I cast my own miniatures. I wouldn't cast my own miniatures if it was less hassle to buy them from GW. What they have to realise is that people will pay for the convenience of whipping down after work to the local GW and purchasing some mini's, rather than taking the time to 3D print them. I think people would rather be painting and gaming as opposed to setting up/waiting for 3D printing.
I think one thing of interest that occurred to me today is that apart from the army books GW's miniatures don't fit in well with the whole "planned obsolescence" issue, you can still play the game with crusty old school figures and don't "need" to buy the new ones. - just something to think about
I read a fantastic 9+ post blog rant (well became a rant after the 3rd post...it was a day off sick and I was bored!) that touched on this issue.
GW's old miniture business model used to do exactly this via the inclusion of limited edition one off metal models bundled up in armybox sets/games day attendance etc.
All of a sudden there is a massive incentive to buy more models than you "needed" because of the inclusion of a one off that you cannot get else where. Imagine if the 'monsters of the Chaos wastes" boxset or the forest spirit one recently released had a unique 1 off pewter model included...I suspect they wouldnt (still) be sitting in GW's around the world gathering dust. I think they have picked back up on this with the Spacewolves vs Orks box set (limited edition...unique models,...uniqute campaign rules etc) so hopefully the trend continues...
Yes, I can play the game with my (out) dated figures, some of the figures purchased with thousands of dollars that I have invested in GW models over the years, but it does NOT make my army competitive, either at club level or at tournament level. I am forced to invest in monstrous cavalry or a new hammer unit, as my previous investment(s) have become obsolete at the stroke of a pen. The fluff no longer matches the stat -lines, and the FAQs are not forthcoming, despite the obvious flaws. YES "We do no demographic research, we have no focus groups, we do not ask the market what it wants" We no longer care about dedicated followers of the game. We are only interested in the cash. Let them eat cake. Here, want to buy another $150 monster ? It will make your army REALLY competitive. Well,at least for at least a few months, or the next edition. Us old hands are becoming increasingly disaffected, and GW is clearly not interested in our voice. No wonder Aus-NZ sales are down by such a margin. " We sell expensive toy soldiers" Its no longer about gamers doing it for gamers. Sadly FoW seems to be going the same way, but then a Tiger Tank wil always be a Tiger Tank, and it's statline unlikely to change....Disaffectionately and rantingly Yours
I find this quite interesting. GW's market share has certainly shrunk based on my observations. Outside of a couple of army books I've not bought a GW product for a long time.
They're not hugely expensive compared to say PP or Wyrd models, but you do need a lot more to play a meaning full game. Which is a big issue. When a new 2K fantasy army costs well over $500 and likely closer to $1K something is off. In a bit of a fantasy boom in popular culture (LOR, Hobbit, Game of Thrones, etc) GW is struggling, that's not a good sign.
I am amazed that a company of that size doesn't do market research, etc.
Kirbys view on 3d printing is factually correct.
ReplyDeleteCurrent technology possibly, future capability given technological improvement - totally unlikely
DeleteI cast my own miniatures. I wouldn't cast my own miniatures if it was less hassle to buy them from GW. What they have to realise is that people will pay for the convenience of whipping down after work to the local GW and purchasing some mini's, rather than taking the time to 3D print them. I think people would rather be painting and gaming as opposed to setting up/waiting for 3D printing.
ReplyDelete"We do no demographic research, we have no focus groups, we do not ask the market what it wants"
Delete:)
Deleteand by less hassle I mean cheaper and/or better online options/deals.
I think one thing of interest that occurred to me today is that apart from the army books GW's miniatures don't fit in well with the whole "planned obsolescence" issue, you can still play the game with crusty old school figures and don't "need" to buy the new ones. - just something to think about
ReplyDeleteI read a fantastic 9+ post blog rant (well became a rant after the 3rd post...it was a day off sick and I was bored!) that touched on this issue.
DeleteGW's old miniture business model used to do exactly this via the inclusion of limited edition one off metal models bundled up in armybox sets/games day attendance etc.
All of a sudden there is a massive incentive to buy more models than you "needed" because of the inclusion of a one off that you cannot get else where. Imagine if the 'monsters of the Chaos wastes" boxset or the forest spirit one recently released had a unique 1 off pewter model included...I suspect they wouldnt (still) be sitting in GW's around the world gathering dust. I think they have picked back up on this with the Spacewolves vs Orks box set (limited edition...unique models,...uniqute campaign rules etc) so hopefully the trend continues...
Joel v
Yes, I can play the game with my (out) dated figures, some of the figures purchased with thousands of dollars that I have invested in GW models over the years, but it does NOT make my army competitive, either at club level or at tournament level. I am forced to invest in monstrous cavalry or a new hammer unit, as my previous investment(s) have become obsolete at the stroke of a pen. The fluff no longer matches the stat -lines, and the FAQs are not forthcoming, despite the obvious flaws. YES "We do no demographic research, we have no focus groups, we do not ask the market what it wants" We no longer care about dedicated followers of the game. We are only interested in the cash. Let them eat cake. Here, want to buy another $150 monster ? It will make your army REALLY competitive. Well,at least for at least a few months, or the next edition. Us old hands are becoming increasingly disaffected, and GW is clearly not interested in our voice. No wonder Aus-NZ sales are down by such a margin. " We sell expensive toy soldiers" Its no longer about gamers doing it for gamers. Sadly FoW seems to be going the same way, but then a Tiger Tank wil always be a Tiger Tank, and it's statline unlikely to change....Disaffectionately and rantingly Yours
DeleteI find this quite interesting. GW's market share has certainly shrunk based on my observations. Outside of a couple of army books I've not bought a GW product for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThey're not hugely expensive compared to say PP or Wyrd models, but you do need a lot more to play a meaning full game. Which is a big issue. When a new 2K fantasy army costs well over $500 and likely closer to $1K something is off. In a bit of a fantasy boom in popular culture (LOR, Hobbit, Game of Thrones, etc) GW is struggling, that's not a good sign.
I am amazed that a company of that size doesn't do market research, etc.