D&D action figures? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

D&D action figures?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
arrowprince
Dec 11, 2011 11:42:23 Ok, let me get this straight. Hasbro owns Wizards of the Coast. Hasbro makes action figures. So, why no Dungeons and Dragons figures? I would love to see figures in the GI Joe, Marvel Universe, Star Wars scale. That scale would allow for bigger monsters to be made too. Please Hasbro, you're setting on a cash cow here. Give us D&D action figures, and we will give you our money!!!
#2
Mirtek
Dec 11, 2011 12:35:45 I don't think they would sell well. There's no cartoon to boost them and for the actual RPG they're not well suited. I wouldn't buy any, I don't think anyone in our gaming community would.
#3
arrowprince
Dec 11, 2011 13:57:03
I don't think they would sell well. There's no cartoon to boost them and for the actual RPG they're not well suited. I wouldn't buy any, I don't think anyone in our gaming community would.

I understand what you're saying here. Almost everything on the toy isles has to have a TV/Movie tie in to support it. The Marvel Universe line doesn't have a show to support it, but is completely based on the comics. The World of Warcraft figures are based on a game, not a show. Not giving up hope, but a good D&D movie/TV show would greatly help the chances of a toy line. Maybe the new Neverwinter PC game coming next year will be the smash hit that launches the toy line?
#4
incenjucar
Dec 11, 2011 21:07:01 D&D is pretty low on Hasbro's radar. It's an iconic property for the video game industry, but it's still surfing on the image it had on the 70s in the wider culture, and the D&D movie kind of destroyed its credibility as a general property for awhile. There's absolutely room for D&D to expand into a larger property, but it's not being designed in that direction, and it will never catch on as an RPG to a general audience due to the time, money, and coordination investment required.

The brand absolutely has potential, but the most exposure D&D has anymore is Drizzt books, which really don't capture the feel of the property.

That said, D&D had miniatures, and will soon again. They aren't ACTION figures, but they're toy figures just the same.
#5
mboss77
Dec 12, 2011 17:20:16 Kid picks up action figure and runs over to show mom. Mom sees Dungeons and Dragons logo on the package and thinks to herself "oh, h*** no."
#6
mvincent
Dec 12, 2011 19:20:51
why no Dungeons and Dragons figures?

Plenty of D&D action figures were made in the 80's (you can still buy them on ebay), but they weren't very successful. Plus, there's plenty of other fantasy action figures that kids would prefer now (LOTR, Potter, McFarlane, Everquest, WoW, etc.).

That said, I do believe there could be plenty of synergy with Hasbro making toys and playsets on the 28mm scale (i.e. not only would kids buy them as normal toys, but geeks would buy them for their D&D games... and for their kids). However, Hasbro pretty much has been doing this via things like the Star Wars playsets and Heroscape. Also, Conquest of Nerath is pretty much just a fantasy version of Hasbro's Axis and Allies rules. I'm still looking for an N-force/D&D crossover though ;)

#7
arrowprince
Dec 12, 2011 21:35:27 Kids wouldn't want them without a movie/tv tie-in. I wouldn't expect to see them in Wal-marts and Toys R Us stores, but rather in comic shops, gaming stores, online, ect. This would be a collector supported line.    I've seen the 80's figures, even have a few, but how about a new line with updated sculpts and accessories.
#8
tbok1992
Dec 13, 2011 10:59:15 Which makes me wonder WHY exactly they haven't greenlit a D&D cartoon for the Hub yet. I mean, that seems like such an obvious idea, so why not put it into action?!

And hell yeah I'd love to see some D&D action figures! Like a GI joe scale drider with a wind up walking lower half, a four pack of Kobolds, a Cave Fisher with a grappling action feature, a young white dragon with water spraying "frost breath", an aboleth with a slime oozing action feature, or even a remote control Tarrasque. The posiblities are endless, awesome and endlessly awesome!
#9
arrowprince
Dec 13, 2011 21:25:38 The one thing we don't want though is deformed, stylized figures based off a cartoon show. Look at the Clone Wars figures and compare with the main Star Wars line as an example. These figures need to have realistic proportions. Hopefully, if a new D&D toon ever happens it won't have super stylized animation. I would love to see a D&D live action movie done with the same care and finese as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Why hasn't that happened yet?
#10
Aetharion
Dec 14, 2011 15:28:41 Aren't they making a movie to accompany the Book of Vile Darkness even as we type?

