The first camp that I've really noticed are the Comic Purists. These are the "Marvel" or "DC" or "Marvel/DC" only camp. Comic Purists tend to believe that WizKids should only put out DM sets related strictly to Marvel or DC properties - sometimes exclusively one or the other. These are hardcore comics fans who enjoy the game because they get to play with dice and cards that represent their favorite characters from their favorite comics. As it tends to be with "geek" culture, we get passionate about the things we like and that spills over into all of our *cough* "friendly" discussions. As such, many folks in this camp get really annoyed by sets outside the scope of the comics they love.
The second camp you see come to the table in this debate is the "Cool, new product!" camp, which we'll refer to as CNPs. [Side note: CNP has no ulterior meaning or motive, so if it's bad, I'm sorry!] CNP folks love the game they play and they were drawn in by an initial IP - like Marvel or DC - sure, but they don't focus themselves solely on just what theme is represented. They think, "more Dice Masters is good Dice Masters." A lot of collectors will fall into the CNP camp because they want to have complete sets of everything the game they're collecting has to offer. Also, they love the things they love about the game regardless (to an extent) of how it's dressed. They are enamored by cards and dice and playmats and such and love to soak in the tactile nature of the hobby.
The third camp that shows up are the Competitive Gamers. This camp really doesn't need a fancy label or a lot of explanation - these guys and gals love to learn a game, exploit all of the strengths and weaknesses, and then win as many games as possible. Especially when there are prizes on the line in the form of more strategic options. For the lion's share, Competitive Gamers don't give a crap about what type of IPs are created. They have launched in the game for whatever reason (typically an interesting theme, sure) and we'll use whatever character makes their build a little stronger. Period.
So amidst the buzz of the three big camps, what are we to make of it? Well, if you ask me - it's awesome! What a diverse community of gamers coming together over a mutual interest for different reasons! I love it. I look forward to all that WizKids will bring to the table...even if I find myself floating somewhere between a Purist and a CNP.
What camp do you fall into?
The second camp you see come to the table in this debate is the "Cool, new product!" camp, which we'll refer to as CNPs. [Side note: CNP has no ulterior meaning or motive, so if it's bad, I'm sorry!] CNP folks love the game they play and they were drawn in by an initial IP - like Marvel or DC - sure, but they don't focus themselves solely on just what theme is represented. They think, "more Dice Masters is good Dice Masters." A lot of collectors will fall into the CNP camp because they want to have complete sets of everything the game they're collecting has to offer. Also, they love the things they love about the game regardless (to an extent) of how it's dressed. They are enamored by cards and dice and playmats and such and love to soak in the tactile nature of the hobby.
The third camp that shows up are the Competitive Gamers. This camp really doesn't need a fancy label or a lot of explanation - these guys and gals love to learn a game, exploit all of the strengths and weaknesses, and then win as many games as possible. Especially when there are prizes on the line in the form of more strategic options. For the lion's share, Competitive Gamers don't give a crap about what type of IPs are created. They have launched in the game for whatever reason (typically an interesting theme, sure) and we'll use whatever character makes their build a little stronger. Period.
So amidst the buzz of the three big camps, what are we to make of it? Well, if you ask me - it's awesome! What a diverse community of gamers coming together over a mutual interest for different reasons! I love it. I look forward to all that WizKids will bring to the table...even if I find myself floating somewhere between a Purist and a CNP.
What camp do you fall into?
I'm definitely competitive, but I'm also a bit on the CNP side.
ReplyDeleteNice. :)
DeleteCnp for sure. Though I competitive, i really just want spiderman, batman, a dwarf cleric and the dark magician to team up haha.
ReplyDeleteSuper SMASH UP! ;)
DeleteGreetings all. I'm probably a rarity around here, but I don't fall into probably any of the categories above. I'm eager for the D&D Dice Masters set, yet I don't play the comic versions. I will stick exclusively to the licence(s) I enjoy. My region is planning separate events / tournies for the D&D so that is good. In casual games some players have said they will mix, but with the promise of an additional mechanic this may not be possible. I have read the rules, and am buying storage soon in anticipation of Feb.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I know Evan is looking forward to DnD as well. I think that for the most part, we'll have at least one person already involved with the site who will be able to give attention to any of the non-comic sets, though I do believe it is the comic sets that draw the four of us at TRP in. Man, I'd love to see what Star Trek Dice Masters could be like... WizKids has the IP...!
DeleteStar Trek would be cool, but I hope they pace themselves! YGO, DnD, DC, Ultron, lots of sets coming up.
DeleteAlso, these IP licenses are sometimes oddly specific, so they may not be able to do Star Trek, even if they wanted to. As an example, last year when I was at Fantasy Flight's meeting where they announced Imperial Assualt, they had a Q&A at the end. Someone in the back of the room (I think Eric from the BGG) asked, "I thought you had the Star Wars license for card games and miniatures. How are you able to produce a board game?" FF's CEO acknowledged that that wes an issue and left the solution mysterious. (It has since become apparent that they worked out a deal with Hasbro, who had the board game license--I believe you'll also see Hasbro's logos on the box). Could "dice games" be a separate, licensable category in the contracts? Don't know, but I hope to see Trek Dice Masters some day!
That's awesome - thanks for sharing, Lysergicka!
DeleteAs a Heroscaper, CNP all the way for me, baby!
ReplyDeleteYou and Dave both. :)
Delete