722
Post by: Kanluwen
Interesting. Very interesting new announcement from GW:
Games Workshop wrote:If you're looking for a new challenge and want to show off your hobby skills at the biggest Games Workshop event of the year then read on. This year we are kicking off something to truly get your hobby juices flowing: Armies on Parade.
So what's it all about then?
Armies on Parade is your chance to plan, collect, model and paint an amazing new army, display it on a two foot by two foot board and show it off in all its glory in your local Hobby Centre.
All our Hobby Centres around the world will be holding a Parade Day where everyone in the store will have the chance to vote for their favourite Army on Parade.
Every store winner will then go on to proudly represent their community at Games Day, where all the winning boards from across the country will be on display and the ultimate Armies on Parade champion will be chosen. If you are attending Games Day, not only will you have a chance to see all the magnificent boards, but you will also get to vote for your favourite making the national winner the true hobbyist's champion.
What's the criteria for entering?
As long as you can fit your idea onto a two foot by two foot board then you can do it. All we ask is that the base and models are fully painted, the models are Citadel miniatures and from our Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000 or The Lord of the Rings systems, and that you include a General and at least 2 other units. The army you build doesn't even need to be a legal gaming army, it just needs to look awesome!
The best thing is that there aren't really that many hard and fast rules, so you can let your imagination go and create that army and landscape that you have always thought about; you can even add scenery to make your board stand out from the crowd. It's also worth saying that this isn't a painting competition. It's more than that: it's an all-round hobby competition where you get to show off your planning, collecting, modelling and painting skills.
If you're lucky enough to be one of the store or even national champions then you will become the proud owner of an Armies on Parade medal or trophy, which will be designed by none other than Alan Merrett. Alan is the Godfather of Golden Demon and I took the opportunity to ask him why he is looking forward to Armies on Parade:
Alan: When we decided we were going to run Armies on Parade across all Games Workshop Hobby Centres and Games Days this year we thought that it would be perfectly cool for GW staff to join in - after all the voting will be done by our customers so we couldn't be accused of any bias. Of course this meant that we, too, could take part. Hoorah!
So why am I am really looking forward to this? Well, there are a number of reasons. The first is that it's a great excuse to start collecting ANOTHER army. One can never have enough armies and starting a new one is always exciting. I am already trying to figure out which new army I will do. Will it be another Warhammer army to join my Warriors of Chaos, Daemons of Chaos and Lizardmen forces? I could revisit my original old favourite, the Dwarfs, but the new High Elves and Skaven are calling to me. Or will it be a 40K battle force? The new Dark Eldar are very tempting it has to be said. On the other hand I've always quite liked the idea of kitbashing an Ork horde. Too many choices really, which makes this bit of the process surprisingly difficult and lots of fun.
After working out which army I am going to do comes the process of planning, collecting, building and painting it. Now as enjoyable as these aspects of the hobby undoubtably are, one can never have enough help and motivation to spur activity. This is where I expect to get a lot of support and encouragement from my Hobby Centre manager as well as the other hobbyists taking part. Staying focussed and minimising distractions are really important when you are working on a project like a new army so having some milestones and deadlines that you can share with others can be very helpful indeed.
Next is the prospect of turning up at my local GW in a few months time to look at and enjoy a whole bunch of new armies and to cast my vote (and have my own humble efforts scrutinised). Even after many years of involvement with the hobby, I still get excited about looking at painted armies of Citadel miniatures. This may surprise some but for me it is one of the very reasons I love this hobby (and the job I do of course). I really do like armies with a strong theme or narrative, a clear aesthetic and clean presentation. I love studying the paint scheme, noting which colours have been used, how these have been applied to enhance the miniatures, examining the bases to see what flock and effects have been used and how these compliment the models. I'll marvel at the way the army looks en masse and at how cool individual models within it are. Studying painted armies and talking to the hobbyists that created them is a fantastic way to pick up all manner of tips and advice about the hobby. For me this is the best inspiration in the world for my own army building efforts.
The final thing I am really looking forward to is Games Day. This year I may in fact be visiting and/or taking part in four or five different Games Days - which would be a record for me I think. The idea that at each one we will have on display winning armies from each and every one of our Hobby Centres is thrilling. Add to this that everyone attending gets to cast a vote for their favourite army, and I think it is a terrific addition to the Games Day program.
Rob: Thanks, Alan. So you have the thinking behind Armies on Parade, you have the guidelines, how about a few examples for inspiration:
Matt Weaver works in our HQ in Australia and, even though he has been a hobbyist for longer than he can remember he was really excited by the Armies on Parade challenge. We kicked off today's announcement with Matt's fantastic display, so as well as asking Matt where his inspiration for building it came from, and how he made the display, we thought we would show you some more of it:
Matt: I was always a fan of the old Imperial Firebase... A Space Marine base of operations, where they stage sorties, patrols etc (when the speartip, or sudden strike isn't an option). I imagined these structures being dropped in pre-fabricated in regions of prolonged conflict, to be later repaired, packed up into bulk landers by hordes of servitors and taken to the next hotspot. I could see them having a real worn and weathered look, where the 'newness' was definitely long past.
Here's some of the photos from Matt Weaver's entry: 
Here's the overall link for you to see that and the Studio's Lord of the Rings entry:
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/blogPost.jsp?aId=15000005a
31272
Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
Awesome idea.
