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Would you buy more more models if the rules were free?
Yes, I have only stuck to one army because I don't want to drop more money on rules.
Yes, but I buy lots of models anyway with their codecies.
It would have no effect on my life.
No, I don't mind buying the codecies for all my different factions.
No, I would stick to one faction even if the rules were free.

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Made in vn
Battlefortress Driver with Krusha Wheel






With the recent Knight renegade rules coming out for free I was talking to a nurgle chaos friend of mine. He doesn't own any knights but, that same day the rules came out, he went out there and bought himself the box of two Armiger Knights to try them out. He told me he always wanted to own a knight but

1. He's not an imperial player so couldn't use the codex and didn't want to be stuck with an old index.
2. He didn't want to buy an entire codex for 1 or 2 models.

I'm not saying this is for everyone but by bringing out free rules GW have turned what would have been no sale into a £40 sale with a potential £90 sale in the future if his paint scheme goes well on the mini knights. I too feel I'm in a similar mind set to my friend. I personally would love to buy two knights from the renegade set but can't be bothered buying yet another codex I know I'll have to buy every edition (I also mostly play in a lot of GW stores so bringing in a copy of the ruleset or using battle scribe is banned). However, I find myself thinking even if it was just the data sheets with the points costs free online as a pdf (not the relics, ect...) I'd probably buy a lot more models. Assassins, Inquisitors, support troops etc are other options I would look into. Now I know some boxes come with the rules but a lot of models don't so an archive online or some sort of battle scribe from 40k with the data sheets might encourage players to spend more money.

What do you think though? Would you buy more models? Is the new free index an example of what's to come years from now? Would an AoS level of free rules go a long way into helping 40k? Or should we buy the codecies? Discuss below.
   
Made in gb
Horrific Hive Tyrant





Don't think it would change much in my spending on models.

I think I mentally compartmentalise them differently. I have a feeling about how much I should spend on models, and then Codexes feel like a 'necessary' purchase so don't feel like they come out of the same budget.
   
Made in us
Douglas Bader






Not likely. I can pirate the rules already if I want free rules, the bigger constraint on model purchases is how much stuff I can get built and painted. Spending less on rules doesn't give me more time to paint.

There is no such thing as a hobby without politics. "Leave politics at the door" is itself a political statement, an endorsement of the status quo and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. 
   
Made in gb
Potent Possessed Daemonvessel





Why Aye Ya Canny Dakkanaughts!

 Peregrine wrote:
Not likely. I can pirate the rules already if I want free rules, the bigger constraint on model purchases is how much stuff I can get built and painted. Spending less on rules doesn't give me more time to paint.

This.

Ghorros wrote:
The moral of the story: Don't park your Imperial Knight in a field of Gretchin carrying power tools.
 Marmatag wrote:
All the while, my opponent is furious, throwing his codex on the floor, trying to slash his wrists with safety scissors.
 
   
Made in it
Waaagh! Ork Warboss




Italy

No, as I never put my money into rules

 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut




Free rules means I would be able to sink more money into models. So yes.
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

I doubt I'd buy more since whilst the Rules do cost the cost is not that big compared to the cost of buying models. I'd wager the majority of gamers would be the same, with those who do find the cost a barrier to more models being those who:

1) Feel a need to collect all the rules for the entire edition

2) have a very restricted gaming budget

3) Own one of nearly every army (if not every army) and thus have to buy rules for the entire edition (although this group is likely not on a restricted budget and likely have a huge collection already)

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in de
Ladies Love the Vibro-Cannon Operator






Hamburg

Its more the quality of the rules.
With the new rule set, 40k is more a board game than a tabletop it was before.
It irks me a bit that the game lost depth.

Former moderator 40kOnline

Lanchester's square law - please obey in list building!

Illumini: "And thank you for not finishing your post with a "" I'm sorry, but after 7200 's that has to be the most annoying sign-off ever."

Armies: Eldar, Necrons, Blood Angels, Grey Knights; World Eaters (30k); Bloodbound; Cryx, Circle, Cyriss 
   
Made in de
Longtime Dakkanaut





Nope, I only buy models which I like and free rules don´t turn awful models into great stuff. I hope GW will do a remake of the Catachan codex and provide us with an overhauled Catachan grunt box and a futuristic helicopter model.
   
Made in gb
Legendary Dogfighter




england

Hard to say.
The basic rules themselves aren't expensive really since you can get them for free or in the starter sets.

