Miniatures and figurines are some of the best aspects of tabletop gaming. But if you’re playing a tabletop RPG, you might not be satisfied with the figurines that come with your game or even the ones you can buy online. And while we already have relatively affordable 3D modeling software and 3D printers, it requires a bit of training to use those tools. Hero Forge wants to meet you halfway.
Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, Hero Forge will let you create your own figurines right from your browser. Hero Forge’s web-based creation tool looks a lot like the character creation screen in many video games. Its options include gender, clothes, weapons and poses. Naturally, your character’s 3D model will instantly reflect your choices. Once you’re satisfied you can then order a 3D print of your figurine from the tool itself.
The founders of Hero Forge claim that 3D printing has big advantages over injection molding, one of them being the ability to print on demand. Miniature makers that use injection molding have to make products in batches for the process to be cost-efficient, which means they’ll only make designs that they think are guaranteed to sell. But with a 3D printing service like Hero Forge, you can create and print a miniature even if you’re the only one in the world who’s willing to buy what you made.
Apparently, 3D printers can also pull off aesthetic tricks that are hard to emulate through injection molding, such as interior or recessed details as well as moving parts.
Another advantage of Hero Forge is that you can easily scale the size of your created character. Hero Forge plans to offer three sizes at launch: 28mm, 3in and 6in.
Customers will also have two print qualities to choose from. One is very durable and cheap but not suited for painting, while the other one is more expensive but is very detailed and is suited for painting.
Finally, like many video games Hero Forge will save your 3D models. You can have them reprinted, modified or both as often as you like.
Pledge at least $20 (USD) on Kickstarter to receive a customized miniature as a reward. It would be awesome if the creation tool allowed you to upload your own designs for even more customization. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a miniature that looks just like you?
