> but … it’s a bit too much and with 3D printing getting where it is these days I wonder how much longer a kickstarter like this can be profitable.

fwiw, Reaper said that, while the “personalities” attract buyers, it’s the minions and huge figures that get sold. AFAIK, It still takes time to print a mini, so 3D printing is best for that custom mini not available elsewhere. But when 3D printers can spit out high-resolution colored miniatures at an affordable price, watch out!

My speculation is Siocast, which Reaper is already starting. With Siocast, you can print small runs locally, so don’t need to wait for Chinese manufacturing. Siocast molds are silicon (?) or something that aren’t the steel molds that costs thousands of dollars, and the miniature material is a plastic, which is cheaper than the rising cost of metal. Thus, you don’t need the initial funding that KS provides. Maybe the steel molds would still be cost-effective for minions that would be bought in multiples, dunno.

I sure wish Reaper would team up with WotC or Paizo to create a “single purchase set” of miniatures for their starter boxes, as well as for standees in popular boardgames, such as Gloomhaven. (Anyone know who the creator is for the upcoming GH miniatures KS? Sure hope it’s not Blacklist Games…) Since I’ve backed Bones I-IV and have a ton of miniatures already, I can pass on Bones VI, though I’m waiting for the core set price per miniature to drop. I’m actually painting some Bones for a tabletop game, and recommend them for up to advanced tabletop painting, at least. I have enough zombies from CMON’s Black Plague KS and Mantic, though!