Dear Hasbro: about those minis

[Kae'Yoss]

Not necessarily. They have (roughly) the same amount of plastic, but rares tend to have more complex paint jobs, so there's a higher labor cost for them.

Plus, the sculpts are usually more elaborate.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Actually I have read several times before, that the decision of what becomes a common, an uncommon, or a rare is at leass partially decided by the paint job of the figures. The more complicated it becomes (the more paint steps it has), the more likely it is to be an uncommon, or even a rare.

... additionally, the sculpt complexity figures in, as well.

For instance (pulling from the SW lines, since I'm more familiar with them), the AT-ST in Universe was going to be an Uncommon Huge, but sculpt complexity necessitated more construction steps. More construction steps = less availability.

Similarly, in the new Starship Battles line, the ARC-170 fighter (a relatively average-power piece) is a Rare because of sculpt complexity.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

You'll note the price tag isnt cheap.

Oy - the starter set is 80 Euro, and that's for 19 minis (2 larges) and some boxes / gunposts.

A "booster" of marines is 25 Euro for 6 minis.

In real money ( ), that's $103 and $32, respectively.

 

[molonel]

Anyway, after a weekend breather where I spent a lot of time thumbing through eBay, I have to say that even if this is the best of all possible worlds, it still blows big time. I've read through all of the reasons, and they still don't explain why companies like GW and the producers of Heroclix can make non-randomized minis and do well, but WotC can't.

I think the more likely explanation is that WotC knows how to make the randomized model work, so THAT is why they are going with it. Not that any other model simply could NOT work.

 

[mmadsen]

I think the more likely explanation is that WotC knows how to make the randomized model work, so THAT is why they are going with it. Not that any other model simply could NOT work.

Then write up your business plan, get some financing, and seize the day.

 

[molonel]

Then write up your business plan, get some financing, and seize the day.

Yes, because of course the only people who have a right to criticize a bad film they watched are people who've made movies, themselves. And only cooks can have opinions about food in a restaurant. And people sitting in front of the TV watching football remain completely silent about their opinions unless THEY can run a five-minute mile, or intercept a pass.

 

[mmadsen]

Yes, because of course the only people who have a right to criticize a bad film they watched are people who've made movies, themselves. And only cooks can have opinions about food in a restaurant. And people sitting in front of the TV watching football remain completely silent about their opinions unless THEY can run a five-minute mile, or intercept a pass.

If you have an idea for a money-making business, you can...make money at it. That's quite a bit different from most Monday-morning quarterbacking scenarios.

 

[rgard]

Anyway, after a weekend breather where I spent a lot of time thumbing through eBay, I have to say that even if this is the best of all possible worlds, it still blows big time. I've read through all of the reasons, and they still don't explain why companies like GW and the producers of Heroclix can make non-randomized minis and do well, but WotC can't.

I think the more likely explanation is that WotC knows how to make the randomized model work, so THAT is why they are going with it. Not that any other model simply could NOT work.

Not sure you have this right.

GW: True these are non-random, but the minis need to be assembled and painted.

WK: Other than starter sets and a run of MK non-randoms a few years ago, these are still random.

Neither GW or Wizkids is doing what you ask for: non-random, pre-painted minis.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[Glyfair]

WK: Other than starter sets and a run of MK non-randoms a few years ago, these are still random.

They have a limited number of non-random sets. Assuming he is talking about the current lines:

Starters are usually non-random (Heroclix, Horrorclix & Mechwarrior)
Battleforce sets (up to now, promotionals sets that can be order through their website)
Large figures (the equivalent of the DDM Icon line)

 

[molonel]

If you have an idea for a money-making business, you can...make money at it. That's quite a bit different from most Monday-morning quarterbacking scenarios.

If you have a few million sitting around doing nothing, I will be happy to risk it on my ideas. I'll be doing well to pay the rent next month, and lacking manufacturers, distributors and connections for shipping, WotC need have no fear of me threatening their market share any time soon.

Not sure you have this right.

GW: True these are non-random, but the minis need to be assembled and painted.

WK: Other than starter sets and a run of MK non-randoms a few years ago, these are still random.

Neither GW or Wizkids is doing what you ask for: non-random, pre-painted minis.

Thanks,
Rich

Sure I have the right. Opinions are free, and since none of the naysayers who disagree with me has ever done what they insist I must do in order to have an opinion, I feel myself under no burden to do any differently.

There is a market for people to buy what they want. The fact that WotC prefers to go with what they know can hardly be faulted them, but I refuse to pave the way with sunshine and roses.

And the fact is, there most certainly IS a market for non-randomized minis. I've bought the colossal red, the gargantuan black and plan to buy the gargantuan blue from Wizards of the Coast. All in boxes with clear fronts.