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Author Topic: The Gallant Goblin Program?  (Read 1814 times)

SHARK

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The Gallant Goblin Program?
« on: October 25, 2021, 03:39:04 AM »
Greetings!

I have watched probably at least a dozen videos of the Gallant Goblin. The Gallant Goblin does videos mostly reviewing WOTC books and adventures, as well as Wizkids miniatures. Lots of "Unboxing" videos of entire Wizkids "Bricks" of miniatures. Gallant Goblin also reviews all of the different special themed boxes of miniatures keyed to particular WOTC D&D adventure modules, like Ravenloft or Rime of the Frostmaiden, and that kind of thing. Occasionally, Gallant Goblin also reviews third-party adventures, books, and supplements, which can be interesting. I have included a review video of Gallant goblin reviewing the Icewind Dale Rime of the Frostmaiden box of miniatures, below.

Have you all watched the Gallant Goblin review videos? What do you think of the Gallant Goblin program? In my view, he is a bit of a WOTC fanboy, and he typically gets all jazzed about some adventures and books that are too cutesy and typically too sweet and full of frosting to suit my style, but I like to keep on top of what kinds of miniatures Wizkids is producing.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

tenbones

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2021, 10:37:34 AM »
I really hate RNGesus in my video-gaming (but accept that it's real). I sure as hell don't like it in my products I spend my gold on in real life.

I'm getting back into using minis and battlemats (I just bought a shit ton of Dwarven Forge with plans on getting a 3d Printer next year) - so this should be in my wheelhouse, as I'm collecting and painting minis again too. But sight unseen? Random monsters?

...

See, one of the things that irks me is general blind consumerism. I have friends that buy shit sight unseen, or buying things before doing research and inevitably they suffer from buyers remorse. Me? I like walking around my purchases. Even little things - unless there is zero alternative (and lets face it there's ALWAYS an alternative). I'm more prone to buy nothing than something "just because". So this dovetails with my feelings about modern D&D where people buy WotC Product simply because it's "D&D" and not necessarily based on the quality of the product (vs. those Alternatives I mentioned).

But minis? Those are useful in other games - so they're worth at least me considering. But RANDOM ones? This hits every red-flag I have as a conscious consumer.

I *can* see how someone new to RPG's might go for it, simply because they may not have any minis... but shit man, there are SO many alternatives out there for minis which you can buy literally what you *need* at your table. This grab-bag kinda thing feels like WotC dickslapping their consumers for their money and those consumers enjoying it (for some reason).

But good luck on that random roll!

Shrieking Banshee

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2021, 11:00:48 AM »
See, one of the things that irks me is general blind consumerism.

Yup. Its what I call franchise thinking.

SHARK

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2021, 02:45:22 PM »
I really hate RNGesus in my video-gaming (but accept that it's real). I sure as hell don't like it in my products I spend my gold on in real life.

I'm getting back into using minis and battlemats (I just bought a shit ton of Dwarven Forge with plans on getting a 3d Printer next year) - so this should be in my wheelhouse, as I'm collecting and painting minis again too. But sight unseen? Random monsters?

...

See, one of the things that irks me is general blind consumerism. I have friends that buy shit sight unseen, or buying things before doing research and inevitably they suffer from buyers remorse. Me? I like walking around my purchases. Even little things - unless there is zero alternative (and lets face it there's ALWAYS an alternative). I'm more prone to buy nothing than something "just because". So this dovetails with my feelings about modern D&D where people buy WotC Product simply because it's "D&D" and not necessarily based on the quality of the product (vs. those Alternatives I mentioned).

But minis? Those are useful in other games - so they're worth at least me considering. But RANDOM ones? This hits every red-flag I have as a conscious consumer.

I *can* see how someone new to RPG's might go for it, simply because they may not have any minis... but shit man, there are SO many alternatives out there for minis which you can buy literally what you *need* at your table. This grab-bag kinda thing feels like WotC dickslapping their consumers for their money and those consumers enjoying it (for some reason).

But good luck on that random roll!

Greetings!

Hey Tenbones! Yeah, I'm not fond of the whole RNG approach to marketing a box of miniatures. I dolike some of the different Wizkids miniatures, but RNG? Really? In an age where I can search through a dozen or more 3D miniature companies on Etsy, and also use HERO FORGE to either find and buy the exact kind of miniature I want--or design it myself on HERO FORGE--Wizkid's approach to RNG marketing is a NO GO for me. WTF are they thinking?

I just do not need to tolerate or accept RNG marketing. I have a dozen companies offering me 12 different versions and styles of every kind of miniatures Wizkid's sells, entirely for me to select and choose as I desire. RNG marketing is a great way to *lose sales* in a very competitive, robust marketplace. Hell, even with Reaper Miniatures, I can get just about anything and everything that Wizkid's offers, without the RNG marketing.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

DM_Curt

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2021, 02:56:30 PM »
I really hate RNGesus in my video-gaming (but accept that it's real). I sure as hell don't like it in my products I spend my gold on in real life.