Someone from dakka and the GMS/ one of the multiple conclaves should put up their multi-chapter army!
16689
Post by: notprop
Cool, now I have reason to buy some more minis and GW brand terrain. Thanks GW! 
10615
Post by: Clay Williams
Really GW ... "Buy an army, win a throphy"
8049
Post by: ArbitorIan
Time to get those Squats painted up, then...
31272
Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
Clay Williams wrote:Really GW ... "Buy an army, win a throphy"
Can't you just SAY you bought a new army for it 
661
Post by: Leggy
battle Brother Lucifer wrote:Clay Williams wrote:Really GW ... "Buy an army, win a throphy"
Can't you just SAY you bought a new army for it
What he said. Nowhere does it say you HAVE to have a new army. Youy won't have to provide a reciept. If you've already got a force on a 2'x2' display board you don't even need to put in effort. The encouragements to buy a new army are what's commonly called "advertising".
10615
Post by: Clay Williams
Do I reallly have to over explain sarcasm?
9892
Post by: Flashman
Bit odd this, kind of like an unoffical Golden Demon. Beyond serving as some kind of impetus to getting your painting going, I don't see the point.
186
Post by: GrimTeef
I think this is awesome. One thing that always bummed me out about the Golden Daemons was that there wasn't a Painted Army Category, as I really like seeing the whole army come together on a board in theme and feel and color scheme. This looks like the next best thing.
I can see also how this would be a great way for GW to have people kick off new armies, as they only really need to collect the models they like right off. Then, as usually happens with gamers, we would want to expand and try it out...
Now I gotta decide if I want to go with my Mekanikul Monstas Orks or my Storm Hawks Marines...
722
Post by: Kanluwen
This is one of the few times I actually wish I had a Hobby Center nearby. I coulda done something spectacular with my Guard.
11334
Post by: Commodore Perry
Try fitting a IG army on a 2X2.
okay, a sound IG army.
I would love to se 2x2 solid block, base to base, IG Infantry Army.
Commodore Perry
36855
Post by: Black Bear
wow mordian guard will win hands down at least they might.... but they will have some seriously BIG competition, i bet the lord of the rings armies do well too. best of luck to all you entrants 
494
Post by: H.B.M.C.
The cynic in me says this is their way of advertising the RoB expansion...
13512
Post by: Jon Garrett
...time to break out the converted Ad Mech, including the Warhound. Bwahahaha.
36855
Post by: Black Bear
H.B.M.C. wrote:The cynic in me says this is their way of advertising the RoB expansion...
yeah i can see that to. its also asking you to buy an entire army for this competition.... another marketing tactic me thinks?
722
Post by: Kanluwen
Black Bear wrote:H.B.M.C. wrote:The cynic in me says this is their way of advertising the RoB expansion...
yeah i can see that to. its also asking you to buy an entire army for this competition.... another marketing tactic me thinks?
Except it's actually not "asking you to buy an entire army for this competition".
It's just a way to, using a 2x2 piece of whatever you have that is a stable material for a display board(i.e., not a sheet of cardboard cut to size, because there's no way in hell that will hold without serious work...which is pointless when you could have just used some foamboard or plywood) and showcasing a theme.
23793
Post by: Acardia
Kanluwen wrote:This is one of the few times I actually wish I had a Hobby Center nearby. I coulda done something spectacular with my Guard.
Yup Would be good motivation to work more on my Space Marines in City of Death Terrain, or build a display board in general.
1478
Post by: warboss
sweet! i'll just bring my army over to my local GW... oh wait, they closed all official stores within 400 miles of me (despite moving the HQ to the south strangely). never mind...
26489
Post by: Revarien
I hate to be a stick in the mud about this, but the details seemed fairly.... vague. I don't know. I guess it just seems like this was kinda hastily done to include the battle realm boards.
Also... uh... is it me or could I buy 3 sets of the 2 RoB boards for less than the cost of the set of 6...???
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
Hey kids, buy some more stuff you don't really need and stick it on a ROB board.
This is what we did with a piece of GW ROB and some GW terrain and some GW models.
ps what does ROB stand for 
As for all you Yanks moaning about a lack of stores:
If you are in North America then Armies on Parade will feel like an old friend to you as it has been a massive part of Games Day for the last few years. Here are just a couple of the display boards that were entered.
722
Post by: Kanluwen
I demand a headdesk orkmoticon for this line of conversation.
Notice:
display it on a two foot by two foot board
Does that say "You can only enter using a Realm of Battle 2x2 piece"?
No. So stop with this ROB crap, thanks.
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
ooo lookee what is at the bottom of the article
A ROB table and a ROB expansion pack
It's sarcasm aimed at the usual cynical GW marketing.
bang your head on the ROB table all you want matey
Knock yourself out!
494
Post by: H.B.M.C.
Let's keep talking about the RoB guys. With any luck, Kan's head will explode.
Anyway, isn't Romeo's display board 2x2?
722
Post by: Kanluwen
H.B.M.C. wrote:
Anyway, isn't Romeo's display board 2x2?
I think it is. I'd go with a piece of plywood and then dig out some foamcore trenches to display a portion of my Guard force myself.
6646
Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
The thing is Kan, as true as your statement is, we all know that your average 'Timmy' down at GW doesn't typically know where to go to buy alternatives. They buy GW brand everything.
