This kind of transparency is admirable, not many companies share these types of subjects. My personal hurdle when it comes to your products is the international or rather intercontinental bit. I would love to buy way more of your products, but when I start adding shipping costs and the crazy ammount of VAT it becomes too expensive. I’m willing to spend some money for my hobby, but I want it to go to the creator instead of all kinds of shipping companies and governments. And I get that worldwide distribution is hard, but it hard on both sides. For you guys as a company and for the customer who gets shafted with all these added costs. Just because we want to support your efforts and play your games. I hope you guys can turn it around a bit and rise above and beyond. Greetings from the Netherlands.
I rarely comment on anything, but I genuinely love what you guys do, so thought I would give you my two cents: I would say plastics all the way. I've got friends who I could get into your games if plastics were available as they love your sculpts but some of the casts I received had slippage/damage - fine to play with but isn't going to win over new potential players. I would happily back such a campaign as it would give me models to paint up again but to a higher standard. Plus being able to put beginner friendly two player starter boxes (with plastic miniatures in them) for your games in stores would be a huge boon I think. Just my opinion. I appreciate your honesty with this video and look forward to seeing what you decide!
I fully understand the idea of trying to expand your consumer base in this manner. The TTRPG is something your Backroom Event can comfortably manage and as a new venture (style wise) would not represent accurately what your core product line has been to date. On the other hand a range of plastics for your pre-existing games would bring awareness of what you have been doing to a wider audience as well as allowing International buyers (like myself) a potentially more affordable way into your games. The books could be offered as add-on's either digital or physical but one thing I think would definitely be worthwhile would be an exclusive figure which could be offered as a single figure pledge or included in any of the other pledge levels (this may still have to be resin). This would allow people who have previously bought your product to still participate or at a low cost allow new customers who may be interested in your core lines to see the quality of your 'in house' product. Just my thoughts, good luck with whatever you decide on.
Unfortunately its very hard to get stuff from you guys in Europe unless paying high shipping and customs when buying directly from your website. If the items were more stocked around EU it would be nice. Having a kickstarter that offers somewhat better shipping cost would be nice. Anyhow looking foward to see what the future brings.
I hear you. Importing stuff from the US to europe isn’t as viable as you might think. Shipping is one thing, but taxes are killing. It would be awesome to see a european distributor one day. And please make sure it isn’t based in the UK, since brexit messed that up as well with import taxes.
I love your products guys honestly. I backed Hametsu and I love it. Unfortunately the economy sucks right now. I have a family. I think as much as you guys try and give us more product and we love it. Some of us just can’t afford it. In saying that. You guys definitely should be able to grow to new customers. You have amazing products and games. Again keep it up.
I think you guys are amazing and thoroughly support your company any way I can. Promoting and demonstrating your games is a big part of what I try to do. I will continue to do this as you guys move and grow because I believe in you guys and what you do. Currently play DLB as a top game, and recently went all in on Hametsu as well. I want to get into breacher as soon as my wallet allows. That said, I think you are poised for growth. You can grow in these new directions but don't be afraid to call on us to continue to spread the word about your awesome products. It might be a good time to examine how a system could encourage people to go out and demo your games more. I am not sure how that can work for both us and you, but word of mouth does help. Just my suggestions. Keep being awesome guys!
You’re hitting a market cap to some degree it sounds like. Props to seeing if crowdfunding will change that, but I gotta be honest, don’t you think broader distribution is also a key factor in growing the business? There are companies that are arguably smaller that have broader distribution here in Europe than BSS. It’s incredibly hard to find your products here. Yes, the US market is very large, but the EU and UK is also a very large market. I feel like if you’re starting to see some slowdown then expanding into new markets is a logical option? Plastic is also a fantastic idea. As much as I do love resin, there’s no doubt that plastic is more user friendly and requires less knowledge to work with. Wargames Atlantic are putting out affordable and not overly-extravagant kits that seem to be going down really well in general. To be quite honest, I can totally imagine a game like Demon Ship doing really well in game stores. Boardgames cover such a huge portion of the space here that a one-box game that can appeal to that crowd will always be a good sell. I’m really hoping you guys can break into a larger playing field. There truly is no other company that has a fresher take on miniature gaming. Your products have such a cool feel to them. The design, art, and quality are super high. I truly believe there is a space for you to grab in the market if you’re able. As for crowdfunding, all I would say is echo the sentiment of going small and fulfilling within a reasonable time period. Estimate longer than you need to produce and fulfil. Underpromise and overdeliver. Stick to consistent updates, even if there is not much more to see. Time and time again we see terribly written updates from huge companies that sow confusion amongst backers. As much as I like their products, you only have to look at Creature Caster to see how easy it is to make your entire business suffer from a poorly planned and ran KS campaign. Best of luck to whatever you choose to do!
