Wizard of the Coast, Prize Support, and SWM

[shivandarkeyes]

Wizards of the Coast (WotC) is very good about supporting its games. Magic has millions of dollars in prizes both in cash and cards given as support. Dungeons and Dragons miniatures has had 2 qorld championships at GenCon as well as qualifiers with $250 prizes in dozens of locations across the country.

Why hasn't this been done for SWM? Will it be done for SWM? Whats the policy for this? Does anyone know?

[Blacksmore]

Well I for one think it is rather disappointing the lack of prize support. But at the same time I do believe this is something that will change in the future. Not sure how much of a success the game has to prove itself to be before this happens but I like to think it will be soon.

I see this game getting bigger and bigger and gaining popularity despite all the naysayers who think it is already fizzling out. It is backed by the Star Wars name. A universe and brand name that will never go away. More and more people find the game every day whether it be because they are fans of the movies, other mini games, whatever. More and more people are showing up at game nights or showing interest at their local stores. If it keeps going at this rate, I believe prize support will be inevitable.

Just my two cents.

[gunganhunter]

Yes, I have to agree with Blacksmore here. I just spotted the game and immeadiately got hooked. Also the other people at my favourite game store (right now 2 of the staff and 1 other customer) want to start it. 2 of them play the LotR TMG and wait for its last expansion (Return of the King) to come out, so they can concentrate on the SW minis game. IMHO this game has the potential to become No. 2 after Mech Warrior which is about the Magic the Gathering of TMGs.
I also wait for prize support since I until now only played Sabertooth Games' games which are supported very well though they are not as widely spread as the Star Wars minis game. WotC could surely afford some more goodies for the players. A redemption system would also be nice.

[skeevo666]

I think the need for approval from Lucasfilm could be hampering promotional activites (Uncle George can get rather "hands-on" from what I hear . . . )


.

[badmoo]

WotC offers stores prize support each month. It includes a repainted figure (which have been well painted, but lame pieces) action tokens, and maps (which are the best part really). They have been printed in very low runs and frequently run out before all allocations have been met. They are trying to remedy that by only allowing stores to order 2 per month.

It would be nice to see some better figures in these sets, or better yet - pieces you couldn't get anywhere else! But Uncle George DOES have his hand in the cookie jar with what gets made and when so...

[skeevo666]

badmoo said:

It would be nice to see some better figures in these sets, or better yet - pieces you couldn't get anywhere else!

I'm really against exclusive figures. If HereClix os any example (and I think it is) It will make tournaments way too cuthroat if you have something like that on the line

Last year at my FLGS, a Clix player played basically the same team at tournies for almost 2 months. Of course, as soon as he lost with it, he switched to a new one but still, the boredom factor was astounding!
.

[badmoo]

My top players usually keep the same teams. They get obsessed with their DCI ratings far more than my Clix players get about LEs.

[billntwrk]

Re: Wizard of the Coast, Prize Support, and SWM
« Reply #1 on Sept 3, 2005, 3:39am »

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Well I for one think it is rather disappointing the lack of prize support. But at the same time I do believe this is something that will change in the future. Not sure how much of a success the game has to prove itself to be before this happens but I like to think it will be soon.

I see this game getting bigger and bigger and gaining popularity despite all the naysayers who think it is already fizzling out. It is backed by the Star Wars name. A universe and brand name that will never go away. More and more people find the game every day whether it be because they are fans of the movies, other mini games, whatever. More and more people are showing up at game nights or showing interest at their local stores. If it keeps going at this rate, I believe prize support will be inevitable.

Just my two cents.

Agree. TO tell the truth, before yesterday (Sat) when my wife surprised m with a ROTS booster box, I had no idea the game even existed. I know for an absolute fact that this is not an Uncle George vs WotC issue since WotC is now owned by Hasbro and those boys make sure that promotion language is included in any licensing aggreements. I suspect that our hard working administrator is correct that it is a game popularity issue. As the game grows so will tournaments. I intend to keep tabs with the California FLGS boards and start attending tournaments that I can reach within a 2 hour drive. Only'est thing stoping me now is I physically own a grand total of 6 minis. More are own the way! (Thanks Ebay. Ya saved me again) and I will just practice with what I have. I do intend to make an appearence at my local weekly *casual game* night store. research and education, doncha know! However, as with the SW CCG's it is important for SW fans to spread the word, help build a reputation. Iwe spread the word, WotC come up with the prizes and incentives. I do agree with the logic that states, when the prizes show, so with the cut throat players. Oh well, gotta take the good with the bad, I guess. Jut my two cents!