Super 7 Ultimates Thread

[Fletch]

I was mentally comparing what fac said to other aging nerd hobbies I have like comics and RPGs and think those industries have the option to fully or partially transition to digital products.

And I had the image of a future in "digital action figures."

I laughed (to myself) at first, but then I started considering a virtual display of poseable characters. It uses no plastic, takes up no space in my apartment, could have any backdrop or setting you want, could conceivably be scaled to any size you want, and might offer digital artists the same customizing options as molders and painters today.

It's not something I'd want (it's one of my few remaining tactile hobbies), but I can see it as a future industry.

 

[fac]

And I had the image of a future in "digital action figures."

I had expected 3D printers to be more popular as a home item by now, and for someone to start selling an action figure line that was just the code to print and assemble it yourself at home...

 

[NORM]

I had expected 3D printers to be more popular as a home item by now, and for someone to start selling an action figure line that was just the code to print and assemble it yourself at home...

Maybe in our lifetime.

 

[Reno]

I keep telling myself that I'm going to get a 3-D printer specifically to make display diorama components, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm hoping that the technology continues to get better and cheaper.

 

[canprime]

I was mentally comparing what fac said to other aging nerd hobbies I have like comics and RPGs and think those industries have the option to fully or partially transition to digital products.

And I had the image of a future in "digital action figures."

I laughed (to myself) at first, but then I started considering a virtual display of poseable characters. It uses no plastic, takes up no space in my apartment, could have any backdrop or setting you want, could conceivably be scaled to any size you want, and might offer digital artists the same customizing options as molders and painters today.

It's not something I'd want (it's one of my few remaining tactile hobbies), but I can see it as a future industry.

You mean like McFarlane tried with NFTs? Yeah I know that you are talking about a more interactive format, but I think some mediums just don't translate well to digital. Plus you could also argue that video games have already implemented that idea. I mean the Spiderman, and Batman, games alone allow you to do so much with an "action figure" of the characters in multiple costumes. I think toys are one of those few mediums that just don't offer a similar enough experience in digital form.

I had expected 3D printers to be more popular as a home item by now, and for someone to start selling an action figure line that was just the code to print and assemble it yourself at home...

I think the two biggest stumbling blocks to home 3D printing are time and ease of use. There is still a significant time commitment required to print anything substantial. You can't just print something in a minute like with paper.

Then there is the ease of use issue. I mean the paper printing example (again) is where I go with the idea. People are used to printing on paper and having to do the bare minimum. Plus they get everything done in one shot (different colours, designs, sizes, etc.). 3D printing requires a lot more work and attention over a long (relatively) period of time. The average person can't just do a couple clicks on the screen and walk away for a minute and everything is done.

It's a similar situation with cars (EV vs. Gas). A lot of the uptake issues for EVs revolve around 2 issues (in my opinion). Price, which is slowly getting closer together. Second is ease of use, or perception. Most people still think EVs are more hassle to operate, especially around range. The idea of taking longer to charge than filling up gas, combined with the idea of not having the infrastructure to operate mindlessly like gas is also a big problem. Eventually it should even out, but it may take a long time. Similar to what is happening with 3D printing.

 

[fac]

I agree, the 3D printers have not really been made to be consumer friendly, still more of a niche product, and that hasn't increased the use of them - and if anything I see them less often now (I haven't checked but Best Buy and Home Depot had them on display and in stock a few years ago) than before. And I suspect half of America doesn't even know they exist.

I assume the technology will improve to make it a true consumer product...and I admit I haven't bought one yet either.