True Scale: Do we need it?

So the popularity of true scale in Warhammer 40K keeps cropping up, especially with 8th edition around the corner and the rumor of a new starter set.  But why?  Is it really something that we need?  Yes, it looks cool.  But here's one thing that most people might not understand.


First off, with any game, the pieces are a representation of the actual unit.  They are not made to scale because the board would not accomidate them; the board would be too big.


If true scale were used, the board would be ridiculously large and not feasible.


Here's an example:  Lets say a guardsman is already close to true scale (because we know a Space Marine isn't since they are the same size and Space Marines are supposed to be eight feet tall).  So we'll assume that he is about average height: six feet tall.  The model is a inch tall; therefore an inch is six feet.  Now if this is true scale, then that ratio must be applied to everything.


Now lets look at ranges.  If we use the same ratio (1:6), an inch along the battlefield would be six feet in real life.  A sniper rifle in the hands of an experienced shooter has a maximum effective range of 1000 yards, which is 3000 feet.  But according to the rule book, a sniper rifle's range is 36".  The maximum effective range of our model's rifle is only 216 feet!  That's not even 75 yards.

So what do you think?  Is true scale a passing fad or something that could change the game system?

When your OCD kicks in.

My son is adding to his Stormcast Eternals with a group of five Judicators.  He started building them and stopped, saying he was done for now.

I'm almost tempted to finish that last one.

Its only one pair of legs left!