With COVID slowing the overall economy, and prices skyrocketing, here are some ideas on how Counts As models should be treated in games!
Normally WYSIWYG is the rule, and that’s been fine. However, with all the strange factors of today, like the skyrocketing prices, not just for manufacturers, but also from the secondary market, we could take a look at loosening up some perhaps?
Amazing flight stands by Deadly Print Studio
We’re not saying you should allow someone to just play with some old goblins and say they are Intercessors. There are so many great alternative minis out there and conversions, where do you draw the line? If you’re playing a friendly game, it should never really matter, but when we get back to tournaments what should the guidelines be? It will be up to the Tournament Organizers (TOs), but we feel like some concessions should be made to allow folks to save money and use minis they love.
Speaking of miniatures to love, be sure to check out our list of the 50 best alternative miniature companies to Games Workshop here.
Counts as Minis -Alternative Models
We’re using this as an example because it is so fresh in our minds. When you look at the new Sons of Behemat Mega-Gargants, and then something like the Mantic Giants, they are the exact same size.
You can get an entire army of the Mantic Giants for basically the same price as one Mega-Gargant. If a mini is the same exact size, same base, and weapons, what really is the problem? Even though it’s not a GW mini, does that actually matter if it’s easy to tell what it is and what it’s armed with? If you want to see how they compare, check out Rob’s video on it here.
We think given the current world climate, you should be allowed to save money and still play games- especially when the minis are no different in size and weaponry?
The Chaplain Dreadnaught Example
There was a time when the new rules for the Chaplain Dreadnaught made it a must take in all tournament lists. The only problem was, GW didn’t make the mini anymore! Everyone started converting it and it got kind of out of hand. Some were good, some were terrible. But when a rule change makes something so strong, you almost have no choice if you want to win (or even just compete) and can’t get the mini. The TO should make clearly defined rules for how much can be converted and keep an eye on it.
Conversions should be allowed, but the TO’s need to stay vigilant and really keep an eye on the armies (which they did at LVO 2020)
Stopping People From Taking Advantage
My new Space Marine Librarian…
Of course, when you give people an inch, they’ll try to take a mile. So we think you should be able to use alternative minis and conversions, just it can’t go too far either. As long as things are the same size, have the same weaponry, and look recognizable we don’t see an issue. However, when you play someone more or less proxying all the best units with something less than appropriate, it gets frustrating.
TL;DR
What should be okay in the Covid Era (or perhaps anytime):
- Counts As Models should be the same size and approximate weapon loadouts, and appearance as the intended model.
- Counts As Models should be on the same base size.
- Counts As Models should be from the same genre of game system.
Just something to think about for when we actually get to play tournaments (or even just in person) again!
Do you feel like counts as shaming is fair? How do you feel about alternative minis and conversions?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
