Games Workshop

History

Games Workshop Group PLC, commonly known as Games Workshop, is a British manufacturer of miniature wargames. Founded in 1975 by John Peake, Ian Livingstone, and Steve Jackson, the company initially focused on creating traditional wooden board games. However, it soon shifted its focus to the production of miniature wargames, which would become its primary business.

The company gained significant attention in 1983 with the release of the first edition of Warhammer Fantasy Battle, a tabletop wargame set in a high-fantasy universe. This game laid the foundation for the company's future success and established Games Workshop as a major player in the wargaming industry. In 1987, Games Workshop released Warhammer 40,000, a science fiction counterpart to Warhammer Fantasy Battle, which further solidified the company's reputation.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Games Workshop expanded its product line and opened numerous retail stores worldwide. The company also acquired several other gaming companies, including Citadel Miniatures, which became its primary supplier of miniatures. Games Workshop's success continued into the 2010s, with the release of new editions of its flagship games and the introduction of new game lines, such as Age of Sigmar.

Products

Games Workshop is best known for its Warhammer series of tabletop wargames, which includes Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warhammer 40,000, and Age of Sigmar. These games involve the use of miniature figures, which players assemble and paint, and then use to simulate battles on a tabletop battlefield.

Warhammer Fantasy Battle

Warhammer Fantasy Battle, first released in 1983, is a high-fantasy wargame set in a world inspired by medieval Europe. Players build armies from various factions, such as the Empire, Orcs & Goblins, and High Elves, and engage in battles using a combination of strategy and luck. The game has undergone several editions, with the most recent being the 8th edition, released in 2010.

Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000, released in 1987, is a science fiction wargame set in a dystopian future. The game features a wide range of factions, including the Imperium of Man, Chaos Space Marines, and Eldar. Players build and command armies of futuristic soldiers, vehicles, and monsters, and engage in battles using a combination of strategy and dice rolls. The game has seen numerous editions, with the most recent being the 9th edition, released in 2020.

Age of Sigmar

Age of Sigmar, released in 2015, is a high-fantasy wargame that serves as a spiritual successor to Warhammer Fantasy Battle. The game is set in the Mortal Realms, a series of interconnected worlds, and features factions such as Stormcast Eternals, Nighthaunt, and Kharadron Overlords. Age of Sigmar has a more streamlined ruleset compared to its predecessor, making it more accessible to new players.

Specialist Games

In addition to its main product lines, Games Workshop also produces a range of specialist games, which are smaller-scale wargames and board games set in the Warhammer universes. These include titles such as Necromunda, Blood Bowl, and Warhammer Underworlds. These games often focus on smaller skirmishes or specific aspects of the Warhammer lore.

Miniatures

Games Workshop's miniatures are renowned for their high quality and intricate detail. The company produces a wide range of miniatures for its various games, including infantry, cavalry, vehicles, and monsters. These miniatures are typically made from plastic or resin and are sold unassembled and unpainted, allowing players to customize their models.

Citadel Miniatures

Citadel Miniatures, a subsidiary of Games Workshop, is the primary producer of the company's miniatures. Founded in 1979, Citadel initially produced miniatures for other companies before being acquired by Games Workshop in 1983. Since then, Citadel has become synonymous with Games Workshop's miniatures, and its products are highly regarded within the wargaming community.

Forge World

Forge World is a division of Games Workshop that produces high-end resin miniatures and accessories. Founded in 1998, Forge World focuses on producing limited-run miniatures and models for collectors and hobbyists. These products often feature more intricate designs and higher levels of detail compared to standard Citadel miniatures.

Hobby Community

Games Workshop has cultivated a dedicated and passionate hobby community around its products. This community includes players, painters, and collectors who engage in various aspects of the hobby, from playing games to painting miniatures and creating custom terrain.

Events and Tournaments

Games Workshop organizes and supports a variety of events and tournaments for its games. These events range from local store tournaments to large-scale conventions, such as Warhammer Fest and the Warhammer World Grand Tournament. These events provide opportunities for players to compete, socialize, and showcase their painted miniatures.

White Dwarf Magazine

White Dwarf is a monthly magazine published by Games Workshop that covers all aspects of the Warhammer hobby. First published in 1977, the magazine features articles on painting and modeling, battle reports, and previews of upcoming releases. White Dwarf is highly regarded within the hobby community and serves as a valuable resource for players and collectors.

Business Model

Games Workshop operates a vertically integrated business model, controlling all aspects of its production and distribution. This includes the design and manufacture of miniatures, the publication of rulebooks and magazines, and the operation of retail stores and online sales.

Retail Stores

Games Workshop operates a network of retail stores worldwide, known as Warhammer stores. These stores serve as hubs for the hobby community, offering products, gaming space, and hobby support. Store staff often provide painting and modeling advice, as well as running events and tournaments.

Online Sales

In addition to its retail stores, Games Workshop also operates a comprehensive online store. The online store offers the full range of Games Workshop products, including miniatures, rulebooks, and hobby supplies. The company also offers exclusive online-only products and limited-run items through its website.

Intellectual Property

Games Workshop's intellectual property (IP) is a significant aspect of its business. The company owns the rights to its various game universes, including Warhammer Fantasy, Warhammer 40,000, and Age of Sigmar. This IP is protected through trademarks, copyrights, and patents, and Games Workshop actively enforces its rights to prevent unauthorized use.

Licensing

Games Workshop licenses its IP to various third-party companies for the production of video games, novels, and other media. Notable examples include the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War video game series, published by Relic Entertainment, and the Black Library, a division of Games Workshop that publishes novels set in the Warhammer universes.

Controversies

Games Workshop has faced several controversies over the years, primarily related to its business practices and IP enforcement. Critics have accused the company of aggressive pricing strategies, frequent rule changes, and heavy-handed legal actions against fan projects and third-party producers of compatible miniatures.

Pricing and Accessibility

One of the most common criticisms of Games Workshop is its pricing strategy. The company's products are often considered expensive, which can be a barrier to entry for new players. Additionally, frequent price increases and the cost of maintaining a competitive army can be prohibitive for some hobbyists.

Legal Actions

Games Workshop has a history of taking legal action against individuals and companies that it believes are infringing on its IP. This includes fan projects, third-party miniature producers, and even other game companies. While the company argues that these actions are necessary to protect its IP, critics argue that they can stifle creativity and innovation within the hobby community.

Future Developments

Games Workshop continues to innovate and expand its product line, with several new releases and projects in development. The company is also exploring new markets and opportunities, such as the growing popularity of digital and online gaming.

New Game Lines

Games Workshop regularly releases new game lines and expansions for its existing games. Recent examples include Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team, a skirmish-level game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and Warcry, a skirmish game set in the Age of Sigmar universe. These games offer new ways to engage with the Warhammer hobby and attract new players.

Digital and Online Gaming

Games Workshop has also been expanding its presence in the digital and online gaming space. This includes partnerships with video game developers to create new Warhammer-themed games, as well as the development of digital tools and apps to support its tabletop games. These initiatives aim to reach a broader audience and provide new ways for players to engage with the Warhammer universes.