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imo, all the rules should be free online pdfs that you can download and print. Codexes should be primarily focused on lore and hobby/paint tips (especially for each subfaction in the codex). Throwing the rules into print makes it difficult to revamp units and abilities, the most we've gotten are a couple core rules changes (more like restrictions to existing rules) and various minor errata and points tweaks. With the current format it's impossible to add a whole new mechanic or drastically change stats without completely invalidating purchases, which is why changes have been fairly tame.
Until we get a new core rulebook, nothing truly groundbreaking will happen. Then we'd also likely need to buy new codexes.
Plus, you guys saw how fast they made a Renegade Knight PDF. That thing was done almost overnight. Meanwhile books takes months to plan, print and ship. If we didn't have books, we'd likely already have all codex-equivalent rules out by now. And when new models come out they can just update the PDF to include them.

BrianDavion wrote:
a book is 50 bucks, if you can't afford that how many more minis are they going to get out of you? To put it in prespective, a codex is the cost of a pack of tac marines.

Buying a codex requires a certain level of commitment that excludes convenience buying. It's no longer *just* the one box, it's that and a codex. Besides, people tend to have hobby allowances to keep from buying too much, so instead of spending my $100 on one box and a book, I could get 2 boxes of something else. In the long run it's probably negligible, but in the short term it's off putting, and probably drives fringe customers away.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ice_can wrote:
Really what I think alot of people want is a players edition of the BRB and Codex that have the rules needed for the game without any of the repetitive fluff thats the same as previous editions.

Yup. Just give me the rules so I can play. Fingers crossed that the official army builder app will include the rules. (if/when it comes out)

BrianDavion wrote:


Maybe they should make paint free? and hand out a free tube of glue with each model box?

Well, if the paint changed color every month after you bought it then maybe it should be free... 'cause that's not the product I purchased.

Besides, no one is asking for free codexes, we're asking for free rules. You know, like how the core rules are free online?
So why not just have a document online that they can update whenever they want, because the players didn't pay for it and so there's no risk of invalidating anyone's purchases.
Why do you think the FAQs are set-up bi-annually? Because people were mad their brand new IG codex was invalid 2 weeks after release. Now look at the Space Wolves Codex, had the whole thing been online their would have been 0 problems adding in the sagas.

Long story short, physical rules are just clunky, and at this point I'd rather pay for updatable rules than a hard copy.

P.S. Your whole argument falls apart when this exists:
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/AoS-App-2-Apple-2018

If the rules were sold in a standalone cheap "index" alongside pdfs then that's fine. Say, once a year when chapter approved is released all changes are applied to the cheapo rulebooks and pdfs at once. So for something like $5 dollars a year you can get your paperback rules all together.

Though, as an aside, modern books do not last that long due to the acidity of the paper. They're good for a bit if taken care of (cool, not humid, not too much sunlight etc..) but they don't last nearly as long as say papyrus. Or stone for that matter So, don't expect future civilizations to find much written down about us.