I'm getting back into using minis and battlemats (I just bought a shit ton of Dwarven Forge with plans on getting a 3d Printer next year) - so this should be in my wheelhouse, as I'm collecting and painting minis again too. But sight unseen? Random monsters?

...

See, one of the things that irks me is general blind consumerism. I have friends that buy shit sight unseen, or buying things before doing research and inevitably they suffer from buyers remorse. Me? I like walking around my purchases. Even little things - unless there is zero alternative (and lets face it there's ALWAYS an alternative). I'm more prone to buy nothing than something "just because". So this dovetails with my feelings about modern D&D where people buy WotC Product simply because it's "D&D" and not necessarily based on the quality of the product (vs. those Alternatives I mentioned).

But minis? Those are useful in other games - so they're worth at least me considering. But RANDOM ones? This hits every red-flag I have as a conscious consumer.

I *can* see how someone new to RPG's might go for it, simply because they may not have any minis... but shit man, there are SO many alternatives out there for minis which you can buy literally what you *need* at your table. This grab-bag kinda thing feels like WotC dickslapping their consumers for their money and those consumers enjoying it (for some reason).

But good luck on that random roll!

The random grab-boxes of minis fit one of two customers:
-The Fan who buys MtG cards in packs, sight unseen
-Someone looking to rapidly refill a collection of minis after a devastation, so there's not much chance of "Meh. I already had 3 of those".

FingerRod

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2021, 03:24:57 PM »
Well if you don’t like the randomness, you can always simply buy the $800 full collection…  ::)

Crazy. I could see if it were 1-2 mini’s, randomly packaged for $4-5 bucks. Those would make good occasional gifts, stocking stuffers, etc. But “bricks” of eight boxes for $160 is tough to swallow.

tenbones

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2021, 03:40:21 PM »

The random grab-boxes of minis fit one of two customers:
-The Fan who buys MtG cards in packs, sight unseen
-Someone looking to rapidly refill a collection of minis after a devastation, so there's not much chance of "Meh. I already had 3 of those".

Seems that way. The big issue for me is TTRPG's are not a collectible game, like MtG (for example). The weird part about it is that making minis is a lot more expensive than printing cards, it seems like a very sketchy marketing ploy...

But who knows? Maybe there are D&D Brand Loyalists out there in those kinds of numbers.

I am loyal to brands that represent my interests - and I have no qualms about giving them my money. One of the benefits of being a middle-aged man with disposable income. Smart geek brands should realize people like myself, are the target audience. But it seems like my gold isn't good enough for WotC. Which is odd - since to me this shows a lack of faith in their own product. If they slapped a window on the box, they could have my money *too*.

But they don't want it. OH WELL, I guess I'll just have to go buy more Reaper and Resins.

DM_Curt

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #7 on: October 25, 2021, 04:48:03 PM »

The random grab-boxes of minis fit one of two customers:
-The Fan who buys MtG cards in packs, sight unseen
-Someone looking to rapidly refill a collection of minis after a devastation, so there's not much chance of "Meh. I already had 3 of those".

Seems that way. The big issue for me is TTRPG's are not a collectible game, like MtG (for example). The weird part about it is that making minis is a lot more expensive than printing cards, it seems like a very sketchy marketing ploy...

But who knows? Maybe there are D&D Brand Loyalists out there in those kinds of numbers.

I am loyal to brands that represent my interests - and I have no qualms about giving them my money. One of the benefits of being a middle-aged man with disposable income. Smart geek brands should realize people like myself, are the target audience. But it seems like my gold isn't good enough for WotC. Which is odd - since to me this shows a lack of faith in their own product. If they slapped a window on the box, they could have my money *too*.

But they don't want it. OH WELL, I guess I'll just have to go buy more Reaper and Resins.
I don't know how many Brand Loyalists are buying those boxes, but those, and I believe a lot of Trendy Fandom members are, IMO.
I think that the "rapid-restockers" like myself are very few. (And I'm about where I want to be, so I'm pretty much done, unless I'm at a game shop and want to make an impulse buy.)

If some of WotC's grab-boxes of minis had a window, would you pay more for those windowed boxes? I'm not sure most people would. They would look at the 4 minis, say "I only want 2 or 3 of those, and I could get them cheaper separately." 
As it is, I really cringed as I bought a 2-pack of minis because I wanted the Aaracokra and not the Harpy that was with it.

I'm not sure how well WotC's D&D Creative Team is doing with some of what they're slapping between two covers and sending out, but their Marketing Team looks like it is kicking ass and taking bucks.

Nephil

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #8 on: October 25, 2021, 05:17:55 PM »
You can just buy the miniatures you want second hand, just like with any collectable card game.

Armchair Gamer

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2021, 05:47:43 PM »
You can just buy the miniatures you want second hand, just like with any collectable card game.

  And just hope they aren't Rare or chase items. :p
 
  There are rumors that WotC got pushed out of the novel business by Hasbro ... did the same thing happen with minis? Because those things seemed to be driving the game from 3.5 up to Essentials, to the point where in late 3.5, one of the writers said module design was being influenced by what miniatures were available.

