM designers, with promise more accessible gameplay, MASSIVE prize support, and overlapping schedules (Gencon will be but one example of cross-competition here). How could D&D Miniatures not feel threatened?
My concern isn't for the line. It's for the community. To this point, there was no reason to doubt. We were on top, and things were coasting. Promises of new rules, better competition, more international support, and direct access to the developers had us riding high. But you know gamers. The surest way to get them to jump ship is to give them a reason to panic... however infintesimal. Now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it's the light of an oncoming train or not is unimportant. DDM has been given treatment indicative of 2nd tier standing (whether it is true or not), and the psychological impact of that will scare gamers and collectors alike.
I think the DDM line will do just fine. I'm looking forward to continuing to fill my RPG bins with it. But, when you already have a small handful of the top players going, "20,000-50,000 bucks, HOW can I pass that up???" it makes me wonder about the future of the skirmish community (and it's continued quality).
That's all, not a panic, just a very human curiosity. I'm not a doubting person, pessimism is fatal in my line of work. This time though, the doubt wasn't put there by me. Even I can't look past it, not this time. The curiousity is eating at me. The writing is on the wall. I can't make out 100% of it yet, but from what I've seen, it looks great for the company. Unfortunately, that many not be so great for the community specific to THIS game. | |
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2005 D&D Miniatures Champion
Fenris
Sergeant
974 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:07 AM |
| Wow. Hmm.
I have to be honest, I'd been wondering recently if I should just not compete in the 2006 DDM Championship. I mean, it'd be nice to go out on top, like Kiddoc did, because there's nowhere to go from here but down.
But I said to myself, "What else will you do? You like competitive minis gaming, and AAM doesn't seem to be taking off, and you don't like SWM, so where else will you go?"
Where indeed.
Hmm. | |
Read my championship tournament report.
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Zaukrie
Underboss
2007 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:07 AM |
| But, the argument for why DDM works is that people do skirmish. While there are a lot more casual skirmishers than OP skirmishers (reasoable assumption), it is the OP people that get stores to run events, get new people into the game, participate in GenCona and other big events (and hence expose people to the game at those)and more. I never expected this game to last forever. I did not expect to see a competitor come from within WotC this fast.
Perhaps I'm just feeling a little betrayed - I've worked with some of the other Minnesota people to keep this game active in our stores. I have little doubt that this will change the scene. Maybe I'm just depressed because outsourcing of my department at work went live two weeks ago. Who knows? I'm just not excited that DDM can't get this level of support - a game I've invested a ton of time and money in. I'll stop now. Sorry. | |
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Champion of Juiblex | |
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2004 D&D Miniatures Champion
Kiddoc
Underboss
1797 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:12 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Fenris
Wow. Hmm.
I have to be honest, I'd been wondering recently if I should just not compete in the 2006 DDM Championship. I mean, it'd be nice to go out on top, like Kiddoc did, because there's nowhere to go from here but down.
But I said to myself, "What else will you do? You like competitive minis gaming, and AAM doesn't seem to be taking off, and you don't like SWM, so where else will you go?"
Where indeed.
Hmm.
We need a support group for us. You and me. Poor. But with two kick-@$$ miniatures sitting beside us. We could be the alpha, and the omega.
Maybe if they awarded us retroactive prizes? "Sorry about that 2 cases thing, here's your check for 20,000--have a good time putting your kid through college"
[:D] | |
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Hero of Skirmish
doubtofbuddha
Commander
3371 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:14 AM |
| Hrm... as it stands I think that I am going to be limiting my purchases to pieces I really want for role-playing and pieces that are absolutely vital for skirmish. I am done buying cases and will only get packs on occassion to support my FLGS or to play sealed.
Oh well, I wasn't really that excited with having to deal with a new huge set anyway...
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I am not gone. | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:15 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
Well said, BUT, lets not panic "yet". Ian did start a thread over on the WotC boards asking the fans what we would like to see. I don't think anyone thought that there was this kind of money out there, and I don't remember anyone suggesting that DDM "deserved" such treatment.
Link?
Found it:
http://64.223.12.43/showthread.php?t=593889
Doubtofbuddha actually started the thread, but it was prompted by Ian during the Webcast.
I can't post to the WotC Boards from work, but I know what I would be suggesting now!