Distribution is key if you ask me. The european market might not be as big as the us market, but the ammount of gamers and hobbyists is massive over here. The taxes and shipping for europeans are no joke.
Would love Lunar in plastic! Would it be just for starter with US/USSR on single sprue? Would be cool if compatible with existing resin weapon/arm sprues too but not a deal breaker.
Exciting times ahead for you guys. I always hope for the best for BSS. I'll be putting my crowd funding thoughts in the discord. But either way, you guys are awesome
Personally, I would prefer the plastic kits. There's already a lot of RPG systems out there. As much as I like them, its hard to keep up with them all. especially to teach players. I keep circling to the same 3. The rest just sit on a shelf.
Very cool. I am definitely interested in the plastic but I agree knock the book out first. I may pick up a copy only to support you and to read about the world. I don’t have time or group for a ttrpg. But don’t look back is a big hit in our home. Would love to see the models in plastic. And I would also love seeing a multipart hero kit to make our own with the version 2 rules. The feudal game looks cool but I haven’t pushed the button and don’t know if I will. Either way. Love you all and what you do.
I've been pushed ads for Lunar for over a year. It's aesthetic is something I really dig. You've done videos on the rules, which sound interesting. I'd love to know anything at all about the fluff before I buy anything. I subbed to this channel for that very reason. Fluff is nowhere I can find. I'm not going to buy any of your stuff until I know if I'll really be interested in it. Paygating your fluff for your most unique product is a baffling decision.
Honestly, the economy is just fucked my guys. The cost of living is high and the average wage isn't. I feel like I can say I live semi-comfortably. But I also don't have enough disposable income to go crazy. What I do have set aside is split between my various hobbies. And miniatures/tabletop games is low priority on account of the lack of people to play with. I DO own a 3D printer though. And as much as I like the VHS expansions for Don't Look Back, and will probably buy some eventually, getting them is kinda expensive for what I get. If the choice is between buying something for $$ or making something for $, I'm gonna take the cheaper route. Like, [Sideshow Slaughter] is $25 + shipping to get. In comparison I can get STL files for a killer clown and balloons for $6 and just homebrew the killer stats. I'd like to get the actual set but I've also gotta pinch pennies when I can. Edit: And speaking in regards to exposure. I legit had never heard of you guys till early this year when a Warhammer youtuber I watch (EonsOfBattle) did a video gushing about Don't Look Back and how he himself had discovered it at some big tabletop game convention. Him talking about it in that video and another video from like a week or 2 later convinced me to get the book myself.
Doing this as a separate comment. In regards to doing a Kickstarter for a new game, a new TTRPG. One massive hurdle that will have is oversaturation. For example, right now there are 450 Live campaigns for tabletop games. There are 1,620 Upcoming campaigns for tabletop games. Suffice to say, there is a decent chance the campaign doesn't get funded just due to lack of exposure. What I'm saying is maybe consider doing some sponsorships. Find some popular TTRPG people, or ask the community, and see if they'll want to boost the campaign or something.
Biggest thing i see with a KS is the lack of communication causing frustration, which I feel y'all will have no issue with. I'd rather have y'all say "not much to say, but here's the status" then just ghost for multiple months. Especially when projects hit delays that push it 1-2 years past estimated delivery. I think the TTRPG is def a safer try for y'all to give, albeit I personally have no real interest in it. Plastics is something I would absolutely love to see from y'all. love the games, but the resin models are at times rough. I think that is a large barrier to expanding the customer base. I can deal with resin and have the experience to do so, but it's such a headache it makes me think twice on purchases. not only that but there are games yall have that I am interested in buying into, but the cost is just a lot higher with the resin sculpts. Getting started with Mobile arms at $300 for rules plus enough units for two sides is pretty steep. I'd like to, but that's not as easy of a purchase to just drop cause it's interesting.
This kind of transparency is admirable, not many companies share these types of subjects.
My personal hurdle when it comes to your products is the international or rather intercontinental bit. I would love to buy way more of your products, but when I start adding shipping costs and the crazy ammount of VAT it becomes too expensive. I’m willing to spend some money for my hobby, but I want it to go to the creator instead of all kinds of shipping companies and governments. And I get that worldwide distribution is hard, but it hard on both sides. For you guys as a company and for the customer who gets shafted with all these added costs. Just because we want to support your efforts and play your games. I hope you guys can turn it around a bit and rise above and beyond.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Would love a uk distributor for all your stuff!
