Pirates of the Spanish Main (POSM); The game that walked the plank.

Why do some games die and vanish while other games just keep on keeping on? In the case of POSM, it was (in my honest opinion) a brilliant game that did a wonderful job of capturing the theme. However, from the beginning, it's fan base consistently complained that the producers (Wizkids) did not adequately support the game other than releasing product. Was this lack of support the plank that the game finally took?

POSM was introduced in 2004 as the world’s first constructible strategy game. It was then followed by 12 expansions that included Nemo-ish submarines, Chinese Junks, and Viking long boats. The game was sold in collectible pack that boasted a complete game in every pack including two ships, an island, treasure, a crew member, and a tiny six sided die. As each ship takes damage, you would remove a mast thus reducing the offensive capability. Even though the 12 expansions added unlimited depth, the game fell through the cracks as Topps sold Wizkids in 2008.

An interesting comparison (not by theme) is Netrunner by Wizards of the Coast. The game was published in 1996 and then vanished..... But not really. The game remained so popular that eventually Fantasy Flight games re-released Netrunner this past fall. The game lacked the product support, and retained a strong aftermarket value whereas POSM can e found for penny's on the dollar. While neither game is at all similar in play, it challenges the argument that POSM died because of lack of support.

By now you might be asking what is the definition of support given the 12 expansions. I suppose miniature player standards it would include story, plot, scenarios, and campaigns.....

Check out these links of toy and gaming blogs;

Cool and Collected
http://coolandcollected.com/category/the-league/

The Dork Horde
http://dorkhorde.blogspot.com/?m=1   

Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks
http://goodwillhunting4geeks.blogspot.com/?m=1 

The Man Who Stares at Games
http://adambobomb.blogspot.com/?m=1