RPG Industry News

Steve Jackson Games abandons minatures

"At the end of this month, SJ Games will close down its miniatures operation. During that time, we plan to cast enough metal to allow for expected sales through the end of 2003; after that, the lines will probably go out of print.

I say "probably," because we would certainly discuss licensing the figures to another company. We will welcome inquiries. (Or if somebody out there has been wanting to set up a small casting operation near Austin, that could be very interesting!)

The reason for the shutdown is simple: the division has been, ever since it was set up, the least profitable of our endeavors. Costs are high, and while some miniatures sets have been modest hits . . . overall, we would be far better off if we put the time, space, thought, and money into our other projects. It really seems that metal casting should be left either to companies which concentrate on that one thing, or which are big enough to create a minis division that is essentially its own independent operation.

I’m personally very proud of the work that we did here. It’s been a great privilege to have Richard Kerr as a sculptor, and the whole team, headed by Paul Chapman, has worked hard to release some really quality stuff. But it’s time to call it quits. Our thanks to those of you who have supported us by buying our figures and telling us you liked them. Ah, if only there had been more of you!

Over the next month we’ll release the last of the figures and vehicles Richard has already sculpted, including:

Doppelsoldner
Ogre Vulcan
Ogre Vulcan Heavy Drone
Ogre Ninja
Ogrethulhu Swimmer
Munchkin Maul Rat
Munchkin Troll
and a great number of Off The Wall Armies figures.

If you represent an established miniatures company, or have a credible startup plan, and you would like to discuss some or all of our figures, please contact Paul Chapman (at paul@sjgames.com)"

-- Steve Jackson"

Visit the Steve Jackson Games website

Lord of the Rings minatures game

The Games Workshop subsidiary company, Sabretooth Games, has issued this press-let about their forthcoming Lord of the Rings minatures game.

"This exciting, easy-to-learn game set in The Lord of the Rings world of Middle-earth is played with exquisitely sculpted 40mm pre-painted plastic miniatures, designed with a base that contains all

the information you need to play the game. Boasting over 120 unique model variations featuring characters from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and implementing the innovative Combat Hex game system, The Lord of the Rings TMG is introduced in two-player starter packs containing a set of eight figures, including unique versions of Aragorn, Frodo, Lurtz, and a Ringwraith exclusive with these starters, plus a full-color hex map, four dice, and a rules book complete with reference card. Booster packs are packed with four random figures and a special Battle Die."

Visit the Games Workshop website
Go shopping for the Lord of the Rings models online.
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