WizKids has announced a new Rainbow Draft format for Dice Masters organized play, and has provided an update on restocks for its Marvel Dice Masters: Avengers vs. X-Men collectible dice game (see "'Marvel Dice Masters' News").
 
WizKids has been sold out of the first Dice Masters release since it shipped, of course, but it is trying to find ways to support the product as resupply arrives.  "While it’s difficult to discuss in-store play programs when there isn’t enough product," the company said, "we want to reinforce that we are in this for the long term and as such we’re looking ahead to when supply issues will be behind us."
 
The Rainbow Draft format, the new Dice Masters sealed booster in-store play program, has downloadable directions, and while it doesn’t replace previous formats, WizKids does tout it as something customers will probably prefer.  This program is separate from the Marvel Dice Masters: Avengers vs. X-Men storyline organized play, which began earlier this month.
 
WizKids also shared updated information on the status of imminent and future reprints.  Marvel Dice Masters: Avengers vs. X-Men Starters are arriving this week, with plans to start shipping orders late next week.  A shipment of Gravity Feed Boosters is expected in late July, and there’s a previously scheduled wave of Starters and Boosters that’s expected to arrive in late August.  A recent ramping up of production capacity has allowed another reprint of product to be added to the schedule, with expected shipment in September.  
 
Two issues that can affect arrival dates to U.S. retailers are related to getting incoming shipments from Chinese manufacturers onto trucks and delivered to distributor warehouses once they arrive in the U.S.  Increased screening of games and toys containers by the U.S. Customs office in an effort to stop licensed product counterfeiters can impose unpredictable delays on release from the U.S. port, and a potential longshoremen’s strike would, of course, have substantial impacts if it occurs.
 
WizKids does plan some changes to product configuration for future sets.  Beginning with Marvel Dice Masters: The Uncanny X-Men, the Gravity Feed will be moved to a HeroClix size, which will hold 90 booster packs.  The insertion rate will also be tweaked to target one or more Super Rares per Gravity Feed, although the company does not guarantee collation.