Wargame Hobbyist: Dynamic Pose vs Monopose Kits

I have always enjoyed building the actual minis used in wargaming. From deciding which heads to use and how to model them, cutting them from the sprue, and finally actually gluing them. It is an aspect of the hobby that I have always enjoyed. The landscape in which wargaming models are produced for us consumers is constantly in flux. Recently, I have found myself in several discussions about what feels like a disappearing number of dynamic pose options within our passion. An obvious driving factor of this is Games Workshops decisive move towards more monopose kits. And while 3D printing presents itself as wide open frontier for the future, the majority of what I see and have ordered I would file under the category of being monopose.

Dynamic pose kits provide a level of freedom, flexibilty, and creativity that appeals to those who enjoy personalizing their models. This ability to customize models keeps armies feeling unique and diverse. For many of us Longbeards assembling models from these kits is an integral and important part of the hobby. Having extra bits to kitbash with felt like an industry norm! Despite any grumbling from the old guard, these kits were in some ways a barrier to entry, giving pause to those who didn't want difficult assemblies with glues and clippers. Today I see newer and older gamers checking out games like Battletech or A song of ice and fire where models are entirely preassembled. Heretical nonsense to a younger me!

Ultimately, the biggest advantage to monopose models is an economic one on the manufacturing side. Fewer piece reduces design cost, it allows better quality control, and will have less failures. It is an obvious advantage to many companies and I play plenty of games that produce monopose kits. Beyond this there are several players who also prefer the ease of assembly that comes with this, allowing armies to be built, painted, and put on table faster than ever. There is also an argument made that, since designers are not constrained by the limitations of interchangeable parts, they can craft dramatic poses that emphasize movement, personality, and storytelling. Beside my strong personal preference for more bits and more poseability options, I have also assembled what I consider some really poor resolution and beyond dull monopose kits. Looking at you old push to fit stormcast eternals.

The rise of 3d printing has sought to provide and alternative solution to almost all aspects of our hobby. While I know more modular fully customized kits exist, mostly what I see being the main movers are presupported and monopose models. It has also lent itself to a more hybrid approach. Allowing 3d printed customized weapons or heads to be used on other more mainstream models. This idea has been embraced by plenty of smaller merchants and the more well known. Producing conversion bits or "upgrade sprues" to help keep the idea of kitbashing alive.

As technology continues to evolve, hobbyists will likely have more choices than ever in how they build and customize their miniatures. Whether you prefer the streamlined beauty of monopose models, the creativity of modular kits, or the boundless possibilities of 3D printing, one thing is certain—the future of wargaming miniatures is more diverse than ever.