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lord_blackfang wrote:

Kyrolon wrote:I think one thing it has done is open up even smaller niche markets in miniatures. I've especially seen this among players of spaceship based games of all types. If you've ever been to Starship Combat News you will find several sellers using Shapeways to "print" their own small miniature lines. This has given sales access to people that would previously have been casting just one or two of their designs for their own collection.

There's a reason why companies that use Shapeways always only show the 3d render and not the printed model. They resolution is atrocious.

Have you ordered stuff from these companies before? I've bought several models and items off of Shapeways, and they actually have good resolution. True, you're not getting 1mm roman numerals on banners or armor, but you're getting a custom, detailed, unique miniature for about $3-4 (which includes shipping, a nice bonus I found out after ordering). It's definately not feasible for a full GW army atm, but is perfect to get an awesome daemon/hero/centerpiece unit for 1/10th the cost of one from GW direct.

@Agnosto: And at GW prices too!

On a side note, the user tedparsec has done some amazing minis. They're more for D&D-type individual characters, but they're very well done.

My eventual hope is for a (popular) wiki-based ruleset with a download archive of free 3D models and game rules, with users able to debate on forums and edit the rules (Admins/Mods only for editing ). It'd basically be an open-source game system. Only issue there is whether a balanced system could actually be developed with this method, and if printing your own models would be feasible. It's an idea in the early stages still though, and 3D printing would really help

chaos0xomega wrote:Design by committee doesn't work, just saying. Otherwise its a cool idea.

I know... This is my wish, but not something that would ever be a reality. A database of free 3D models and free downloadable rulesets, on the other hand, could be something to think about. Imagine being able to download the ruleset (or variations therof) of Not-Mordheim or similar skirmish sized games, and then peruse a selection of warbands to print and use (Or design and contribute your own!)