Digital Codexes for iPad

[Servo]

This is something they should have done a long time ago.

GW is releasing a series of digital books for the iPad: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-01ylQ-0k&feature=youtu.be

The best of the lot is the first digital Codex, which is of course Space Marines. It will have alot of functionality, like 360-degree views of models, the ability to change pictures to different chapters/legions, and supposedly an ArmyBuilder-like function where you can make an army list straight out of the Codex.

Also, people are hoping/praying/ready-to-scream-if-they-dont, that in the future you can get electronic updates for free or low-cost.

There are 2 sets of rumors on additional future Codexes to be released in this format:

#1: Blood Angels, Necrons, Grey Knights, and Dark Eldar soon; CSM and 6th Edition Rulebook when they are released this year; then Tyranids, IG and Sisters by end of the year.

#2: Dark Eldar, CSM, Tyranids, Grey Knights all this year.


The bad news: its $42!!!!!

Even though the cost is also the answer to life, the universe, and everything, it does not excuse the outrageous price of a series of 1's and 0's. I so would have bought it at $25.

Just as a pre-emptive reminder, we cannot openly discuss things on this site that would be a crime, like figuring out a way to pirate the thing for free. So no one discuss pirating this for free. Understand? Do not even bring it up if you somehow know how to pirate this for free, or know where to find such things. For free.

Sources
Dakka Dakka: www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/453086.page
Warseer: www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?343015-Digital-codex-releases

[Mephiston]

I'm waiting for lawyers to figure out a way to say that memorizing is piracy.

[Servo]

A very thorough review by Yakface on Dakka Dakka:
www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/yakface_Reviews_the_Digital_Space_Marines_Codex

Since he does not mention the ability to build an army straight from the Codex, I will assume it cannot be done.

[Sil Odan]

GW could have done something awesome here. This could have been the touchdown pass that would have excited their staunch supporters, and more importantly, renewed the faith of those who have been turning away from them due to GW's lack of customer service and obvious disregard for the long-time consumer. Instead, it seems they took that ball and spiked it on the opponents 30-yard line just to spite customers.

$42 is way too much of an expense for an ebook. I know there are expenses to format, design and publish (errr, epublish) it in the first place. But that's a one-time fee that they will easily make back from sales, even if they charged a lower fee. If you are going to charge that much, at least make certain all future codex updates will be included at no additional cost. But nope, GW won't even do that.

GW reminds me of a comment Gail made. She mentioned how ironic it was that a poor, local musician who puts out cd's won't care if you pirate their music and pass it around. They will be happy to give away their hard work, just so that their music can be heard and enjoyed. But the multi-million dollar musician who's gone platinum will pitch the biggest hissy fit at the thought of a fan copying their music.

GW is like the platinum-selling musician; they've avoided the digital realm because they are afraid of piracy. They don't give away anything for free. The cost for their games is astronomical, and instread of trying to make it easier or more affordable for customers, they continue to hike prices and justify it by saying "We are a premium miniature company". But the smaller gaming companies will provide free materials and reasonably priced prodcut for customers. When Warmachine starting going plastic (and even included additional figures in some of their multi packs) prices either stayed the same or dropped a little. Does anyone recall GW ever lowering the price for anything? My co-worked was at Adepticon with his son and his son's friend. The Privateer Press rep overheard the friend mention he was thinking about buying a faction for Warmachine. The rep took his info and mailed him a free copy of the rulebook and codex for the faction he was interested in. THAT is the kind of company I want to support with my hard-earned money.