They'll see the posters in their loval GW and if they ask, the staff will be 'ah the battleboard is perfect, in fact you can by 2x2 sections now' Kaching.
It's actually a cunning move, I don't fully approve, well I think its a little cheeky, why do the board at all. But as a marketing ploy I'm sure it'll put some extra cash GW's way before Games Day.
As I plan on going this year, it gives me something else to look over, so not going to complain.
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
Can GW do this
I thought Disney held the copyright for "Oliphants on Parade".
16387
Post by: Manchu
Please stay on topic. Conspiracy theories regarding GW marketing belong in another thread.
24020
Post by: vitki
I'm waiting to see if anyone is going to try and build an 8 foot tall tower of isengard that fits on a 2x2 board.
There were no height restrictions as far as I saw.
20774
Post by: pretre
Average 'Timmy' that everyone always quotes is the theoretical 12 year old with rich parents.
Don't picture him as a big painting and diorama guy. More a pew-pew BRRRRR zap zap lookit my cool toys. Not likely that he's going to enter this kind of competition.
GW is a business, of course they are going to offer their product for it. Notice, however, that it doesn't require a RoB and a new army. That'd be a pisser.
722
Post by: Kanluwen
Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote:The thing is Kan, as true as your statement is, we all know that your average 'Timmy' down at GW doesn't typically know where to go to buy alternatives. They buy GW brand everything.
And that's why we have places like Dakka, apparently. To tell them they're "wrong" or "bad" for doing such 
Rather than, y'know...just explaining you can make something similar.
They'll see the posters in their local GW and if they ask, the staff will be 'ah the battleboard is perfect, in fact you can by 2x2 sections now' Kaching.
It's actually a cunning move, I don't fully approve, well I think its a little cheeky, why do the board at all. But as a marketing ploy I'm sure it'll put some extra cash GW's way before Games Day.
I get why they're wanting the forces to have a board, personally. It's meant to be more of a "hobby project" rather than the slapped-together-at-the-last-minute display bases you see at times from the armies entered within the tournament proper.
A fully themed display vignette though? They can be a hell of a thing to see from some of the talent that we see entering the Golden Daemons.
As I plan on going this year, it gives me something else to look over, so not going to complain.
Definitely get some good pictures of the entries then!
20774
Post by: pretre
@Vitki: Or a Hive Spire packed with guard on every floor. Make it modular and remember to ask how high the ceiling is at the games day venue.
6646
Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
Oh I'm sure the ones that get to Games Day will be awesome.
Just thinking about those that may turn up at the store part of the compo, the horror.
Regardless, yes, myself, a camera and pics will be in the army comps future.
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
vitki wrote:I'm waiting to see if anyone is going to try and build an 8 foot tall tower of isengard that fits on a 2x2 board.
There were no height restrictions as far as I saw.
Nice idea but remember to take the CoG into account.
299
Post by: Kilkrazy
My immediate reaction to that is, "feth off!"
Like I really want to spend £££s and heaps of time to make some free display materials for my local GW?
Duurrrr!
If I'm going to put that amount of work into it I'll do something for myself and my pals.
29833
Post by: The Dwarf Wolf
I dont got any GW near, and that is sad...
I liked the ideia, Army display are beautifull, and better, than lone miniatures...
At least that will mean lots of nice display photos going trought the web...
24567
Post by: Kroothawk
In principle I find the idea quite inspiring: Having a universal format for army presentation.
I will think about it.
32644
Post by: Mr Mystery
Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:ooo lookee what is at the bottom of the article
A ROB table and a ROB expansion pack
It's sarcasm aimed at the usual cynical GW marketing.
bang your head on the ROB table all you want matey
Knock yourself out!
Erm, when did promoting one's products become cyncial?
Oh, of course. When GW started doing it.
494
Post by: H.B.M.C.
And here comes our second tireless defender - the completely unbias GW employee.
32644
Post by: Mr Mystery
Completely biased ex-GW employee, and clearly some kind of witch for actually enjoying his hobby.
[Mod Edit - Er, no, please. Remember the rules of this site, and our attempt to remain "family friendly".]
494
Post by: H.B.M.C.
If you're a witch then the only power you seem to be able to cast is 'Man of Straw'.
And I thought you were a Mad Dok, not a witch?
32644
Post by: Mr Mystery
Bit of both. But enough of your mindless trolling, on with the thread.
Or perhaps you'd like to explain exactly why you object to GW promoting it's own products, using it's own promotions, on it's own website, and why this is considered cynical?
31272
Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
H.B.M.C. wrote:And here comes our second tireless defender - the completely unbias GW employee.
And here comes the obligatory troll statement because GW did anything.
494
Post by: H.B.M.C.
You're a funny guy. Nice to not see you deny it.
BTW, Dakka's #1 Rule is 'Be Polite'. However [Mod Edit - Please, no more!] isn't what I'd classify as 'polite'. I'll let is slide though, especially as you're between careers (can't be an easy change going from 'Mad Dok' to 'International Man of Mr_Mystery').
*ahem*
Your problem MDG is that no one - no one - has said that there is a problem with any company, much less GW, promoting their products. Your feeble attempts to put up walls of straw men are just that - feeble. What people object to are cynical attempts to advertise products under the guise of helpful advice, or as part of a competition, and so on.
I'll use a recent 'What's New Today' as an example of this.
