3D printing will kill the wargaming miniature market

I'm in the process of selling the last of my GW figurines. Because I don't play them anymore, but mostly because of 3D printing.

I believe that in the next few years, private 3D printers will get so good and cheap that anyone will be able print a quality model at home, for a fraction of what such models would cost today.

Some people will design their own models, but more importantly you'll be able to easily copy existing ones. You'll be able to create digital models off 3D scans, pictures and even drawings, edit them as you wish, and then print them out. Even painting will become automated at some point.

Meaning a rare or large figurine going $10 to $100, plus quality painting, might come out of your home printer for just a few Dollar.

At that point the value of existing figurines and GW made ones will plummet. Similar to how a CD single used to cost up to $10, and can now be downloaded for a fraction of the cost or for free in mp3 format.

We're already seeing this effect as third party companies are starting to compete with GW, offering cheaper (and sometimes even better) alternative models, as well as personal customizations.

And after that, we'll like have VR style 3D holographic equipment, that lets you play a real live version of WH Total War or Dawn of War on your kitchen table.