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:21 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Kiddoc
Maybe if they awarded us retroactive prizes? "Sorry about that 2 cases thing, here's your check for 20,000--have a good time putting your kid through college"
[:D]
I mean, this is a ton of scratch. It made me turn my head and I swore off competitive tourneys about 10-12 years ago!!!
Along the lines of prize support this makes the katana the L5R cardmonkeys get look cheap! I know the last cardmonkey and I mean the term with all the love a DM can have for a player!!!
Still anyway you slice 20K it is a lot of cash. Or at least a couple tanks of gas...[:D] | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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heirodule
Sneak
95 Posts
Philly
| | 03/14/2006 11:22 AM |
| I wonder if WOTC will release a supplement for D&D that gives D&D style background and stats for using the minis in a D&D game.
I'd buy both that book and more of the miniatures if there were such a thing. Otherwise, I might cherry pick a few of the nicer ones for wierd D&D monster.
WOTC doesn't seem to want to 'mix' IP, even to sell more product. Which seems odd. | |
Have/Want list
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Hero of Skirmish
doubtofbuddha
Commander
3371 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:24 AM |
| Yeah, I mean I could pay off my car with that or put a down payment on a new house. I mean damn...
Also now that I look at the rules itself, the game looks pretty decent. Though it doesn't have the pretty maps that DDM has [:p] | |
I am not gone. | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:25 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by heirodule
I wonder if WOTC will release a supplement for D&D that gives D&D style background and stats for using the minis in a D&D game.
I'd buy both that book and more of the miniatures if there were such a thing. Otherwise, I might cherry pick a few of the nicer ones for wierd D&D monster.
WOTC doesn't seem to want to 'mix' IP, even to sell more product. Which seems odd.
I doubt they would. There was rampant speculation about WotC doing the Dominaria (sp?!) setting when they bought TSR for D&D, but of course we never saw that.
I don't think they see that cross pollination as being productive or effective.
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:25 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by heirodule
I wonder if WOTC will release a supplement for D&D that gives D&D style background and stats for using the minis in a D&D game.
....
The thing is that the scale for a good number of figs will be noticable and a determent...for some. | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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striderlotr
Commander
3370 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:28 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Fenris
Wow. Hmm.
I have to be honest, I'd been wondering recently if I should just not compete in the 2006 DDM Championship. I mean, it'd be nice to go out on top, like Kiddoc did, because there's nowhere to go from here but down.
But I said to myself, "What else will you do? You like competitive minis gaming, and AAM doesn't seem to be taking off, and you don't like SWM, so where else will you go?"
Where indeed.
Hmm.
Great... Knowing I might have to play Jesse was one thing, but if I have to play the 2 champs... I might as well try the grinder. [:p]
I have had a lot of fun playing in these events in the past 2 years. I played in the SWM and AAM events and I think that unless I can make a qualifier and do really, really well, I'll play in an event for Dreamblade as well. They are wild as people are seeing some of the figures for the first time and really playing for the first time.
| |
Sean Banks
Champion of Elementals
Official Organizer
Gen Con 05 maxminis Event | Winterfantasy 06 maxminis Event | Gen Con 06 maxminis Event | Winterfantasy 07 Community Event | |
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Thailfi
Sergeant
955 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:33 AM |
| This seems like a huge risk for WOTC. Competing against themselves with a product that only has a chance of appealling to half of their current customer base. Not only that, they seem to be investing in the new line much more heavily than they did DDM. Are they counting on appealing to a wider base of fans?
As an RPG collector only, I can tell you for a fact that this new product has a 0% chance of getting me to spend even a single dollar on it. I hope they don't fracture their market so much that all of their mini products go down the tubes. | |
Thailfi's Have/Want List
Thailfi's References | |
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robby
Sergeant
918 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:36 AM |
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I think Kiddoc and a few others have summed up whats going on pretty well. I can only add this: no wonder the designers claimed "no set rotation". No one asked them about product rotation.
Unless this game tanks (which is entirely possible), with that kind of prize support being thrown around, this totally spells the end of DDM as a supported Skirmish game. I can't see how it doesn't.
And the reality is that I have plenty enough minis for RPG. I had gotten to that point before War Drums - and I've only really continued to buy because of the skirmish game.
Ah well, it was fun while it lasted, and I'm happy with my now-RPG collection of minis.
