Reply To: Too many games with miniatures in it?

[onlyonepinman 18062xp 2]

I think what I am saying is that miniatures don’t add to the game itself, but they do add to the experience of playing the game. Tactically and strategically a Boardgame will be the same whether you use miniatures or not. Miniatures neither add to nor take away from a set of rules . But they can definitely add to the enjoyment you will get from playing it. As can a quality set of meeples – it’s not just about miniatures. We’re sensory creatures and things that are aesthetically pleasing generally improve our experience of things. Would Battletech still be Battletech if you switched everything out for tokens? Tactically, Probably yes. Would you enjoy it as much if you weren’t looking at your beautiful little mechs blasting each other into oblivion in 3D represented my tiny plastic models? No, it wouldn’t.
It’s a bit like buying crystalware. Do I need a crystal drinking glass for wine or fine spirit? No. Is the experience of enjoying that 15 year old single malt enhanced by holding a nice crystal glass while you savour it? Absolutely. I have taken a similar approach to painting – I have purchased some items that are definitely luxury items and not essential. I bought a wet palette, I could have easily built one. I bought a hand turned, wooden paint grip. I could use wine bottle corks or even pay a fiver for the GW one. But I bought the items because I found them to be visually pleasing and they enhance my experience when using them. I am even happy simply to have them sat on my desk when I am not using them. I think we need to not be so quick to strip everything back to purely its function because art has no function. Sometimes a bit of artistry here and there just makes things better just by being there. Miniatures fall into that category.