Would love to see you guys add plastics to your product range!!
I rarely comment on anything, but I genuinely love what you guys do, so thought I would give you my two cents: I would say plastics all the way.
I've got friends who I could get into your games if plastics were available as they love your sculpts but some of the casts I received had slippage/damage - fine to play with but isn't going to win over new potential players. I would happily back such a campaign as it would give me models to paint up again but to a higher standard.
Plus being able to put beginner friendly two player starter boxes (with plastic miniatures in them) for your games in stores would be a huge boon I think. Just my opinion.
I appreciate your honesty with this video and look forward to seeing what you decide!
I fully understand the idea of trying to expand your consumer base in this manner. The TTRPG is something your Backroom Event can comfortably manage and as a new venture (style wise) would not represent accurately what your core product line has been to date. On the other hand a range of plastics for your pre-existing games would bring awareness of what you have been doing to a wider audience as well as allowing International buyers (like myself) a potentially more affordable way into your games. The books could be offered as add-on's either digital or physical but one thing I think would definitely be worthwhile would be an exclusive figure which could be offered as a single figure pledge or included in any of the other pledge levels (this may still have to be resin). This would allow people who have previously bought your product to still participate or at a low cost allow new customers who may be interested in your core lines to see the quality of your 'in house' product. Just my thoughts, good luck with whatever you decide on.
More power to you folks for striking out on different avenues for revenue but I am in it strictly for your pre-paint MDF structures.
Unfortunately its very hard to get stuff from you guys in Europe unless paying high shipping and customs when buying directly from your website. If the items were more stocked around EU it would be nice. Having a kickstarter that offers somewhat better shipping cost would be nice. Anyhow looking foward to see what the future brings.
I hear you. Importing stuff from the US to europe isn’t as viable as you might think. Shipping is one thing, but taxes are killing. It would be awesome to see a european distributor one day. And please make sure it isn’t based in the UK, since brexit messed that up as well with import taxes.
I love your products guys honestly. I backed Hametsu and I love it.
Unfortunately the economy sucks right now. I have a family. I think as much as you guys try and give us more product and we love it. Some of us just can’t afford it.
In saying that. You guys definitely should be able to grow to new customers. You have amazing products and games.
Again keep it up.
Would love to see plastics. As a solo gamer, I don't have much use for a TTRPG. That being said, either approach has merits.
Keep costs down I’ve bought a ton from you guys and would like to see you guys succeed
Best luck to you BSS! If you can sneak in a cheaky Case01 restock along the way that would be rad
TNT plastics!
TTRPG written by Matt? I am already sold. The TTRPG offers more potential for cross pollination and introducing your products to more people.
Don’t Look Back plastic kits would be awesome. But I’d probably back an RPG book too
I think you guys are amazing and thoroughly support your company any way I can. Promoting and demonstrating your games is a big part of what I try to do. I will continue to do this as you guys move and grow because I believe in you guys and what you do. Currently play DLB as a top game, and recently went all in on Hametsu as well. I want to get into breacher as soon as my wallet allows.
That said, I think you are poised for growth. You can grow in these new directions but don't be afraid to call on us to continue to spread the word about your awesome products. It might be a good time to examine how a system could encourage people to go out and demo your games more. I am not sure how that can work for both us and you, but word of mouth does help. Just my suggestions.
Keep being awesome guys!
You’re hitting a market cap to some degree it sounds like. Props to seeing if crowdfunding will change that, but I gotta be honest, don’t you think broader distribution is also a key factor in growing the business?
There are companies that are arguably smaller that have broader distribution here in Europe than BSS. It’s incredibly hard to find your products here. Yes, the US market is very large, but the EU and UK is also a very large market. I feel like if you’re starting to see some slowdown then expanding into new markets is a logical option?
Plastic is also a fantastic idea. As much as I do love resin, there’s no doubt that plastic is more user friendly and requires less knowledge to work with. Wargames Atlantic are putting out affordable and not overly-extravagant kits that seem to be going down really well in general.
To be quite honest, I can totally imagine a game like Demon Ship doing really well in game stores. Boardgames cover such a huge portion of the space here that a one-box game that can appeal to that crowd will always be a good sell.
I’m really hoping you guys can break into a larger playing field. There truly is no other company that has a fresher take on miniature gaming. Your products have such a cool feel to them. The design, art, and quality are super high. I truly believe there is a space for you to grab in the market if you’re able.
As for crowdfunding, all I would say is echo the sentiment of going small and fulfilling within a reasonable time period. Estimate longer than you need to produce and fulfil. Underpromise and overdeliver. Stick to consistent updates, even if there is not much more to see. Time and time again we see terribly written updates from huge companies that sow confusion amongst backers. As much as I like their products, you only have to look at Creature Caster to see how easy it is to make your entire business suffer from a poorly planned and ran KS campaign.
