Idea for GW/40K starter

[coredump]

So, had an idea; and since they happen so rarely, thought I would share.

I think GW should create a stripped down version of the game, ignoring a lot of the rules/options.

For example, no flyers, no FMCs, no artillery, no chariots, no named models, maybe no MCs...maybe no vehicles...
Limited options; not nearly as much wargear or weapon options.

Then create army boxes for this. Could have 'lesser' quality models like the snap fit gaunts... but likely just the regular ones. The starter boxes would only have basic units (no flyers, chariots, named models, etc.) and would *include* a mini-codex that only covered these models and the *limited* options available to them. So perhaps gaunts only came with fleshborers, or could upgrade guns, but nothing else. Marines may have access to lascannons, but not missiles...whatever.
The cut down rules would either be included in the box, or available free online. (or both)


This would create a game that was a subset of the 'real' game; if you liked it, but wanted to also use vehicles, or Logan Grimnar, or Flyring tyrants, you would need to buy the full rules and more models. *but* it would be a self contained way to get into the hobby and play a game that worked for a reasonable price.

To be fair, I got the idea from DnD. They offer a subset of their rules online for free. You can play a complete game to lvl 20 with the provided rules, but miss out on a lot of optional rules, races, classes, etc. But its a great way to get started.


Even forgetting the $$ cost, the *time* it takes to learn 40K is pretty steep. This would allow an intermediate step in that process also...


So, whichever one of you ends up as GW CEO... you should do this.

[vectron]

Isn't that pretty much what they've done with all the starters so far? No vehicles of any kind, mostly infantry only with perhaps a walker; nothing really complex.

[tylertt]

The starter kit currently out comes with a vehicles, bikers, and a couple decked out (Sorta) HQs.

[mattblowers]

Oct 23, 2014 20:11:54 GMT coredump said:

Even forgetting the $$ cost, the *time* it takes to learn 40K is pretty steep. This would allow an intermediate step in that process also...

I like your thinking.

The time learning curve is quite steep. I have seen too many false starts where players spend $$$xhundreds to buy in and then get discouraged by the steep learning curve.

[eskimo]

Oct 23, 2014 20:16:41 GMT vectron said:

Isn't that pretty much what they've done with all the starters so far? No vehicles of any kind, mostly infantry only with perhaps a walker; nothing really complex.

Yeah, kind of but still with slightly hard rules as normal.

I like the idea but my spin on it would be say the Dark Vegence boxset which comes with it's own mini-mini rule book.
It has the move, shoot, assault tables but you don't have things like AP, cover, difficult terrain, weapon profiles etc/ or something.
And most specific it has all the units of the game in excluding special rules, inv saves, just stats. So allows the player to buy what he wants.

[coredump]

Oct 23, 2014 20:28:54 GMT tylertt said:

The starter kit currently out comes with a vehicles, bikers, and a couple decked out (Sorta) HQs.

Not sure... but to me the key is the free but truncated ruleset. Take out a lot of the options, USRs, and units to make the rules simpler to understand and faster to start using. Don't *change* any rules, but only include a subset. Include them in the box, and free to download. Include a micro-codex that includes all the rules for the models in the starter boxes (and maybe a couple more) Now the *only* cost to start playing is the cost of the starter box, and you can play a game.

Now, if you like it, but want to learn to play using terminators, or flyers... or think Outflanking might be cool.... then you need to get your full codex and/or the full BRB.

[coredump]

To illustrate the DnD example. In the Players handbook there are 9 playable races, about 12 backgrounds, about 35-40 classes... the free rules have 4 races, 6 backgrounds, 3 classes, no Feats; but all the armor and weapons.
The free info lists a bunch of monsters, but only a small fraction of those available in the Monster Manual.


As an example of what I envision for '40K-lite' would be....
Micro-BRB with trimmed down rules, skip most USRs, remove certain unit types, etc. <FREE>
FOC 1 HQ, 3 troops, 1-2 HS
Micro dex with maybe 1-3 HQ choices, 2-3 troops, 1-3 HS (maybe a few more) <FREE>
Starter box would have 1 HQ, 2 troops, 1 HS (maybe a few more) <Buy>
You could also buy boxes for the micro-dex units not in the starter box.

If you wanted more choices, buy the codex. Don't have rules for *all* the units, but a lot of them would still be playable with just the micro-BRB.
What to be able to use the other units in the codex, rules for elites and FA, more USRs.. Get the BRB.

[tylertt]

I like your idea, and think something like that would be huge for the game. I have a lot of friends who think 40k looks interesting, but are just too turned off by the vast amount of rules that are require of the 'basic' starter kit.

[overhive]

Wait wasn't that 4th edition? *rimshot* I joke, but yes thatd be great although it would take a bit of time for them to water it down and balance as point for point models arent balanced between armies