And remember that they actually did make a cartoon show for D&D a couple of decades ago, about some kids from the real world who were transported into the D&D universe. I think a cartoon, tv-show or movie centered on the Nentir Vale - or at least happening in the Points of Light setting - would make sense. I mean, D&D itself is basically cooperative storytelling using improvised acting.
#11
Luis_Carlos
Dec 15, 2011 15:29:45 Really it isn´t so bad idea, but do be careful about plagiarism. I say Hasbro sells "unknown" charactes action figures a Chinese factory could make too similar toys.

I´m afraid D&D needs a new cartoon show to get the new generation of fans. What about a "reboot" of Dragonlance by time travel? (a gnome a from Krynn create a machine, and it´s canon).

Other option is action figures of sci-fi rpg like Star*Drive.
#12
arrowprince
Dec 15, 2011 20:03:03 Didn't know about the Vile Darkness movie. Thanks for posting that, but I would still like to see a big Hollywood blockbuster and not just a straight to dvd, made for tv movie. Dragonlance would make a good movie, or how about the Drizzt saga, since he seems to be the "poster boy" for D&D these days, and there's plenty of material there so sequels are possible if it does well.
#13
ranadiel
Dec 16, 2011 3:20:11
Aren't they making a movie to accompany the Book of Vile Darkness even as we type?

You mean the Syfy Original Movie? I think it is probably already done because I believe it was supposed to be released at the same time as the book and the book was delayed because of that. Either way it is pretty much guaranteed to be horrible.
#14
Luis_Carlos
Dec 16, 2011 12:49:39 My opinion is a official D&D movie of the level of Hercules+Xena franchise is enough (if the story is really good).

I wonder if there is official D&D action figures... monster mounts is posible but..what about vehicles? Steampunk machines is a option but no all D&D worlds are like Eberron.

Other option is a game of colectable miniatures and cards.. (and using action figures would be a option because rule talk about spaces, no cm or feet).

And what about toys of a new D&D franchise what would be like "She-ra and magic kingdom"? It isn´t plagiarism because the archetype of magical girl (Mahō shōjo) is now universal. Today there are the "Winxs" and "W.I.T.C.H" franchise (and no let´s talk about Sailor Moon and company). Edit: WotC sells books. It could create a new saga like Harry Potter franchise. Why not trying it?

A new crazy idea...new? I´m not sure if have said it before. Let´s imagine a new canon PC class: the summoner, who is like a magical pet (pokemon-like) trainer.. The summoner can call lots of diferent D&D creatures and there is a new game about it. The new D&D sub-franchise could be books and a cartoon show like duel master, Yu-gi-oh, Bakugan o Gormiti.

#15
Aetharion
Dec 16, 2011 14:07:38 Even after all that WotC has done with Essentials and so forth in order to cater to less experienced players, I don't think they will EVER attempt to make an anime ripoff. Also, plagiarism is plagiarism, no matter how many people do it, and whether or not they get away with it.

Personally, I'd like to stay optimistic regarding the Book of Vile Darkness movie, especially after the Magic: the Gathering movie that was planned got cancelled after all. At least I hope it won't be as bad as the last two D&D movies...

As for toys: If they really have access to Hasbro's production department, I believe that WotC should be using those ressources to make more D&D miniatures instead of actual toys, for several reasons:
1) It could compete with the new Pathfinder Miniatures.
2) WotC are probably preparing a new Miniatures Skirmish game. Actual miniatures would help that.
3) A lot of people have complained that WotC stopped making miniatures for skirmish and regular D&D use. I wholeheartedly agree on this point - even if the miniatures aren't painted very well, it's still nice to at least have SOME kind of representation for all generic monsters and race/class combinations.
4) D&D has a wider target audience than most franchises that make toys - and also an older one, judging by the re-release of the Book of Vile Darkness, which requires maturity to use. They don't need to dumb the game down more than they have already done, but releasing children's toys will require just that, because kids will want to learn how to play the game, but won't be interested in the required aspects of the game in the same way, such as math or DM'ing.