The first setence in this 'article' says this:
" Well, I learnt something yesterday; actually, I learnt three things yesterday: never fall asleep on a train; that an audio drama can make your journey so much more interesting; and that a Paint Station really is a fantastic tool when you need to get some models painted in a hurry. Fortunately, I managed to get back to Nottingham in time to write today's post."
In the first sentence they're already spruiking products at me. It is disengenuous for an article like this to talk about painting and then casually mention how their newly released paint station 'really is a fantastic tool'. It's a cynical attempt to turn a conversational 'hobby' piece into a marketing pitch.
Now, had the guy just said something like:
" I've been using our new Paint Station, and I've found it has the following good aspects. Give it a try at your local GW and then get one for yourself!" It wouldn't be cynical. It would be a simple up-front sales pitch rather than a back handed " Oh! BTW - did I mention how useful [newly released product] is? I can't believe I lived a normal life before it!"
32644
Post by: Mr Mystery
Bollocks. Every single hobby conversation is a marketing pitch. You're selling yourself, your capabilities, your list, or the models in it. And again, how is it cynical? The whole reason for having a retail website is, shock horror TO SELL STUFF.
So where does the cynicism stem from? I'm really not seeing it.
33033
Post by: kenshin620
Hmm sounds like some ploy to get inattentive folks to buy armies
I mean it sounds good and all but sensible people will just use their already built to perfection armies and make a matching terrain set for them while others think they'll need to use a lot of resources in investing to another army
722
Post by: Kanluwen
kenshin620 wrote:Hmm sounds like some ploy to get inattentive folks to buy armies
I mean it sounds good and all but sensible people will just use their already built to perfection armies and make a matching terrain set for them while others think they'll need to use a lot of resources in investing to another army
Which is perfectly acceptable for this competition. Nowhere does it say "Everything must be painted and assembled within view of a GW employee".
7433
Post by: plastictrees
I guess the thirty different Stormraven threads are too clogged with hilarious misnomers to suitably vent everyones rage at GW.
The "contest" literally requires you to buy nothing if you already own GW models and can cut a 2'x2' piece of drywall from an inconspicuous part of your house. Shockingly they "cynically" used their own product as examples.
I'm just going to cynically make dinner and then cynically watch some TV with my wife. You carry on with whatever this is.
123
Post by: Alpharius
Whoa!
Come on now guys - enough with the references to doing certain things to certain things, OK?
1478
Post by: warboss
i think we're missing the big point for us yanks... is rail service really that silky smooth in the UK that you could feasibly paint something while riding? it most definitely isn't in the US.
7433
Post by: plastictrees
warboss wrote:i think we're missing the big point for us yanks... is rail service really that silky smooth in the UK that you could feasibly paint something while riding? it most definitely isn't in the US.
If only you had a Paint Station that wouldn't be a problem!
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
MrM
You just don't want to see it man.
Am I shocked that they are promoting their wares? Really?
Sorry to disappoint old thing.
If they said something along the lines of having a display of your GW minis with a themed base, fine.
No problems with a bit of self promotion and a load of fun for the boys and girls. 
However.
Armies on Parade is your chance to plan, collect, model and paint an amazing new army, display it on a two foot by two foot board
Note the phrase new army.
Not any GW models already in the collection.
They expect us followers to buy a load of extra models to stick on a board of a certain type of plastic, nudge nudge wink wink
Hey kids, it's a great way to start a new army!
Don't know about a head banging on a desk orkicon, as suggested by Kanners (not a bad idea), we need a puking ork.
722
Post by: Kanluwen
Sorry, where does it say that you can't use any GW models in your collection?
Nowhere?
Huh. Interesting. Here I was thinking you had a reason to be clogging my thread up with more of this conspiracy crap.
20867
Post by: Just Dave
Nice to see people are keeping Dakka a quality content site.
Anyways, I think it's a nice idea. I don't care whether GW are advertising or anything, its a nice, simple idea and a good way to see some boodiful looking armies in similarly boodiful terrain.
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
LMAO Warboss And I thought Americans didn't do irony! If you like rock and roll try riding on our local trains! We do have a jazz and blues train on the line once a month, with beer served. A GW painting train I cannot forsee, you would do better trying to paint your minis while bungy jumping! Automatically Appended Next Post: Kanluwen wrote:Sorry, where does it say that you can't use any GW models in your collection?
Nowhere?
Huh. Interesting. Here I was thinking you had a reason to be clogging my thread up with more of this conspiracy crap.
It ain't conspiracy crap, who apart from Manchu and yourself have used that word, who has accused GW of conspiracy? To address your point, it says, as quoted, plan collect build and paint a NEW ARMY Which part of that is already in my collection?
123
Post by: Alpharius
Just Dave wrote:Nice to see people are keeping Dakka a quality content site.
Anyways, I think it's a nice idea. I don't care whether GW are advertising or anything, its a nice, simple idea and a good way to see some boodiful looking armies in similarly boodiful terrain.
That post there sums up what this thread should be focusing on guys!
If you want to discuss the other aspects of what is or is not said, inferred or implied in the announcement, you'd be better served doing it in some other thread, NOT in the News and Rumors section, OK?
Thanks!
10127
Post by: Happygrunt
Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:LMAO Warboss
And I thought Americans didn't do irony!
If you like rock and roll try riding on our local trains!
We do have a jazz and blues train on the line once a month, with beer served.