The rulebook itself for the full game does need reworking and an alternative copy of just a rulebook should be available.
It should also come with a basic codex for each army.
They managed it in 3rd edition and bolt action manages it despite WWII having more variety.
So let's say £50 for the big hardback with fluff. Pictures. Rules. Starter dexes and painting/terrain guides and £30 for just the rules and starter dexes.
(Digital copy -£5)

The codexes too should be available as both full codex £25-30 with fluff. Painting guides. Themed terrain guides and rules and just rules alone £15-20
(Digital copy -£5)

However!
Would this mean I buy more models?
Honestly. No.
Simple reasoning really as well (using cadians in my case)
Why should I spend £18 on 10 basic models with about 100 pieces to choose from when building.
(Of which I'll probably need 6 boxes at least at over £100)
When I can buy 30 models from warlord for £25 with about 300 pieces to choose from when building and are just as good if not better than the cadians?
(Which I'll only need £50 for the same amount)

Why should I spend £31 on a leman russ when I can buy a 1/48th KV-2 for £13 and a 1/35th scale gun for £6 (£19 total) which WILL be better quality.

You need more than just cheaper books. You need value for money.
   
Made in gb
Aspirant Tech-Adept




UK

I'm also more hamstrung on building and painting than cost of models.

Imperial Soup
2200pts/1750 painted
2800pts/1200 painted
2200pts/650 painted
217pts/151 painted 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

Single with plenty of disposable income so no effect

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in gb
Malicious Mandrake




No effect is nearest. I've mostly stopped buying as I work on my backlog. Bought the Indices and stopped there with a couple of exceptions. Need to clear the painting backlog before I buy any significant new stuff.

Mildly resent the additional cost, especially as I have many armies. New edtion? £200+ to cover everything? No thanks.
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

Yes. Even though rules can be acquired via non-traditional channels, I still like to own the codex for the armies I play. Without the need for purchasing rules keeping my shiny model syndrome in check, I’d probably end up picking up little side projects more often.

   
Made in ca
Mekboy Hammerin' Somethin'




Kapuskasing, ON

Not in the slightest. I'm in this mainly for the hobby of collecting and painting. It's how I spend my free time during cold winters and sometimes rainy days. Cheapest hobby I've ever had considering how much I spent on hunting and fishing over nearly 3 decades and more recently becoming a golfer during the last few years which has already easily surpassed how much I spend on models and paints.

Poll needs another option for those of us who buy models and don't care about the rules.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/06/24 11:10:32


 
   
Made in de
Regular Dakkanaut





Free rules do not change the amount of money I have. Just on what I would have to spend it on.
Free rules are not for us who have big armies already. They are for new folks who have one less hurdle to climb into our hobby.

On top of that GW could come out of the 16th century and drop printed books for easy to keep up2date online digital media.

Paper just sucks when it comes to a living rules set. And the resulting confusion cannot possibly be healthy for the game and therefore never be inviting to new players.

It is an anachronistic business model that creates a lose-lose situation.
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

On top of that GW could come out of the 16th century and drop printed books for easy to keep up2date online digital media.


Thing is print media is accessible by all people without any barriers besides the ability to read. Digital media requires the player to have a further investment in a suitable device to read the digital media. Furthermore I would say that digital media is great for stories, but less good for reference material where you have to flip back and forth between chunks. There's also the issue of power, nothing worse than having a game and suddenly the tablet/phone runs out of battery and you've either got to remember to carry the charging cable, borrow one or suddenly scrounge round for the paper book.


Yes print media goes out of date in a regularly updated rules system, but lets be honest that GW are not re-writing all the core rules on a weekly basis. A simple page or two print off is easy to slip into the pages of the codex to carry with you and reference in the game.


Plus don't forget those print copy books likely sell many armies. An app is nice and all but when you pick up a new codex and its chock full of photos and lore and models that in itself helps generate interest and sales way more than a highly efficient stat tracking app.
Personally I'd like to see GW make a digital link up to the print copy - ergo if you buy a physical codex you get a digital copy free; or at least a digital unlock code for an army builder app for that army.


Ergo give the customer both at once, that way they are free to choose between them with no market pressure and each can take the approach that works for them.

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in gb
Executing Exarch





 Peregrine wrote:
Not likely. I can pirate the rules already if I want free rules, the bigger constraint on model purchases is how much stuff I can get built and painted. Spending less on rules doesn't give me more time to paint.


pretty much this, I buy the odd rulebook to reference whilst playing mostly because e-stuff, legit or otherwise, hasn't caught up to my luddite tendencies and failing eyesight

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/06/24 11:16:48


"AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED." 
   
Made in gb
Mighty Vampire Count






UK

Printed material is a good point - its far easier to look at as a group and whilst you have to suffer the FAQ / errata issue I much prefer to have something in hard copy.

I AM A MARINE PLAYER

"Unimaginably ancient xenos artefact somewhere on the planet, hive fleet poised above our heads, hidden 'stealer broods making an early start....and now a bloody Chaos cult crawling out of the woodwork just in case we were bored. Welcome to my world, Ciaphas."
Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Ordo Xenos

"I will admit that some Primachs like Russ or Horus could have a chance against an unarmed 12 year old novice but, a full Battle Sister??!! One to one? In close combat? Perhaps three Primarchs fighting together... but just one Primarch?" da001

www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/528517.page

A Bloody Road - my Warhammer Fantasy Fiction 
   
Made in au
Lady of the Lake






I don't think it'd affect any army hopping for me as I go by what I like the looks of anyways but I'd likely just use the same money I would have buying books on models for those armies.

