Well, I picked an interesting day to start this new blog.
One of the things we discuss at the FLGS (Top Deck Games, Tulsa, OK) is how the miniatures companies operate, how they treat retailers and customers; just business chat. And myself, having a Business Management degree, love to analyze the decision making process.
For example: One of the reasons I quit playing a lot of Games Workshop games was because I was able to play many great historical games for a much better value. Many times we discuss how they may be pricing themselves out of business when there are much better options out there. But we discuss other company's decisions as well.
Today, Battlefront Miniatures posted a new policy at their sponsored events. Previous to now, any company's models were allowed at any event. Now, at BF sponsored events (Masters, Nationals, etc.) only Battlefront-produced miniatures will be allowed.
I find myself seeing both sides to this.
Players who have invested in models which BF either doesn't produce or didn't meet the players budget do have a legitimate gripe. The policy always was one way, so players didn't need to seem concerned with having to stick with BF models. Our FLGS (Top Deck Games) has stocked Plastic Soldier Company to give folks a lower price point to get into the game (but it doesn't sell as well as BF minis anyway). Although, it seems to me and what I've seen, most players have purchased BF for the majority of their models.
On the other side, after much discussion and after a lot of the fervor decreased, there are some logical reasons this step was made. Plastic Soldier Company has been ACTIVELY releasing models in advance of BF's releases, and while these models are cheaper, IMO you get what you pay for. Plus, PSC has announced they are producing wargames rules. I think these might be two of the major problems BF has with the competing model companies.
I definitely hate to ride the line between both sides, but I can see both the sides in this argument. I definitely feel that it might have been communicated better, and BF staff probably should have let the fervor and emotion die down before making a response. For their part, they have not locked the forums (as of now) and are letting the discussion happen. I KNOW that some other major minis companies would not allow this to happen.
Let's give this some time and see how it plays out. I know everyone will not be happy but remember, honestly, if it weren't for BF, 15mm WW2 would not be having the player numbers and sales for game stores as it has. So give credit where credit is due.
Feel free to comment, and keep discussion civil.
One of the things we discuss at the FLGS (Top Deck Games, Tulsa, OK) is how the miniatures companies operate, how they treat retailers and customers; just business chat. And myself, having a Business Management degree, love to analyze the decision making process.
For example: One of the reasons I quit playing a lot of Games Workshop games was because I was able to play many great historical games for a much better value. Many times we discuss how they may be pricing themselves out of business when there are much better options out there. But we discuss other company's decisions as well.
Today, Battlefront Miniatures posted a new policy at their sponsored events. Previous to now, any company's models were allowed at any event. Now, at BF sponsored events (Masters, Nationals, etc.) only Battlefront-produced miniatures will be allowed.
I find myself seeing both sides to this.
Players who have invested in models which BF either doesn't produce or didn't meet the players budget do have a legitimate gripe. The policy always was one way, so players didn't need to seem concerned with having to stick with BF models. Our FLGS (Top Deck Games) has stocked Plastic Soldier Company to give folks a lower price point to get into the game (but it doesn't sell as well as BF minis anyway). Although, it seems to me and what I've seen, most players have purchased BF for the majority of their models.
On the other side, after much discussion and after a lot of the fervor decreased, there are some logical reasons this step was made. Plastic Soldier Company has been ACTIVELY releasing models in advance of BF's releases, and while these models are cheaper, IMO you get what you pay for. Plus, PSC has announced they are producing wargames rules. I think these might be two of the major problems BF has with the competing model companies.
I definitely hate to ride the line between both sides, but I can see both the sides in this argument. I definitely feel that it might have been communicated better, and BF staff probably should have let the fervor and emotion die down before making a response. For their part, they have not locked the forums (as of now) and are letting the discussion happen. I KNOW that some other major minis companies would not allow this to happen.
Let's give this some time and see how it plays out. I know everyone will not be happy but remember, honestly, if it weren't for BF, 15mm WW2 would not be having the player numbers and sales for game stores as it has. So give credit where credit is due.
Feel free to comment, and keep discussion civil.
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