Posted By Ridureyu on 09/09/2006 2:04 PM
Actually, when you consider the concept of Dreamblade, the Runetagged Brawler is one of the most realistic minis there is.

he represents the dream where you go to school naked.

Posted By hup on 08/24/2006 12:39 AM

Ok just made an account up to point out a few observations.

Yes, there will be people who play just for the money. In the long run this will die out - how long can they throw money at people to get them to play?

There is next to NO international interest in DB - simply becasue there is next to no support for international players. While Australia might be a smaller gaming community I would like to point out that a) only ONE store in my state even stock DB (and they were told by WotC to do so). b) In the time it has been on sale they have sold ONE starter and no boosters. While this may take off in the US it will flop like a dying whale everywhere else in the world.

I think they made a few fundamental flaws:

• It is not associated to any existing fan base. (Such as existing novels, TV, movies, etc.)
• It relies HEAVILY on luck of the dice, even more so than DDM in my opinion. Thus you might as well play craps for all the skill required.

Why didn't they simply use the Magic artwork and figures - I know I'd have bought the stuff just to get an Inkeyes or some of the Angels in magic.

Oh well just my opinion, thought I'd point out that while it *might* do well in the US it *will* flop overseas unless they change their current stance on tournaments.

This just isn't the case at all in terms of luck. You could just as easily say that all CCGs are luck based on what cards you draw and when. If Dreamblade was all luck then why would experienced players have been the ones to reap the top prizes in the $20K at GenCon? I think the "craps" reference you used about the game is better put used to describe your sentiments toward the game.

Rick T.

Posted By Lance H on 09/02/2006 5:26 PM
As the WotC Delegate for the state of Oklahoma, I can only report what I learn during my monthly store visits.  Since the game's release, I've spoken with the owners of four stores about Dreamblade.  I have no specific numbers, but the game is not exactly flying off the shelves.  More to the point, only one of those stores is even currently carrying the game.  They say there's not much fan interest.  So to promote such interests, I'm doing official Demos, starting on 23 September.  If you live in Oklahoma, shoot me an email.

I agree with the above point:  The game is not associated with any fan base.  Players have no connection with it.  Before DDM, we knew what a displacer beast was.  Before SWM, we were familiar with the Sith.  Before AAM, we had all heard of a Sherman tank.  But an Axemorph Demon is something entirely new.

I also speak as one of the guys who gets paid to write Dreamblade articles for WotC.  I would love to see the game prosper.  Heck, I want to keep publishing material on it.  But I also think the game can fill a niche the others cannot.  However, I'm not betting the old Oklahoma farm on the game lasting.  Right now there is the delightful appeal of cash prizes.  But when that loses its luster, we are left with a game without any cultural resonance.

Posted By scruffydude7 on 09/10/2006 2:41 AM
Honestly, I thought that Dreamblade would have a relatively low amount of interest and I didn't expect a very long lifespan. It seems to have picked up much more than I expected to, although that is based purely on casual observation.

I still don't imagine it will last as long as DDM. DDM seems to have a fairly dedicated fanbase for reasons outside of skirmish. While the game grows, it seems to draw casual players who may or may not get absorbed in the wonderful world of D&D. Regardless of how many of the new players it draws, it is based on an immensely popular RPG with a loyal fanbase. The folks who belong to that crowd who also skirmish seem to make up a very large chunk of DDM buyers, and for that reason, I imagine it will be around for a long time.

Dreamblade minis have little utility outside of the game itself. I don't think the game has solid enough roots to stay around for a very long time. If it does, it will be for outstanding gameplay, the fun factor ( have never played, so I can't judge) and especially the game's appeal to new players, and keep them interested.

Posted By froffenhoffer on 09/10/2006 11:34 AM

Remember that the dreamblade figs can be used as large ddm figs or medium with the right ammendmants for rpg if you cant fiind what you need for it.

Posted By Lance H on 09/10/2006 2:04 PM
Somehow I doubt many people will use Dreamblade minis for their D&D game.  If you lack a certain monster type for your D&D session, surely you can find something closer in your existing collection of DDM than you can find among the Dreamblade figures.  So far I haven't heard of anyone using such substitutions, and even if some folks are, that's not enough of a "fuel" to keep the Dreamblade fire burning.

But hopefully we can ignite a bit of interest at our (hopefully major) demo in a couple of weeks.

Posted By Orc Mage on 09/10/2006 11:58 PM
I detect a certain amount of negativity in your posts, is that coming accross in your demos

From years of demoing experience I would ask you to look at your approach and ensure that it is dynamic and positive, DB is a solid game and everyone that I have demo'd to has bought it.

Posted By Lance H on 09/11/2006 5:25 AM

Hecatomb bombed down here.  Its imagery was too grotesque, its themes too evil.  The store owners with whom I've spoken are expressing the same doubts about Dreamblade.

Posted By Zaukrie on 09/11/2006 12:30 PM
I'm not sure. It looks to last sometimes, but the $1K tournie in MN drew only 14 people, and many of those were from out of town. As a matter of fact, several of the $1K tourneys report less than 20 people. That surprises me.

This just isn't the case at all in terms of luck. You could just as easily say that all CCGs are luck based on what cards you draw and when. I think the "craps" reference you used about the game is better put used to describe your sentiments toward the game.
Rick T.

Posted By hup on 09/13/2006 9:48 PM

Lastly if they had used MTG creatures, or Cthulhu creatures or any other existing market - it WOULD have done much better, no question. I don't know why they didn't just use the MTG creatures and double their market.

Posted By Balduran I on 09/11/2006 8:28 AM

It bombed pretty much everywhere, and IMO it's largely for the reason you mention. Grossness / terror / evil / etc. in and of themselves are overated when it comes to appeal. For every one who revels in them as themes there are scores who only tolerate them as part of a balance, a foil for the good.

Glad you brought this up, because it is an issue in the market. WotC needs to hear it.

Posted By ChristopherGroves on 09/14/2006 6:19 AM

Given the "dream" basis they are positioned to be able to produce virtually any minis they want and could / can drift or change based on feedback.