A GW painting train I cannot forsee, you would do better trying to paint your minis while bungy jumping!
I would watch that.
What if we already started a new army anyway? Like, its still on the sprue?
752
Post by: Polonius
I've read the rules, and there's nothing in there about having to buy a new army. Or use the ROB board.
So, bring in your old army on a cookie sheet. It's a legal entry.
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
That would work.
Going to see if I can find a 2 foot square cookie sheet and make an army based on OOP models.
That medal is as good as mine! Mwhahahahahaha!
1478
Post by: warboss
Polonius wrote:I've read the rules, and there's nothing in there about having to buy a new army. Or use the ROB board.
So, bring in your old army on a cookie sheet. It's a legal entry.
just don't expect to win if you use a cookie sheet no matter how nice, lol. it's like when they had the terrain modelling contest on their daily update... magically, all the showcased winning entries had over a $100 of GW terrain kits in them (no plywood/plasticard pics there). either way, it should be a pleasant display to see for those dakkites who actually have a GW within SCUD missle range.
3081
Post by: chaplaingrabthar
I don't get the fuss, it's a GW thing released on the GW site, of course it's going to focus on GW's retail offerings. It's a promotional tool, just like Games Days, 'Ard Boyz and the like are promotional tools.
GW is a company that's trying to make money, and availing themselves of any and all means to do that. So the examples are going to use GW products such as the Realm of Battle boards.
As others have stated, you don't need to buy it for a valid entry, heck you don't NEED to buy any models at all assuming you own at least one army.
If ti inspires a few people to start a new army, then it's done its job. If it inspires a few of us crusty old vets to finish painting up our models then it's done its job.
If I go to a GW "Hobby Center" and see a bunch of these on display, it might make me think about buying something. Or I might see something on the display board that gives me an idea for terrain or a conversion to indulge in. I'm probably going to check non-GW sources for stuff, but anything that gets the creative juices flowing is a good thing, surely?
25141
Post by: Chibi Bodge-Battle
What new army are you going to start?
I have some Chaos Dwarves that need painting, and might conceivably make a seige tower for them.
3081
Post by: chaplaingrabthar
If I was going to start an army for it, I'd go Genestealer Cult. Now, if only I could remember how to do good Magus, Patriarch & Hybrid kitbashes
8748
Post by: Jon Touchdown
ArbitorIan wrote:Time to get those Squats painted up, then...
Lol win
28099
Post by: loranafaeriequeen
The disappointing part of the contest is that you have to have a GW store near you to enter. I have no clue where the nearest one to Atlanta is.
8748
Post by: Jon Touchdown
loranafaeriequeen wrote:The disappointing part of the contest is that you have to have a GW store near you to enter. I have no clue where the nearest one to Atlanta is.
Road trip time?
958
Post by: mikhaila
They had this at Baltimore Games Day last year, but instead of a contest at GW's, you could just enter your army. The stipulation of a 2x2 board is because of the display. They have each army in a glass cube. Notice that you can use multiple 2x2 areas? Two 2x2's works, but not a 2x4. It was a fun way to show off your army, and take a look at what other people were doing.
26642
Post by: vorpalhit
How long is this competion running for? I mean I'd love showing off a painted army of mine, but, really I'd like to play wirh them at some point too.
38356
Post by: kevlar'o
Alright, but will all my tau fit? 2ft x 2ft .... oh man i brought to much. ah .... damn even my cadians won't fit. Night goblins, High elves, Bretonnians they should be ok, sweet!!!!!
722
Post by: Kanluwen
The whole point of this isn't to put an entire army on all at once, Kevlar.
It's to create a themed scenic diorama, using the core of a force(ex: a commander, a pair of troop choices and their transports shoring up a defensive line; stuff like that) on a 2x2(or 4x4) surface.
10127
Post by: Happygrunt
Kanluwen wrote:The whole point of this isn't to put an entire army on all at once, Kevlar.
It's to create a themed scenic diorama, using the core of a force(ex: a commander, a pair of troop choices and their transports shoring up a defensive line; stuff like that) on a 2x2(or 4x4) surface.
If the army dosent have to be legal, and we have our own backstory, could we mix factions together, like SM and IG, to make a scene? I have "The defenders of Poli-Aima", which was a mix of SM and IG. Would I still be able to field that, if both armies were technically "playable"?
10104
Post by: snurl
Happygrunt wrote:Kanluwen wrote:The whole point of this isn't to put an entire army on all at once, Kevlar.
It's to create a themed scenic diorama, using the core of a force(ex: a commander, a pair of troop choices and their transports shoring up a defensive line; stuff like that) on a 2x2(or 4x4) surface.
If the army dosent have to be legal, and we have our own backstory, could we mix factions together, like SM and IG, to make a scene? I have "The defenders of Poli-Aima", which was a mix of SM and IG. Would I still be able to field that, if both armies were technically "playable"?
Maybe you could use your LITKO Industrial Towers?
17349
Post by: SilverMK2
Hmmm... sounds fun
16689
Post by: notprop
The problem is I can not envisage a situation where my Imperial Guard might be moving through Space Corridors.
Guess I'll just have to buy some COD terrain instead. ho hum.
735
Post by: JOHIRA
I don't see what could possibly be bad about this.
Though I'm not sure how they could make this work worldwide. My local GW in Japan is so tiny, I'm not sure they could even have room for one 2ftx2ft army display. I guess if they shut down the gaming tables for a day they could show maybe 8.
