WizKids is preparing for the initial shipments of Shadowrun: Duels, its new action figure game planned for June (see 'WizKids Announces Action Figure Game'), and orders are coming in at nearly twice the expected levels, according to WizKids, necessitating wave shipping.  Had the orders not exceeded plans, all orders would have been shipped in one shot.  The exact number of waves and percentages in each is yet to be determined. 

 

Marketing support is going to be major.  The launch will be promoted to WizKids' existing customer base via product inserts in five summer 2003 WizKids releases:

Mage Knight Uprising--April 30

MechWarrior Death from Above--May 28

DC Heroclix Cosmic Justice --June 25

Mage Knight Dungeons Dragon's Gate --July 30

Mech Warrior Liao Incursion--August 20

Heavy advertising in trade and consumer publications is also planned. Consumer titles in which advertising will appear include Previews, Scrye, Game Trade, Marvel comics, Inquest, PS238, Wizard, Anime Invasion, the Toy Book, and Toy Fare.

 

There is also an extensive fan base for the ShadowRun property from previous uses of the property.  Over 3,000,000 copies of the 42 ShadowRun novels are in print in 15 languages; the first trilogy of ShadowRun novels sold over 300,000 copies in the U.S. alone.  Plans are in the works for additional ShadowRun novels at some point.  And over 700,000 of the ShadowRun RPG sourcebooks have been sold, and it continues to be produced by FanPro. 

 

Unlike the extensive programs for its miniature games, WizKids plans a relatively light in-store event program for ShadowRun.  A demo kit that contains four ShadowRun figures is available for retailers to show off the game and let consumers play.  And a ShadowRun Primer is planned for retailers to give to retailers to help them learn how to play.  No tournament or league programs are planned.

 

ShadowRun: Duels will be carried by hobby and gaming stores, comic stores, and some mass merchants and specialty retail chains, including Toys R Us, Gamestop, and Electronics Boutique.  Shipments will be calibrated to have goods arrive at core hobby, gaming, and comic stores on par with chain stores.  There are no current plans for any consumer sales at shows prior to the release to the trade.