There has been a bit of discussion about Paper Players over on the Critical Hit Games Forum. Some have voiced a concern that since paper players cost nothing, it could represent lost revenue for local game stores selling miniatures. So, as the creator of PP, let me wade in. (This post has become more of a manifesto than I originally intended, but evidently I had something to say.)
Paper Players (PP) are primarily intended to make the game accessible to new players (and to let you try out interesting team combinations). It is a way to “try before you buy.” (I think I’ve seen that business model somewhere…)
I firmly believe you should ALWAYS support your local gaming store. I do love these pieces (I may be a little biased) but let’s be honest, as cool as they are, these pieces pale in comparison to the warm feeling you get from annihilating your opponent with a full team of painted figures.
Yes, you could Play BB with PP for no $$ (sorry). I’m sure it will happen. But these aren’t players that would likely buy figures anyway. I would like to think that PP will bring more serious players into the game and, in the long run, drive more sales of the game and of commercially available figures.
If Blood Bowl is going to flourish, it needs lots of players absolutely hooked on the game – players that LOVE the game – players that WANT their own dice and pitch – players that HAVE TO have painted figures to represent THEIR team (available, of course, from their local gaming store).
Frankly, online sales of figures is a far bigger threat to local brick and mortar stores than PP will ever be. Online stores can sell games and figures cheaper because they don’t have the same overhead. And for many people saving a few bucks is the deciding factor when buying. But think about it, saving a buck or two is a bit short sighted. Many game shops provide playing spaces and sponsor leagues. They pay for the space, the lights, and employees (not to mention heat or air conditioning). Our purchases are the “rent” we pay for using the space and they insure the space remains available.
Bottom line, if we don’t support brick and mortar stores, they won’t be around to support us.
Just like it is our responsibility to expect good sportsmanship on the pitch, it is our responsibility to mentor new players. Part of that is teaching them the rules. Part of that is getting them to play in leagues and tournaments. But it is also encouraging them to support their local store, own their own copy of the game, and playing a with a real team of painted figures.
But first, get them hooked. And that’s where PP come in…
~ Doc