- Jan 16, 2012
- 1,130
Literally one of the first things I said upon coming back to the forums when AoS started :ghost:I just find these models to be beyond the vast majority of painters, its a total waste. They're aiming their game more at newbies and casual gamers (imo) yet their models continue to be more and more intricate and the price is still much higher than most competitors.
If they intend to make beautiful models (Which they do), for hobbyist to enjoy, who are they trying to sell to? If they intend to be a miniature company first and foremost, can their models not support themselves on their appearance? I mean, I know not everyone is in the game for the hobby first and foremost, but now there is no other reason to be into Warhammer. No one can look at rules like that and say "Now THAT makes me want to spend hundreds of hard earned dollars to play!" If they want to play Age of Sigmar, they can just draw doodles on paper and cut them out, 'enjoy' the experience, and get on with it. But if they are trying to market models, to discerning folks to enjoy the hobby, what is this game even? I dare say that, to be invested in this whole thing as a hobby, you very well would need a reliable disposable income, patience and time to model/paint, as well as skill and I would say a fair bit of intelligence. But if those qualities are ones possessed by their target market, hobbyist interested in their models (Which have very unique and distinct branding, so they are not confused about what they are buying) then why throw a game that can't be taken seriously at them? They would be better off saying "You're literally on your own, we don't know the first thing about balance. WE GIVE UP!" rather than making a system built on interactions that could be considered insulting to their player base. (You want me to whisper back and forth with myself, to my model, to gain bonuses.. right..about that..)
So really, this whole thing, seeing it a bit more fleshed out, just seems like a completely conflicted mish-mash of target marketing. I guess some people may fall into the range of "deeply interested in hobby-related activities" and also "Want to throw toys at my friends toys, and see who wins!" but for the most part, I would assume there is a direct conflict between the people interested in this "game" and "hobby".
I mean, for me the hobby is much more important, so this is much less difficult to swallow on the basis of, if I want to make nice looking models, GW still has nice looking models. But the follow up game I am graciously granted free access to, seems like a deterrent more than anything.
But yeah, I totally agree that some of the finer points of GW models are missed on many people. Not to say I'm an artist, but I cringe every time I see a model and they are like "Oh yeah, paint it 3 base colors and wash the whole thing with Nuln Oil, it looks great!" Literally kills me. And the fact that the game isn't on a highest of the high production tier as their models just confounds me, because if they marketed a game that was worth playing, with solid rules, they would have such a strong presence in every respect.
On this point, I am a bit torn on the subject. I am not personally a parent, but I totally get where you're coming from, and even when I try to bring my friends under my wing and teach them about the hobby side of things, I am quite jealous with my desire to uphold a higher standard than many people might go at the hobby with. And with children this is obviously an issue the younger or less mature they are. But then again, part of it is just the bringing together of people sharing something you enjoy, and while children might require a more guiding hand, I don't think it's entirely fair to say that it's a "Whoa don't touch that!" situation. Although obviously it's an expensive hobby, so it's not something you want to casually throw around, but letting them have a hand in the affairs, I could see being a good thing. One forum goer in particular, @Mc1gamer, does this with his kid as well as @wheeljack, so actually more than one. And I think that's worth mentioning. But obviously it would depend on the child, their interest and level of commitment/maturity, clearly @Dark Prince is a bit further along than some (I assume he's high school, though I don't even know).As a father of two I can't imagine for a second letting my kids anywhere near these models they are producing for AoS, they are making a less niche game with far 'nichier' models. Thats not a word I know, but I can't think of an alternative right now.
I couldn't be more confused by GW direction these last few months if I tried.
But I think it's a potential relation that would be worth fostering. Despite the cringe worthy efforts of some hobbyist, I'd rather allow a friend/child the chance to explore the hobby than simply tell them it's way over their head. Although it may be important to express the sort of monetary commitment/investment this would be rather than treating it as a throw-away hobby.
I hope they will bring in something this much for Tzeentch.
I hear Tzeentch is next.. if they bring chaos mortals that are twisted and awesome to the mix, I will be ecstatic. I already love the possessed models. Although honestly I can not wait to see what they do with ANY other army as far as new units. What type of base-size are we talking, is everything going to be rather large? Is there no such things as skink/skaven/normal-Human-scale units (Size wise, rather tiny)? I'm very curious.