WotC changes how D&D mini's are going to be sold.

[Fifth Element]

However, I completely LOATHE the idea of collectible powers now.

We have no indication that they are collectible, though. If the power cards are the same in each set of Martial Heroes 1, for example, they're not collectible because you know what you're getting. You're just paying a higher price per power compared to a splatbook, especially if you're not interested in the minis.

But if you're not interested in the minis and still want the powers there's DDI. I would be shocked if they didn't include these powers in the compendium.

 

[Fifth Element]

The big difference is I will be getting only 4 minis in addition to the rare where I used to get 7 minis in addition to the rare.

Yep, that's the price we pay for reduced randomization.

 

[Drkfathr1]

Yep, that's the price we pay for reduced randomization.

Plus, its important to point out that the price of raw goods probably has a bit to play in that too. I know oil prices have dropped, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that WotC has been carrying some of the added cost on their own for a while and has finally reached a point where they have to pass those increases on to the customer.

I see it in my industry all the time. It's a double edged sword between nickel and dime increases constantly, or a larger increase all at once. You can't win either way.

 

[WhatGravitas]

60% price rise is not too much?

Well, if the quality goes up... I have my stock of basic humanoids and things like that (orcs, kobolds, goblins, thugs and so on), so nowadays I usually only get the occasionally interesting uncommon or rare from the secondary market. The new packs will probably drive the common prices up more than the uncommon and rare prices, at least I hope so.

Cheers, LT.

 

[ExploderWizard]

We have no indication that they are collectible, though. If the power cards are the same in each set of Martial Heroes 1, for example, they're not collectible because you know what you're getting. You're just paying a higher price per power compared to a splatbook, especially if you're not interested in the minis.

But if you're not interested in the minis and still want the powers there's DDI. I would be shocked if they didn't include these powers in the compendium.

It makes no difference if the powers are in the DDI or not. The point is that the rules for playing the game are effectively subscription based. Pay for the cards that have the powers with the minis or pay per month for access to those rules or both. No matter what, its a constant stream of revenue for Hasbro that doesn't suffer from the cyclical nature of book releases. Its a win-win.

 

[Fifth Element]

It makes no difference if the powers are in the DDI or not. The point is that the rules for playing the game are effectively subscription based. Pay for the cards that have the powers with the minis or pay per month for access to those rules or both. No matter what, its a constant stream of revenue for Hasbro that doesn't suffer from the cyclical nature of book releases. Its a win-win.

I agree. I was objecting to the use of the term "collectible", which implies blind boxes and randomized distribution.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

It makes no difference if the powers are in the DDI or not. The point is that the rules for playing the game are effectively subscription based. Pay for the cards that have the powers with the minis or pay per month for access to those rules or both. No matter what, its a constant stream of revenue for Hasbro that doesn't suffer from the cyclical nature of book releases. Its a win-win.

About as constant as the revenue from supplements. It's adding another potentially continually stream into it.

And I wonder how successful it can be - just because more products are out there to be bought doesn't mean you sell more - you need people that can buy it all. Maybe 4E market is indeed larger? Or are they cutting back in other areas? (Or are the minis in fact already "cut back" with fewer minis overall?)

 

[Drkfathr1]

I agree. I was objecting to the use of the term "collectible", which implies blind boxes and randomized distribution.

And we still don't know exactly how those power cards may be packaged, so they could still end up "collectible". So you may be objecting prematurely.

As may we all.

However, the monster packs, containing monster and stat cards, despite showing you 1 mini, will still be blind and randomized. Thus "collectible". Those monster stat cards will no doubt contain unique powers and unique monsters that may not show up in books. I don't care about the DDI, I'm not subscribing to it anyways.

 

[Fifth Element]

And I wonder how successful it can be - just because more products are out there to be bought doesn't mean you sell more - you need people that can buy it all.

Indeed. The point may not be increasing the revenue stream, but stabilizing it, making it less susceptible to ups and downs due to book publishing schedules.

 

[Darkwolf71]

Now...um...D&D has some strong CCG similarities.

D&D Minis! Gotta catch 'em all!

Ew on a stick.

Careful, I was flamed and reprimanded for making that comparison just a few short months ago.

I must say, I feel somewhat vindicated after this news.