on the cost saving I had a very rough guesstimate
As for cost to re-theme Iron Maiden game back to say Archer:
- layout - (25%) - not alot which frees Keith to be a little involved but also working on his next game
- mechs & manufacturing (0%)- win-win, as mechs / parts are swappable between the games which would possibly give stern a improved buying power ?
- toys - (100%) - new character plastics, toys, etc
- rules - (50%) - since many seem very very cool maybe a 50% change for adapting to the theme (50% time) - same rules designer
- sounds - (100%) - yes a new cost (time and license)
- callouts - (100%) - yes a new cost (time and license)
- art - (100%) - yes a new cost (time and license)
I know this is a very broad, vague and rough estimate, but roughly 7 areas = 475 / 700 = 68% new cost = so roughly 32% saving.
so if stern are doing vaults why not do a re-theme