SHARK

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #10 on: October 26, 2021, 07:45:40 PM »

The random grab-boxes of minis fit one of two customers:
-The Fan who buys MtG cards in packs, sight unseen
-Someone looking to rapidly refill a collection of minis after a devastation, so there's not much chance of "Meh. I already had 3 of those".

Seems that way. The big issue for me is TTRPG's are not a collectible game, like MtG (for example). The weird part about it is that making minis is a lot more expensive than printing cards, it seems like a very sketchy marketing ploy...

But who knows? Maybe there are D&D Brand Loyalists out there in those kinds of numbers.

I am loyal to brands that represent my interests - and I have no qualms about giving them my money. One of the benefits of being a middle-aged man with disposable income. Smart geek brands should realize people like myself, are the target audience. But it seems like my gold isn't good enough for WotC. Which is odd - since to me this shows a lack of faith in their own product. If they slapped a window on the box, they could have my money *too*.

But they don't want it. OH WELL, I guess I'll just have to go buy more Reaper and Resins.
I don't know how many Brand Loyalists are buying those boxes, but those, and I believe a lot of Trendy Fandom members are, IMO.
I think that the "rapid-restockers" like myself are very few. (And I'm about where I want to be, so I'm pretty much done, unless I'm at a game shop and want to make an impulse buy.)

If some of WotC's grab-boxes of minis had a window, would you pay more for those windowed boxes? I'm not sure most people would. They would look at the 4 minis, say "I only want 2 or 3 of those, and I could get them cheaper separately." 
As it is, I really cringed as I bought a 2-pack of minis because I wanted the Aaracokra and not the Harpy that was with it.

I'm not sure how well WotC's D&D Creative Team is doing with some of what they're slapping between two covers and sending out, but their Marketing Team looks like it is kicking ass and taking bucks.

Greetings!

"Trendy Fandom Members"? Interesting, DM Curt. Who are these people? They are a significant segment of the gaming market?

I often do wonder about some of the products developed and marketed by different companies. Some products are so absolutely silly and goofy as having zero practical use in a game or campaign, and yet, somehow, there seems to be a market for such products and marketing strategies. I have never liked the whole "Random Box of surprise miniatures". Instant turn-off for me. ;D

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

DM_Curt

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2021, 08:01:03 PM »
Hey, Mr. Shark!*
I am thinking of the "18-30yo, dyed-hair, Twitter-using fans of Critical Role" demographic who love 5e and WotC now, but I think are likely to leave the hobby soon-ish, as their lives change, it's no longer cool, or their favorite D&D Podcaster does something "problematic".







*As I type that, I read it in the voice of a boy asking how many links does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

SHARK

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #12 on: October 26, 2021, 11:00:07 PM »
Greetings!

Holy Jumping Banana! $800 dollars for the "Collector's Edition" of the Witchlight miniatures! The set has 51 miniatures in it, all the rares and uncommons, all the special miniatures and everything. A few of the miniatures look pretty cool, like the Iggwilv miniature.

Still, though, most of the miniature sculpts aren't terribly inspiring, and the pre-painted paint jobs that they come with--come on. Wizkids is pretty mediocre in some ways for certain. At an $800 dollar price point, I'm guessing that comes to average about $15 dollars PER MINIATURE.

Wizkids can fucking choke on these miniatures. Holy fuck. Even Gallant Goblin discusses how the price tag is crazy for this set, and probably only attractive to *collectors*

$800 Dollars...for 51 miniatures. You know how many cool miniatures you can get for $800 dollars? With most being about $5 dollars a miniature; that's 20 miniatures per hundred dollars; for a total of 160 miniatures for the same price. With 3D Resin miniatures, the details would also be far superior for the miniatures, too. Only they would be unpainted, but with Wizkid's mediocre paint jobs, you aren't missing much by buying miniatures unpainted and throwing some paint on them yourself.

Wizkids offers some things that are pretty cool in their overall lines, but in some of these themed sets, they are fucking crazy.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quick Video Review by Gallant Goblin
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

SHARK

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2021, 11:03:53 PM »
Hey, Mr. Shark!*
I am thinking of the "18-30yo, dyed-hair, Twitter-using fans of Critical Role" demographic who love 5e and WotC now, but I think are likely to leave the hobby soon-ish, as their lives change, it's no longer cool, or their favorite D&D Podcaster does something "problematic".


*As I type that, I read it in the voice of a boy asking how many links does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

Greetings!

*Laughing* Ahh, yes, my friend. Good points! I see what you mean, clearly now. Yeah, what a drag on our hobby!

Tootsie Pops are great, too! *laughing* ;D

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

Svenhelgrim

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Re: The Gallant Goblin Program?
« Reply #14 on: October 27, 2021, 11:32:27 AM »
I remember when the whole “random box of minis” thing started, back in the days of 3e.   I tried ot for a little while and ended up with an army of dire weasels, and dekanter goblins. 

The miniature combat game was pretty good too.  It they packaged their stuff by faction, like Warhammer, they could have really gone somewhere..