"Do figures need rules?" Topic

I have a "fantasy" world I have created with various factions --it is my own interest and the figures are being sculpted right now --pretty extensive, Not Dwarves, orcs,elves etc
I have written a "history" and background for each type along with a map?
There will be gun powder.
I will release to the public.
Here is my question --do you think it is necessary to have a supporting set of rules?
Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

Regards
Russ Dunaway

I would say that if there are a set of rules, that already exist, that you use/would use for your own games; then a new set is not necessary. I would just suggest messaging that your campaign setting fits nicely with that rules set.

The Perrys released a rather strange range. The Carlist range. They didn't need rules.
"If you build it, they will come."
Field of Dreams

It's just like your own Command Decision range of figures don't need Command Decision rules to play.
If you like your rules, release them. That doesn't mean that people have to use them.

No.

Russ you have piqued my interest! I say this as I reach for my OG Army Card.

I don't think you need rules at all – there are plenty of skirmish and mass battle rules out there already.

Unless you are one of these little boutique companies trying to imitate GW and flog a closed system with demos and tournaments then I'd forget a rules system…

Mike

No. Plenty of fantasy rules out there. Just try to be sure we have enough troop types for armies.

In this day and age, yes, you need a set of rules to capture the biggest audience.

Younger gamers expect it. Older gamers are more likely to buy an army that they really don't have time to paint, if it is a turn-key project.

For example, I bought a ton of 18mm Martian/British because there was a simple set of rules with several scenarios(Martian Empires). This was an impulse project.

I also bought heavily into All Quiet on the Martian Front because there were rules for it. Also an impulse project.

Without rules and scenarios, I wouldn't have bought into either one, no matter how cool the models were. I've got enough lead to last a lifetime, that I've already got rules for.

So do you need rules to sell figures? No. Do you need rules to sell the maximum number of figures? Yes.

You don't need rules but it helps.

If you don't want to write a new set, at least provide army lists. Give me the stats you use for Warhammer or whatever.

I feel like also releasing a set of rules will help drive sales. This is probably more true with fantasy than historicals. If there is already a rules system out there you like already, you could potentially partner with someone on the project.

I'm on the fence about the need for rules. Especially since I tend to buy figures to use with rules I already own. But there is something to be said about having a nice set of rules for the new line of figures.

If you do make rules for them, keep it short and simple. If they are easy to use, you will more people will play them.

Matthew

A set of stats for another rules set is enough to get people started. It gives them an idea of how much stronger one unit is vs another.

I seen a few companies release stats for other games. Dragon rampant is one example. I saw Westphalia did some stats for their half men. And song of blade and heros also.

No. Take a look at Hasslefree or other miniature companies, and you won't see them mentioning a ruleset. I would offer figures that can be used in popular games, though.

Cool figures never need their own rules.

I certainly mix and match figures and rules. I'm disappointed by rules that I like but that are too fine-tuned to particular miniature lines and aren't customizable. (Although any rules are customizable if you do the work and your opponent agrees. It is just easier if there is a design system.)

If I like figures, I can ignore the rules. But it does seem that stores promote games that are full systems. I wonder if a generic rule system for fantasy or science fiction has ever gotten good promotion.

andy

No, you don't need them, but I think there is a subset of players that expect them. Cool figures should sell on their own merit.

What scale? If 6mm – 10mm punters might be more interested in buying a rules-and-figs package, while 15mm-28mm players probably have rules and figs that they are already happy with.

If you offering is something totally away from the 'standard' fantasy races and genre it might be a good idea to produce rules with them.

(Did you mean that all the races will have gunpowder weapons like Flintloque or just a few here and there?)

I'm guessing a bit here.

I'm happy playing with HoTT and my home-bake rules, using any figs I like.

As others mention, if your figs are nice enough punters will buy them on their own merit.

David F Brown

All in 28 mm. Mixture of gun powder and hand weapons? Man, creatures, aircraft, magic,horror etc,atc
I am reluctant at this point to publicly reveal to much info -- many of the figures are already sculpted.
I expect a very early 2019 release.

Russ Dunaway

I eagerly await the release …

Rdfraf 2 thumbs up and a twist(anyone remember that one?)

I could not have said it better

I too look forward to using the figures for playing Hordes of the Thing.

Does HOT allow for gun powder?