The pros for producing toys simply do not outweigh the cons.
#16
arrowprince
Dec 16, 2011 23:17:15 Keep in mind though that all figure lines aren't just produced for kids these days. That was true back in the'80's and early '90's. We live in a world now where it's ok for grown men/women to buy toys for their collection.   Some lines are completely collector driven. A D&D line could survive as such as there are fans of fantasy that will never set down and play a session of D&D the game, but would like to have a ranger, wizard, fighter, action figure to put on their shelves and display with the rest of their collection. If Hasbro would market a D&D line correctly and to the right demographic, it would succeed. If nothing else, they could "test" the waters with a series 1 to see how it would sell. One thing Hasbro could do is look at the miniatures line for their action figure designs. I would love to have the Greycloak Ranger mini as a 3 3/4" action figure with cloth cape, or a Black Dragon with Sorcerer box set. The possiblities are endless. Heck, they could even include a mini as a pack in with the figure to use in the game if you so desired.
#17
Zelkon
Dec 17, 2011 9:40:02 I could imagine it now. Blockbuster movie, followed by toys and a tv show ala clone wars. A movie would introduce the characters, setting (probably tieing into that years setting), and the BBEG, series would go on until popularity died down and then a final confrontation with the BBEG would be in order for one last ratings hurrah. Watch it every sunday after my little pony!
#18
Garthanos
Dec 17, 2011 11:00:04
Kid picks up action figure and runs over to show mom. Mom sees Dungeons and Dragons logo on the package and thinks to herself "oh, h*** no."

