[Superquad7]

Often times, cost is the determining factor for things like this. However, many of you have hit upon the design and marketability to the consumer for it as well. I think, mainly, it's a "best bang for the buck" type of mentality.

One trend I notice specifically with Hasbro is that they'll often include a figure with the playset. I really think this is a great move, as a playset may have to function as a standalone piece without any of the rest of the toyline. Why? Well, sometimes a consumer only has enough money for that single playset. One may be deterred if the playset isn't fully self-contained.

It's only for that reason that I'm not a huge fan of the smaller playsets combining into a full playset. Sure, a company may want a "collect them all" mentality, but if someone can only find a certain number, their whole brand loyalty may come into question because of frustration, etc.

Playsets are really risky business, but when done well they're simply EPIC.