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Email: robby.anderson@yahoo.com | H/W List | My Trade Interface | Reference Thread/Completed Trades
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johnny.quest
Underboss
1341 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:38 AM |
| When one of the most consistently positive people I've seen on these boards writes something like this, you know that this announcement is felt as a crushing blow to so many of us.
[V]
quote:
Originally posted by Kiddoc
<--- Broken Hearted
[B)]
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:41 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Thailfi
....As an RPG collector only, I can tell you for a fact that this new product has a 0% chance of getting me to spend even a single dollar on it. I hope they don't fracture their market so much that all of their mini products go down the tubes.
Same here. I am looking at the only good thing as being some cool singles. The last thing that I need right now is another "game" to get into. Granted, this is me and I am but one lone person.... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Kunimatyu
Sergeant
724 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:44 AM |
| For those of you freaking out about the $1k tourneys...yes, that's *way* more significant than DDM, maybe way too much so. But, don't extrapolate from that and assume that your store will be holding weekly or even monthly tournaments for that much. Ain't gonna happen.
What this makes me as an RPGer wonder is whether or not WotC would be better off altering D&D Minis to be more RPG-focused. We've already heard that set amount may drop to 40 figs instead of 60, and if most/all of those are monsters geared for RPG instead of tons of LG/CG filler, well, that might actually be the way to go. There could even be the possibility of dropping statcards entirely to cut costs. I know that I might not be unhappy with cheaper boosters containing fewer but more useful RPG-centric figs.
Does the 20K make me interested in playing Dreamblade? Probably not...those booster prices will get un-fun very very fast, and a collection of Dreamblade is nigh-worthless after the game goes away, unlike D&D Minis.
Oh, one other thing: Given how well DDM is selling, it'd be utter madness for WotC to drop the line. It's really helping keep RPG sales aloft, and so regardless of what happens, I think we can definitely count on continuing to receive lots of neat monsters. | |
Champion of the Aboleth, Prophet of Denizens. BW Called Shot: Babau, UH Called Shot: Aspect of Vecna | |
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Temperance
Sergeant
503 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:47 AM |
| Perhaps DDM will get an increased prize support in the future. Who knows. I do know that we as a community want more for DDM -- just look at the opens that have been springing up -- and perhaps this will trickle down to us?
I would have dismissed the game completely had it not been worked on by both Rob H and Mike D. | |
Champion of the common Flying Monkey (Fez optional)
Peter Lee on the WotC board
BAD WOLF
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LargeMarmot
Sergeant
463 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 11:50 AM |
| | I'm not sure why people are complaining about the prize support given to this game as opposed to DDM. First of all Wizards can't seem to get any games off the ground, they have about a dozen games three or four of which are actually played to any extent. Furthermore DDM already gets more support than any collectable game other than Magic. Thats just my two cents. | |
Champion of the Tohr-Kreen.
WotDQ Called Shot: Fang Dragon. | |
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Dordledum
Commander
3187 Posts
Netherlands
| | 03/14/2006 12:11 PM |
| Can't use em for my D&D RPG and are differently scaled from DDM. Won't buy a single one, how good they might look. I don't believe this will be the end of DDM, but if it is it will be the end of my collecting days.
DDM only (call me a purist) [:)]
D. | |
Member of the Bearded Devils
Champion of the Huge Spider (WotDQ 46/60), A New Umber Hulk (DoDe 57/60), and Hardcopy Printed DDM 2.0 Stat-Cards for all Minis! | |
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Tasmanian_tiger
Warrior
300 Posts
| | 03/14/2006 12:25 PM |
| Well.. I agree with most that is said. I worry about the DDM going down, because the skirmishers might leave. And feel disappointed it didn't got the same support.
I had the feeling DDM were (finally) taking of around the globe (being an European Championship organized and more support). Pity.. But then again I'm a pessimist.;)
I also, solely collect DDM for rp. I buy a case per set, but like many said before, my needs for an rp-collection (for pc's, orcs, kobolds) are satisfied. I'm about to look more for the monster types. | |
Champion of Dragotha
"Life is full of doors that don't open when you knock, equally spaced amid those that open when you don't want them to"
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Pending Trades: none pending - Completed trades: Dire Badger, Clanguard, spikegif, Shoe, Gaddszooks,Dj-Chuckles, cmlobue | |
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