One of the biggest debuts at Gen Con 2009 was the new “collectible mass-action miniatures game” Arcane Legions by newcomer Wells Expeditions. The game has a very interesting and unique business model that attempts to bring a version of the collectible aspects of CCGs and CMGs into the large-scale army wargaming space currently dominated by the likes of British behemoth Games Workshop.

The basic idea is that instead of buying boxes or blisters of specific units a player first purchases a starter box followed by faction-specific add-on packs, either infantry, cavalry, or smaller booster packs. The contents of each are randomized, as is customary for collectible games, but at least players won’t be saddled with units for factions other than their own.

According to Wells President Ray Wehrs, both players and retailers benefit from this business model. Players benefit from a greatly-reduced cost-per-mini compared to conventional games. Retailers benefit through not having to devote an entire wall to stocking dozens or hundreds of different SKUs to support the game.

It’s a daring departure from the normal way of doing things in the traditionally conservative world or wargaming. Will the attractions of a low barrier to entry and a simple, quick-playing system be enough to get prospective wargamer customers past the word “collectible,” which is still highly-radioactive to many? Only time will tell, but judging from the sizable crowds around the Wells Expeditions booth during the entire convention the game has a fighting chance.

For more information about Arcane Legions, visit their website.

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