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I think the monthly fee online “transliteration” as they are calling it is an inneviatibility in this internet heavy world. How long before they realize they can make money off it is anyones guess. But it looks like heroclix will be the first to try it.

http://wizkidsgames.com/blog/2011/03/10/heroclix-online/

link for anyone who wants to read more.

And yes I realize this topic is nothing new, but it is new to see a few tabletop games finally trying this medium out.

It wouldn't work with Warhammer.
I mean, if Heroclix online charges too, then people aren't going to play. I'd rather buy the actual models than pay for computer versions (and I don't play the game).

Now, if they do what Pokemon TCG online are doing, then Heroclix might work (IE: You can pick decks, but also buy real card decks in the shops and redeem the code on that to unlock the same deck online).

But yeah... I don't see Warhammer doing it. It'd be cool if they did, because I can't always get to my LGS.

Wolfun wrote:
I'd rather buy the actual models than pay for computer versions

Agreed...I will not pay for virtual models.

The whole idea doesnt work for me. I do far more building and painting minis than playing games. Without real minis I lose all interest.

I dont play video games because I dont like video games...I dont care what theme, genre, etc you can come up with, I dont want to play video games.

What if instead of buying virtual models, it was just a flat rate to play, and you could use any army and any configuration from one game to the next. Afterall people play mmos for virtually the same reason, and they lose all their characters stuff when they cancel there subscription too.

I suspect they are going after the same sort of crowd who play Magic the Gathering online.
That seems pretty pointless to me as well if I'm honest, but loads of folks do it, so it might pay off for Wizkids.

The only problem I can see is as far as I can tell, part of the reason Magic has worked online is much like Vassal they are allowing older dedicated players of the game stuck out of the way to get in the odd game.
Also if I remember correctly Magic has online tournies that grant entrance to the Magic proper card based tournies where cash prizes are available.

I 'm not sure the average gamer who played Heroclix is going to continue playing with it online. Hell one of the main reason I got it at the time was the collecting aspect, I don't see that with virtual pieces.

I really can't see Warhammer or Warmachine following this trend either, that other game, that used a PC to calculate results died a death and that had actual figures.
One of the whole points of this hobby is the physical 'holding' of your models, virtual equivilents are going to be a turn off to large part of the player base regardless of what else it brings.

It's more likely to atract the casual gamer crowd looking at it, but then, there are better things out there for them as well.
If its still here in a year I'd be surprised, two years I'll be shocked.

I doubt any of the popular wargames would make good computer games. The modeling and social aspects are too important to the game- PC games may have their place and be used occasionally but people will want to play real games and mosty won't pay for both.

I could see this idea working for less popular games because it overcomes the difficulty of finding an opponent. I've been interested in some of their clix games but never got into them due to being unable to find a game. If they make them into online games i'd seriously consider it.

This looks like a good move for any collectable game. They said magic the gathering online would never work but it's taken off and become a great success.
For non-collectable games it's questionable BUT I feel if any company put the effort into a free version with simple demo forces (warmachine battle boxes would be idea but I'm sure other companies could work something out equally effective.) it would make an amazing tool for bringing people into the hobby. A demo game first against an AI instructor and then open play against others with preset balanced forces would help people get a good taste of a game as well as a firmer grasp of the rules than what they could read and comprehend from browsing a rulebook without knowing what to look for.
I would really need to see if for myself to decide if online simulated games like this were worthwhile for each game. I play on vassal time to time and I don't think I would enjoy it if my friend and I didn't use a voice chat program at the same time.

GW makes a point not to have straight-up computer game versions of their games, as that's direct competition. Warmachine, maybe.

When we start having something like Megaman NT Warrior, where it's done on a Holographic Table where we can order our troops around and watch them battle to the death, I will stand up and take note of Technology in Table Top Games.

Until then, Meh. MEH, I say!

I think it is an interesting concept in terms of marketing. It could be a useful vehicle to draw new players into the game, and there could also be an ancillary benefit in that seasoned players might occasionally use it to get a game in with someone very far away, or quickly test out a new army or concept.

I don't think something like this for a wargame like Warhammer would cause a loss in sales. People that want to paint, model, etc. are going to do that and an online version of the game isn't going to cause them to lose interest in that. Alternatively, potential customers that don't know about/aren't interested in the hobby aspects of the game could become interested in the game through a system like this. Interest in the game could lead to interest in the setting and maybe even interest in modeling and table top play. And for those that that aren't at all interested in the table top game, such a system could expand the company's customer base.

At the end of the day, I really don't think an online version of a wargame like Warhammer would compete with the table top game. I think it has potential to expand the business by drawing in new customers and providing a product that might appeal to a different group of consumers. I think the most significant question is one of cost vs return. It could be more expensive than its worth, especially if it were offered for free.