What is a miniature?

A miniature figure (also known as a miniature, mini, figure, or fig) is a small-scale representation of a historical or mythological entity used in miniature wargames, role-playing games, and dioramas. Miniature figures are commonly made of metal or plastic, but resin is also used. They are used to augment the visual aspects of a game and track position, facing, and line of sight of characters. Miniatures are typically painted and can be artfully sculpted, making them collectible in their own right. Pre-painted plastic figures, such as Clix miniatures produced by WizKids, have also become popular. The hobby of painting, collecting, and playing with miniatures originated with toy soldiers, though the latter were generally sold pre-painted.

Propably the most popular wargame was created by Games Workshop, they produce games such as Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40k. In the last decade there has been an outburst of small miniatures companies that have started to rival the Games Workshop domination. One of the most influential is Privateer Press, creater of such games as Warmachine and Hordes.

Most common scale of these miniatures are 20mm, 25mm and 28mm but these vary from game to game.