It's overall though a great idea. It costs very little for GW to support, and allows fans to be involved without getting into the ultra-competitive Golden Demon stuff. Which makes me wonder: why is GW only thinking of this now? It just makes so much sense to invite players to bring in their armies for display that I had a bit of a brain freeze when I read that this was not SOP.
Oh well, it's a good idea so I'll give points for it being handed in late. Now can we please get the winners showcased on the web with full size pictures that aren't completely different from their thumbnails?
20983
Post by: Ratius
Are GW advertising their products on their own site? Yes
Can it be viewed cynically? Yes
Should it be view cynically? Depends on your overall PoV on GW
Is it a good idea? I think so.
Does it get me a a bit exicted/thinking about possibilities? Yes
Overall I think its a decent idea and am looking forward to seeing some of the boards that will be made.
18509
Post by: endtransmission
I started reading that article this morning had some interesting ideas for a guard base... then I scrolled further down the article and saw all of them already done on the example board *cries*
Still. I've been meaning to build a board for a while, so I might give it a go...
10104
Post by: snurl
This would be a good opportunity to build a part of an army just for the fun of it.
Like a dwarf gyrocopter squadron or an all-trees wood elf force. Or maybe some pink tanks.
60
Post by: yakface
I have a really hard time understanding how people can actually be grumbling about this promotion. I see it as one of the rare promotions in existence that both helps the company who is putting it on and is something really cool for everyone in the hobby regardless of whether you choose to actively participate in it or not.
Let's just say you're the jaded gamer who has absolutely no interest in participating in this. Even with this attitude the promotion will end up getting armies into the spotlight that probably wouldn't otherwise be seen. I'm sure GW will put up pics of some of the finalists, and beyond that I'm sure people will snap pictures of the entries in their local stores or at Games Days. Those pics will invariably end up on the internet for all to enjoy.
That means even if you do absolutely nothing for this promotion, you're still going to end up getting some cool pics of some awesome armies. Plus, invariably this 'parade' of armies will inspire some newbs wandering by their local GW store, so any new blood brought into the hobby is good for everyone.
Now let's say you're interested in participating but aren't inspired to start a *new* army for the promotion. Well, there are no rules forcing you to buy a *new* army, so if you have an existing army that you've always wanted to show off, you can simply put it up for the contest and get some nice 'oohs' and 'aahs' from people walking into the store. Even if your army doesn't win, it can be fun to show off your previous hard work and again, I'm sure your army may have the potential to inspire new blood into the hobby which ends up helping the entire community out.
As for the 2x2 display board, again there are *no* rules about what you can use, so if you don't want to spend money on buying a board, you can spend the time and energy to create something awesome. And of course, that 2x2 board will be awesome for you to use as an army display board for future local tournaments!
Of course, you could really be inspired by this promotion to create a NEW army. Well, maybe you just have an unpainted army sitting around that's been looking for a reason to get painted? Or maybe you've been meaning to strip an old army of its paint and redo it? Or maybe you just wanted an excuse to go buy a new army all together. Whatever the reason, this promotion can give you that inspiration...not because you necessarily think you'll be the big winner of a trophy, but more just the challenge of making an army with a timed goal in mind. Similar to the kinds of deadlines that gamers often impose on themselves on websites like Dakka to help motivate themselves.
Whatever the case, if this promotion does inspire new armies to be created, again it is a win for the whole community as we get to see armies that wouldn't normally have been in existence, and again any new blood these armies entice into the hobby is good for us all.
And of course for GW, this is a PROMOTION, which is meant to sell product and promote their business. The genius of this promotion is that it does not force anyone to do anything. You can use an existing army or you can buy a new one. You can buy a realm of battle board for your display or you can make one. And of course, the 'parade' of armies in their store will naturally be a great selling tool for new people walking in off the street. Yes, people choosing to buy new armies for the promotion and new sales generated from new players interested by the 'parade' are profits for GW...because it is a PROMOTION and that's the whole point.
But again, the awesome thing about this promotion is no matter what level you choose to participate in it (even not at all) you're still going to get some cool benefits from it.
So perhaps flip the frowns upside down and just ENJOY the dang thing!
Kudos GW. Great idea!
5394
Post by: reds8n
yakface wrote:
I'm sure GW will put up pics of some of the finalists, and beyond that I'm sure people will snap pictures of the entries in their local stores or at Games Days. Those pics will invariably end up on the internet for all to enjoy.
Related to this, perhaps...
There's been some nice stuff on there already. 
5256
Post by: NAVARRO
 I confess that its this kind of iniciative that pumps me with energies to sculpt more on my GW armies, I mean anything that motivates people to paint looks good in my book...
Its a very strange iniciative because ( unlike some golden deamons were minis have to be based on strict legal bases etc) this time they dont even care if the army composition is legal as long as is a cool combo of minis! Thats a great thing... I would be all over this IF there was actually a GW in my country... yeah Im in europe but GW forgot about us so yeah I try to return the favour sometimes
20079
Post by: Gorechild
yakface wrote:But again, the awesome thing about this promotion is no matter what level you choose to participate in it (even not at all) you're still going to get some cool benefits from it.
So perhaps flip the frowns upside down and just ENJOY the dang thing!
Kudos GW. Great idea!