Best of luck to whatever you choose to do!
Distribution is key if you ask me. The european market might not be as big as the us market, but the ammount of gamers and hobbyists is massive over here. The taxes and shipping for europeans are no joke.
Would love Lunar in plastic! Would it be just for starter with US/USSR on single sprue? Would be cool if compatible with existing resin weapon/arm sprues too but not a deal breaker.
Hametsu should be oni.
I'd love either a multipart oni kit, or a multipart hunter kit.
9:29 The fact that no one in the filming of this video thought to splice in McGuire saying "One word: Plastics" here makes me feel... so very old.
Sweet. Looking forward to it.
plastic DLB multipart customizable killers and heroes would be ace.
Exciting times ahead for you guys. I always hope for the best for BSS. I'll be putting my crowd funding thoughts in the discord. But either way, you guys are awesome
Has there been any discussion of something like Siocast for a plastic alternative?
If you want to do both, the RPG is definitely the lower risk start.
Personally, I would prefer the plastic kits. There's already a lot of RPG systems out there. As much as I like them, its hard to keep up with them all. especially to teach players. I keep circling to the same 3. The rest just sit on a shelf.
Very cool. I am definitely interested in the plastic but I agree knock the book out first. I may pick up a copy only to support you and to read about the world. I don’t have time or group for a ttrpg. But don’t look back is a big hit in our home. Would love to see the models in plastic. And I would also love seeing a multipart hero kit to make our own with the version 2 rules. The feudal game looks cool but I haven’t pushed the button and don’t know if I will. Either way. Love you all and what you do.
If you are looking to reach outside your core audience, I think the TTRPG book would have a much wider reach than the plastic models.
I've been pushed ads for Lunar for over a year. It's aesthetic is something I really dig. You've done videos on the rules, which sound interesting. I'd love to know anything at all about the fluff before I buy anything. I subbed to this channel for that very reason. Fluff is nowhere I can find. I'm not going to buy any of your stuff until I know if I'll really be interested in it. Paygating your fluff for your most unique product is a baffling decision.
Honestly, the economy is just fucked my guys.
The cost of living is high and the average wage isn't. I feel like I can say I live semi-comfortably. But I also don't have enough disposable income to go crazy. What I do have set aside is split between my various hobbies. And miniatures/tabletop games is low priority on account of the lack of people to play with.
I DO own a 3D printer though. And as much as I like the VHS expansions for Don't Look Back, and will probably buy some eventually, getting them is kinda expensive for what I get. If the choice is between buying something for $$ or making something for $, I'm gonna take the cheaper route. Like, [Sideshow Slaughter] is $25 + shipping to get. In comparison I can get STL files for a killer clown and balloons for $6 and just homebrew the killer stats. I'd like to get the actual set but I've also gotta pinch pennies when I can.
Edit: And speaking in regards to exposure. I legit had never heard of you guys till early this year when a Warhammer youtuber I watch (EonsOfBattle) did a video gushing about Don't Look Back and how he himself had discovered it at some big tabletop game convention. Him talking about it in that video and another video from like a week or 2 later convinced me to get the book myself.
Doing this as a separate comment.
In regards to doing a Kickstarter for a new game, a new TTRPG. One massive hurdle that will have is oversaturation. For example, right now there are 450 Live campaigns for tabletop games. There are 1,620 Upcoming campaigns for tabletop games. Suffice to say, there is a decent chance the campaign doesn't get funded just due to lack of exposure.
What I'm saying is maybe consider doing some sponsorships. Find some popular TTRPG people, or ask the community, and see if they'll want to boost the campaign or something.
Biggest thing i see with a KS is the lack of communication causing frustration, which I feel y'all will have no issue with. I'd rather have y'all say "not much to say, but here's the status" then just ghost for multiple months. Especially when projects hit delays that push it 1-2 years past estimated delivery.
I think the TTRPG is def a safer try for y'all to give, albeit I personally have no real interest in it.
Plastics is something I would absolutely love to see from y'all. love the games, but the resin models are at times rough. I think that is a large barrier to expanding the customer base. I can deal with resin and have the experience to do so, but it's such a headache it makes me think twice on purchases.
not only that but there are games yall have that I am interested in buying into, but the cost is just a lot higher with the resin sculpts. Getting started with Mobile arms at $300 for rules plus enough units for two sides is pretty steep. I'd like to, but that's not as easy of a purchase to just drop cause it's interesting.