   
Made in gb
Bounding Assault Marine




United Kingdom

I've voted for no effect for two reasons. First it's not so much the cost of a codex but whether I think I would enjoy playing that army. A free codex isn't going to help with that. Secondly, if I play an army then I want a physical copy of the codex. I'll have to make do with Renegade Knights for now though.

40k: Space Marines (Rift Wardens) - 8050pts.
T9A: Vampire Covenants 2060pts. 
   
Made in vn
Battlefortress Driver with Krusha Wheel






 mrhappyface wrote:
 Peregrine wrote:
Not likely. I can pirate the rules already if I want free rules, the bigger constraint on model purchases is how much stuff I can get built and painted. Spending less on rules doesn't give me more time to paint.

This.


Not really this because it's A. Illegal. B. Would get you banned from my store.
   
Made in us
Daemonic Dreadnought





Eye of Terror

Ask me this question once all the Codexes have been released.

What stops me from buying models is often the fact I don't know what they are going to do in 6 months. Uncertainty stops me from painting the ones I already own.


   
Made in gb
Slaanesh Chosen Marine Riding a Fiend





I seriously doubt it would in fairness. I have an almost insurmountable backlog of minis in boxes as is so I have really throttled in the purchases.

Ironically, I only seem to buy codexes these days for the fluff if it appeals.

Please note, for those of you who play Chaos Daemons as a faction the term "Daemon" is potentially offensive. Instead, please play codex "Chaos: Mortally Challenged". Thank you. 
   
Made in au
Repentia Mistress





No. Rules cost has no affect to me. Cost of models on the other hand, thats a whole other kettle of fish.
   
Made in pl
Fixture of Dakka




Rules can be downloaded, models can not. if I could switch armies, I would definitly do so. The gap between some rules set is heaven&earth wide.

If you have to kill, then kill in the best manner. If you slaughter, then slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife so his animal feels no pain. 
   
Made in ca
Junior Officer with Laspistol





London, Ontario

For me, I have a budget to spend. If that money goes towards rules, that's less to spend on models.

So for myself, something like Warmachine, where I got a starting force (about 1/4 of a full army) the rulebook, unit cards for the models and a get started guide, for $45? Unbelievably good deal. There's a live update army-builder app that you can buy your faction's content for $12 (CAD). You don't need that, as all unit cards are available online for free, but it is super convenient so I bought it.

I compare WMH to 40k, and see that I got a decent chunk of models (Compare 2 Dreadnoughts and a Character), the complete core rules, and my "codex" for less than $60. You can usually build a complete 75 point list, with a second caster / build, for under $450, and that would be buying everything new at store pricing. 2 different play styles for the same faction. Essentially 125 points of models so you can mix and match. My enjoyment / dollar spent is much higher with WMH.

For those unfamiliar, a 75 pt game is the tournament standard game, and you often have about 30 points of battle group on top, and 12 points of free solos in a given build. In actuality, it's more like 115 points of models on the field. But if you change up about 60 of those points, you get a totally different gaming experience. That's what I'm trying to say you can get for $450, for many factions.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2018/06/24 14:15:52


 
   
Made in gb
Dakka Veteran




Lincoln, UK

I play relaxed games with friends using stats from the indices, and my painting queue is a couple of hundred models deep, so cheaper rules would not make any difference. As others have said, painting is the bottleneck, not the cost of the models.

Of course I still buy new shinies when I really like them...

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/06/24 14:51:15


 
   
Made in us
Mekboy Hammerin' Somethin'




Alaska

I would probably spend a little more on models if I could get the rules for free. If my income decreases in the future I then the cost of codexes would definitely decrease how much I spend on models.

I'm hoping that the new Kill Team will have an "Open Play" version that is even more flexible than the old Kill Team was. They could have a Kill Team data sheet for every model they sell. An Imperial Knight can be roughly balanced against a squad of Chaos Cultists by using mission design (balanced enough for casual play, that is). There are lots of models that I would like, but I don't think I'll ever collect a whole army from that faction.

One thing they could do is offer a digital subscription service where you pay $X per year for all the latest rules for everything. If they did that I would hope they would still allow us to buy copies of books permanently.

YELL REAL LOUD AN' CARRY A BIG CHOPPA! 
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran




I went with "It would have no effect on my life." It depends on the rules themselves, for me. If we're talking about the current edition, no I wouldn't buy more models just because the rules I don't find enjoyable are free. (not to mention the obscene prices of said models) I actually don't mind paying for Codices or the BRB, I prefer hardcopies- I think they are both too expensive though.
   
 
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