Thats exactly what I was thinking I didn't want to get in the way of the usual anti- GW complaints though
If it specified you MUST have a realm of battle board and MUST get a brand new army I'd understand all the negativity but thats not what it is doing at all.
Its just a general all round promotion for the hobby, I cant see how or why anyone would complain at that.
36213
Post by: Earthbeard
Yakface - not just a pretty face, but continuing to prove he is a wise old fellow as well
131
Post by: malfred
yakface wrote:
And of course for GW, this is a PROMOTION, which is meant to sell product and promote their business.
This.
I just wish the original post hinted at people to finish armies they already started. To me
that's more valuable than people starting new projects. The first time you finish a project
you realize it can be done, and it makes all the other follow up projects much easier.
752
Post by: Polonius
I would imagine the negative reaction was more to provoke a predicitable response than much actual disdain for the promotion.
557
Post by: alphaecho
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?catId=&categoryId=3700002§ion=community&aId=15100036a
Link to the rules above.
Rule 1 ; No purchase is necessary to enter.
You could be picky and point out that as they must be Citadel miniatures, a purchase is necessary but there is nothing to stop you entering an old army.
I may even get my Praetorians around the old card Firebase. How OOP is that?
20867
Post by: Just Dave
Basically, what Yakface said. Our omniscient over-lord injects a bit of logic into an other-wise unreasonable GW bashing.
Much like the example Yak gave, I'm not entering but I'm going to love seeing the entrants and it may well inspire me to start something new. It's a win win.
Also, that Flickr link Red posted is pretty nice too.
34824
Post by: Incurus
I'm obviously far too keen still as i didnt read this and get consumed with acidic bile, nor did i get the urge to raise my hands to the sky and scream "DAMN YOUR MARKETING NOOOO!"
instead, i was really interested - My favourite from the games days is always the dioramas but they focus on small number of models normally.
This instead, allows me to see some amazing artists make some astounding diomaras with more models than i'm used to see.
I have a million ideas in my head and not 1% of the painting / modelling skill needed to achieve them but i really, really look forward to seeing what people perform and i'll be down at my local GW to see what people bring.
Bet money it involves the managers custom angron model
3081
Post by: chaplaingrabthar
Just Dave wrote:Basically, what Yakface said. Our omniscient over-lord injects a bit of logic into an other-wise unreasonable GW bashing
That he did, of course I said more-or-les sthe same thing in fewer words upthread, but I'm not the elusive yakface, and I don't co-own the greates 40K site on the internet. Still nice to hear one of Dakka's true old stagers agreeing with my awesomeness.
Now, I wonder if I can sculpt a Pyramid with interiors to display some tomb kings on.
For Khemri!
13512
Post by: Jon Garrett
I have several questions, I must admit...
1 - What do they mean by Citadel Minatures? It mentions the guy kitbashing Orks, but the army I'm thinking of using is a Ad Mech Army, complete with a kitbashed Warhound Titan. The titan is almost entirely made from Games Workshop products, and the only extra is plasticard, but it's hardly what I'd call a Citadel Minature anymore...
2 - Can you use Forgeworld models and parts? Again, the mention of Citadel Minatures has thrown me.
3 - Can you use more than one army, such as Marines routing some Orks out of a building?
3081
Post by: chaplaingrabthar
1 & 2 - I think the Citadel miniatures requirement is the same as with their tournaments. The base figure must be 60%+GW parts (including Citadel, Marauder & Forgeworld) and Scratchbuilds are generally okay. Remeber the point is to promote "The Games Workshop Hobby" so big expensive Forgeworld things and scratchbuilds with lots of diferent GWE bitz play into that.
as to
3- I'd say no, as it's supposed to be an army display and not a diorama. But I have no proof of that.
7361
Post by: Howard A Treesong
plastictrees wrote:The "contest" literally requires you to buy nothing if you already own GW models and can cut a 2'x2' piece of drywall from an inconspicuous part of your house. Shockingly they "cynically" used their own product as examples.
They often appear to push their product ahead of common sense because the company line is to show off their products at every opportunity. So instead of making a 2'x2' board at home you use a panel of the ROB. This approach was taken to extremes on that occasion someone cut up a heap of movement trays merely to get some plastic card for a conversion. That's the worst hobby advice ever, just go out and get plastic card for a pound a sheet or whatever it costs not buy a heap of their movement trays, they cost too much to hack about for the sake of that and any parts you want are limited to the fairly small size of the tray. No one in their right mind would follow that advice unless they had no clue about the existence of hobby supplies outside a GW. A cynic would say that GW prefer it that way, they don't want people going to elsewhere for hobby supplies even though GW clearly don't offer the required materials themselves, ie. actual sheets of plastic card.
From my perspective, I think it's just they way they are now, especially now they make so much terrain instead of telling you to make it yourself. Must be very constricting people people writing articles to only use GW products even when sourcing something as mundane plastic card.
Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:
Armies on Parade is your chance to plan, collect, model and paint an amazing new army, display it on a two foot by two foot board
Note the phrase new army.
Not any GW models already in the collection.
They expect us followers to buy a load of extra models to stick on a board of a certain type of plastic, nudge nudge wink wink
Hey kids, it's a great way to start a new army!
Kanluwen wrote:Sorry, where does it say that you can't use any GW models in your collection?
Nowhere?
Huh. Interesting. Here I was thinking you had a reason to be clogging my thread up with more of this conspiracy crap.