What era / backwards burgh you talking about? Many moms I know play D&D or used to... even my wifes mom played back in the day.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 arrowprince Dec 11, 2011 11:42:23	Ok, let me get this straight. Hasbro owns Wizards of the Coast. Hasbro makes action figures. So, why no Dungeons and Dragons figures? I would love to see figures in the GI Joe, Marvel Universe, Star Wars scale. That scale would allow for bigger monsters to be made too. Please Hasbro, you're setting on a cash cow here. Give us D&D action figures, and we will give you our money!!!
#2 Mirtek Dec 11, 2011 12:35:45	I don't think they would sell well. There's no cartoon to boost them and for the actual RPG they're not well suited. I wouldn't buy any, I don't think anyone in our gaming community would.
#3 arrowprince Dec 11, 2011 13:57:03	I don't think they would sell well. There's no cartoon to boost them and for the actual RPG they're not well suited. I wouldn't buy any, I don't think anyone in our gaming community would. I understand what you're saying here. Almost everything on the toy isles has to have a TV/Movie tie in to support it. The Marvel Universe line doesn't have a show to support it, but is completely based on the comics. The World of Warcraft figures are based on a game, not a show. Not giving up hope, but a good D&D movie/TV show would greatly help the chances of a toy line. Maybe the new Neverwinter PC game coming next year will be the smash hit that launches the toy line?
#4 incenjucar Dec 11, 2011 21:07:01	D&D is pretty low on Hasbro's radar. It's an iconic property for the video game industry, but it's still surfing on the image it had on the 70s in the wider culture, and the D&D movie kind of destroyed its credibility as a general property for awhile. There's absolutely room for D&D to expand into a larger property, but it's not being designed in that direction, and it will never catch on as an RPG to a general audience due to the time, money, and coordination investment required. The brand absolutely has potential, but the most exposure D&D has anymore is Drizzt books, which really don't capture the feel of the property. That said, D&D had miniatures, and will soon again. They aren't ACTION figures, but they're toy figures just the same.
#5 mboss77 Dec 12, 2011 17:20:16	Kid picks up action figure and runs over to show mom. Mom sees Dungeons and Dragons logo on the package and thinks to herself "oh, h*** no."
#6 mvincent Dec 12, 2011 19:20:51	why no Dungeons and Dragons figures? Plenty of D&D action figures were made in the 80's (you can still buy them on ebay), but they weren't very successful. Plus, there's plenty of other fantasy action figures that kids would prefer now (LOTR, Potter, McFarlane, Everquest, WoW, etc.). That said, I do believe there could be plenty of synergy with Hasbro making toys and playsets on the 28mm scale (i.e. not only would kids buy them as normal toys, but geeks would buy them for their D&D games... and for their kids). However, Hasbro pretty much has been doing this via things like the Star Wars playsets and Heroscape. Also, Conquest of Nerath is pretty much just a fantasy version of Hasbro's Axis and Allies rules. I'm still looking for an N-force/D&D crossover though ;)
#7 arrowprince Dec 12, 2011 21:35:27	Kids wouldn't want them without a movie/tv tie-in. I wouldn't expect to see them in Wal-marts and Toys R Us stores, but rather in comic shops, gaming stores, online, ect. This would be a collector supported line. I've seen the 80's figures, even have a few, but how about a new line with updated sculpts and accessories.
#8 tbok1992 Dec 13, 2011 10:59:15	Which makes me wonder WHY exactly they haven't greenlit a D&D cartoon for the Hub yet. I mean, that seems like such an obvious idea, so why not put it into action?! And hell yeah I'd love to see some D&D action figures! Like a GI joe scale drider with a wind up walking lower half, a four pack of Kobolds, a Cave Fisher with a grappling action feature, a young white dragon with water spraying "frost breath", an aboleth with a slime oozing action feature, or even a remote control Tarrasque. The posiblities are endless, awesome and endlessly awesome!
#9 arrowprince Dec 13, 2011 21:25:38	The one thing we don't want though is deformed, stylized figures based off a cartoon show. Look at the Clone Wars figures and compare with the main Star Wars line as an example. These figures need to have realistic proportions. Hopefully, if a new D&D toon ever happens it won't have super stylized animation. I would love to see a D&D live action movie done with the same care and finese as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Why hasn't that happened yet?
#10 Aetharion Dec 14, 2011 15:28:41	Aren't they making a movie to accompany the Book of Vile Darkness even as we type? And remember that they actually did make a cartoon show for D&D a couple of decades ago, about some kids from the real world who were transported into the D&D universe. I think a cartoon, tv-show or movie centered on the Nentir Vale - or at least happening in the Points of Light setting - would make sense. I mean, D&D itself is basically cooperative storytelling using improvised acting.
#11 Luis_Carlos Dec 15, 2011 15:29:45	Really it isn´t so bad idea, but do be careful about plagiarism. I say Hasbro sells "unknown" charactes action figures a Chinese factory could make too similar toys. I´m afraid D&D needs a new cartoon show to get the new generation of fans. What about a "reboot" of Dragonlance by time travel? (a gnome a from Krynn create a machine, and it´s canon). Other option is action figures of sci-fi rpg like Star*Drive.
