WFB Thoughts: Why High Elves and Skaven?
So this one has been coming a long time and with the official announcement of the Island of Blood boxed set a little while ago, its time to ask the community directly: why Skaven and High Elves?
Now we’ve seen many different boxed set armies thrown into the mix over the past editions, but there seem to be certain schools of thought on starter sets:
Iconic Fantasy Armies
This usually is taken to mean armies that are common to general fantasy settings and are immediately recognizable by new customers totally unfamiliar with the Warhammer hobby. Things such as Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Orks fit well into this framework. Skaven, Ogres, and similar armies might not fit into this framework so easily.
Good vs Evil
Usually taken in concert with the above concerns, this would have very obviously identifiable races facing off in the boxed set. Things like Empire vs Orcs are good choices, races like Lizardmen, and Wood Elves may be a bit too nuanced for complete beginners.
Beginners Armies
This concepts says that you should aim to put armies into a starter box that are easily learned and forgiving. with WFB in such a learning curve right now as people adapt to 8th, this one is up for grabs. As for whether Skaven or High Elves fit into this category is up for debate compared to other armies.
So Games Workshop is going with Skaven and High Elves, and has thrown a giant pile of minis into the $99 boxed set. The question for you all is do you like the choices and what do you think of the decision based on pleasing both the existing WFB player community, attracting new players into the game, and growing the hobby as a whole.
Have at it folks.
