Hello,
It's been a while now that i have been tryin to decide which is better to have in a miniatures game. On the on hand 3d miniatures bring the game to life and really help you get into the theme of the game especially nowadays that the quality of such miniatures can be really high. On the other hand standees save you time during design and production procedures but most importantly help keep the cost of the game low. So which is better in the end? An expensive game with great miniatures or a standard price game with standees (that can still have good art work on them)?
3d models vs standees
Thu, 05/28/2015 - 10:06
Thu, 05/28/2015 - 12:37
#1
I think that it really
I think that it really depends on your target audience, your potential competition, and the niche that your game fits. Obviously for earlier design phases you should go with the cheaper alternative so that you can painlessly change them if needed.
You said "miniatures game" in your post, which implies that you should have actual miniatures, but for games in general, then it's up to you to decide what is best.
For instance: If I want to design a dungeon crawler game, my most obvious competition would be Descent. That is an expensive game, with pricey expansions. My best bet for competing with that (and establishing your own niche) might be to use standees to capture the audience that can't or won't spend the money on Descent.
On the other hand, if you want to create a wargame that appeals to the average Warhammer/Warmachine player, then 3D figures are practically required.
There is also the middle of the road approach which would be to sell a base game with standees, and then sell either a deluxe version with figures, or sell the figures separately.
P.S. - If I'm your target audience, I'm always drawn to 3D figures (especially ones that I can paint). :D
Thu, 05/28/2015 - 20:59
#2
What he said, but I'd add
What he said, but I'd add that including miniatures involves a whole new dimension of cost and production logistics on your part, which have derailed numerous Kickstarter projects. Miniature-based games are a poor choice for a first design, especially if you are not experienced at placing bulk orders with overseas vendors, commissioning sculpts, and overseeing the lengthy production process. Including figurines in a game involves a lot of stress and coordination behind the scenes, so make sure your design decisions are informed by your production capabilities.
Thu, 05/28/2015 - 21:05
#3
I couldn't agree more with
I couldn't agree more with what Soulfinger said.
Thu, 05/28/2015 - 21:28
#4
As long as it's a solid game
I don't think it especially matters if the game is great...play value always comes first and will ultimately determine the success of your game. Soulfinger nailed the cost/logistics/QC concerns, speaking as someone who works in the toy industry and deals with China on a regular basis.
Additionally if your plan is to license a game design vs. manufacture it yourself, you may go after companies with established experience in miniatures...again if they love your game, taking it to the next level from a component standpoint will be logical.
The other guys here have pretty much said all that needs to be said, so I'll leave it at my latest Kickstarter backing...a game called Heldentaufe. It uses standees, but the art is so gorgeous IMO they meld right into the board, and I'd say the game is better and more immersive for it.
Fri, 05/29/2015 - 05:05
#5
Alternately, give some
Alternately, give some thought to a "unique" and cost effective way of representing your characters. One KS that REALLY impressed me was this 3D popup paper terrain. It wasn't wholly original, but it was the first implementation of paper game terrain that really wow-ed me.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2087444096/pop-up-miniature-terrain...
There must be some next generation paper stand up concepts on the verge of being realized.
Sat, 05/30/2015 - 22:29
#6
chris_mancini wrote:I don't
I don't think it especially matters if the game is great...play value always comes first and will ultimately determine the success of your game. Soulfinger nailed the cost/logistics/QC concerns, speaking as someone who works in the toy industry and deals with China on a regular basis.
Additionally if your plan is to license a game design vs. manufacture it yourself, you may go after companies with established experience in miniatures...again if they love your game, taking it to the next level from a component standpoint will be logical.
The other guys here have pretty much said all that needs to be said, so I'll leave it at my latest Kickstarter backing...a game called Heldentaufe. It uses standees, but the art is so gorgeous IMO they meld right into the board, and I'd say the game is better and more immersive for it.
I looked up Heldentaufe, wow that looks great. The standees look fantastic and compared to 3D models they are already coloured. I have an idea for a board game and was hesitant due to the cost of moulds/manufacturing/proofs etc. These clearly show that isn't always required if its done right :)
Thanks for all of your feedback guys, it was very helpful.