#12 arrowprince Dec 15, 2011 20:03:03	Didn't know about the Vile Darkness movie. Thanks for posting that, but I would still like to see a big Hollywood blockbuster and not just a straight to dvd, made for tv movie. Dragonlance would make a good movie, or how about the Drizzt saga, since he seems to be the "poster boy" for D&D these days, and there's plenty of material there so sequels are possible if it does well.
#13 ranadiel Dec 16, 2011 3:20:11	Aren't they making a movie to accompany the Book of Vile Darkness even as we type? You mean the Syfy Original Movie? I think it is probably already done because I believe it was supposed to be released at the same time as the book and the book was delayed because of that. Either way it is pretty much guaranteed to be horrible.
#14 Luis_Carlos Dec 16, 2011 12:49:39	My opinion is a official D&D movie of the level of Hercules+Xena franchise is enough (if the story is really good). I wonder if there is official D&D action figures... monster mounts is posible but..what about vehicles? Steampunk machines is a option but no all D&D worlds are like Eberron. Other option is a game of colectable miniatures and cards.. (and using action figures would be a option because rule talk about spaces, no cm or feet). And what about toys of a new D&D franchise what would be like "She-ra and magic kingdom"? It isn´t plagiarism because the archetype of magical girl (Mahō shōjo) is now universal. Today there are the "Winxs" and "W.I.T.C.H" franchise (and no let´s talk about Sailor Moon and company). Edit: WotC sells books. It could create a new saga like Harry Potter franchise. Why not trying it? A new crazy idea...new? I´m not sure if have said it before. Let´s imagine a new canon PC class: the summoner, who is like a magical pet (pokemon-like) trainer.. The summoner can call lots of diferent D&D creatures and there is a new game about it. The new D&D sub-franchise could be books and a cartoon show like duel master, Yu-gi-oh, Bakugan o Gormiti.
#15 Aetharion Dec 16, 2011 14:07:38	Even after all that WotC has done with Essentials and so forth in order to cater to less experienced players, I don't think they will EVER attempt to make an anime ripoff. Also, plagiarism is plagiarism, no matter how many people do it, and whether or not they get away with it. Personally, I'd like to stay optimistic regarding the Book of Vile Darkness movie, especially after the Magic: the Gathering movie that was planned got cancelled after all. At least I hope it won't be as bad as the last two D&D movies... As for toys: If they really have access to Hasbro's production department, I believe that WotC should be using those ressources to make more D&D miniatures instead of actual toys, for several reasons: 1) It could compete with the new Pathfinder Miniatures. 2) WotC are probably preparing a new Miniatures Skirmish game. Actual miniatures would help that. 3) A lot of people have complained that WotC stopped making miniatures for skirmish and regular D&D use. I wholeheartedly agree on this point - even if the miniatures aren't painted very well, it's still nice to at least have SOME kind of representation for all generic monsters and race/class combinations. 4) D&D has a wider target audience than most franchises that make toys - and also an older one, judging by the re-release of the Book of Vile Darkness, which requires maturity to use. They don't need to dumb the game down more than they have already done, but releasing children's toys will require just that, because kids will want to learn how to play the game, but won't be interested in the required aspects of the game in the same way, such as math or DM'ing. The pros for producing toys simply do not outweigh the cons.
#16 arrowprince Dec 16, 2011 23:17:15	Keep in mind though that all figure lines aren't just produced for kids these days. That was true back in the'80's and early '90's. We live in a world now where it's ok for grown men/women to buy toys for their collection. Some lines are completely collector driven. A D&D line could survive as such as there are fans of fantasy that will never set down and play a session of D&D the game, but would like to have a ranger, wizard, fighter, action figure to put on their shelves and display with the rest of their collection. If Hasbro would market a D&D line correctly and to the right demographic, it would succeed. If nothing else, they could "test" the waters with a series 1 to see how it would sell. One thing Hasbro could do is look at the miniatures line for their action figure designs. I would love to have the Greycloak Ranger mini as a 3 3/4" action figure with cloth cape, or a Black Dragon with Sorcerer box set. The possiblities are endless. Heck, they could even include a mini as a pack in with the figure to use in the game if you so desired.
#17 Zelkon Dec 17, 2011 9:40:02	I could imagine it now. Blockbuster movie, followed by toys and a tv show ala clone wars. A movie would introduce the characters, setting (probably tieing into that years setting), and the BBEG, series would go on until popularity died down and then a final confrontation with the BBEG would be in order for one last ratings hurrah. Watch it every sunday after my little pony!
#18 Garthanos Dec 17, 2011 11:00:04	Kid picks up action figure and runs over to show mom. Mom sees Dungeons and Dragons logo on the package and thinks to herself "oh, h*** no." What era / backwards burgh you talking about? Many moms I know play D&D or used to... even my wifes mom played back in the day.