I guess it means Squats aren't welcome.
1464
Post by: Breotan
Jon Garrett wrote:1 - What do they mean by Citadel Minatures? It mentions the guy kitbashing Orks, but the army I'm thinking of using is a Ad Mech Army, complete with a kitbashed Warhound Titan. The titan is almost entirely made from Games Workshop products, and the only extra is plasticard, but it's hardly what I'd call a Citadel Minature anymore...
2 - Can you use Forgeworld models and parts? Again, the mention of Citadel Minatures has thrown me.
I'm going to assume they mean that you cannot use models produced by another company such as Scibor, Privateer, etc. Conversions and scratchbuilt should be fine but you may want to send email to GW and ask.
Jon Garrett wrote:3 - Can you use more than one army, such as Marines routing some Orks out of a building?
Again, I'm assuming this contest is meant to showcase single armies (such as is done at tournaments) instead of trying to create diaramas of some large battle.
958
Post by: mikhaila
yakface wrote:But again, the awesome thing about this promotion is no matter what level you choose to participate in it (even not at all) you're still going to get some cool benefits from it.
So perhaps flip the frowns upside down and just ENJOY the dang thing!
Kudos GW. Great idea!
Exactly. This event costs you nothing. If you need an excuse to paint a new army, it gives you one. If you want to show off the army you've played with for 20 years, it's a chance for that as well. It lets you take part in an event at your local hobby center.
This was a great event at Baltimore last year, and got noticed by the UK, who wanted to expand it worldwide.
-If you win, and are going to GD, you get to enter the army again.
-If you don't win, or don't have a hobby center nearby, and if you are going to GD, you can still join in. There will be a separte event at Games Day. You can show off your army, and if you win that round, you get included along with the winners from the Hobby Center event.
(Confirmed this with Ed a couple of minutes ago.)
No strings attatched, don't have to buy anything. The only caveat is that you must take your own army to GD. GW won't be packing and shipping armies from the hobby centers, nor would most players want them too.
4139
Post by: wuestenfux
Clay Williams wrote:Really GW ... "Buy an army, win a throphy"
Lol, I really like this slogan.
My brand new BA DoA army could eventually participate:
1
1963
Post by: Aduro
This would be really cool and something I'd love to do if I didn't have to drive four hours to get to the nearest hobby center.
20774
Post by: pretre
Aduro wrote:This would be really cool and something I'd love to do if I didn't have to drive four hours to get to the nearest hobby center.
Chances are if you aren't going to your hobby center 4 hours away, you weren't going to the GD anyways, so the prize doesn't really appeal to you. That means that more than likely the hobby part appealed to you. If so, Good News!, you can still make a cool display for your army on a 2x2 board and show it off locally and on the internet!
4139
Post by: wuestenfux
Actually, I don't have a diorama. Any ideas for an army of jump packers.?
722
Post by: Kanluwen
mikhaila wrote:yakface wrote:But again, the awesome thing about this promotion is no matter what level you choose to participate in it (even not at all) you're still going to get some cool benefits from it.
So perhaps flip the frowns upside down and just ENJOY the dang thing!
Kudos GW. Great idea!
Exactly. This event costs you nothing. If you need an excuse to paint a new army, it gives you one. If you want to show off the army you've played with for 20 years, it's a chance for that as well. It lets you take part in an event at your local hobby center.
This was a great event at Baltimore last year, and got noticed by the UK, who wanted to expand it worldwide.
-If you win, and are going to GD, you get to enter the army again.
- If you don't win, or don't have a hobby center nearby, and if you are going to GD, you can still join in. There will be a seperate event at Games Day. You can show off your army, and if you win that round, you get included along with the winners from the Hobby Center event.
(Confirmed this with Ed a couple of minutes ago.)
No strings attached, don't have to buy anything. The only caveat is that you must take your own army to GD. GW won't be packing and shipping armies from the hobby centers, nor would most players want them too.
I just wanted to quote this, and bold the important part.
That's some good news, Mikhaila!
20774
Post by: pretre
wuestenfux wrote:Actually, I don't have a diorama. Any ideas for an army of jump packers.?
Multi-level structure with jump packers arriving from reserve and securing positions?
Hard to do 'action' like that, but could be cool.
6181
Post by: Doctor Optimal
Oh man, I have got to get Guardsman Park together for this.
(Imperial greenspace with a 54mm Guardsman on a plinth in the center, crudely despoil'd by the Ork and his barbarous passtimes since the late fall of Prime Hive to the Warboss Gerimderp Skullfether.)
4139
Post by: wuestenfux
pretre wrote:wuestenfux wrote:Actually, I don't have a diorama. Any ideas for an army of jump packers.?
Multi-level structure with jump packers arriving from reserve and securing positions?
Hard to do 'action' like that, but could be cool.
Thanks. Sounds cool. I'll think about it.
1635
Post by: Savnock
wuestenfux wrote:Actually, I don't have a diorama. Any ideas for an army of jump packers.?
Great looking force there!
The red with blue accents would look great on an ice-world base. Do the multi-level thing, but have it look like the fractured edge of an iceberg, with maybe a few melted craters etc. in it. It would also go well with IA 11 stuff when that comes out...
465
Post by: Redbeard
I'm tempted to show up with my Juan Diaz daemonette army, just cause.
10127
Post by: Happygrunt
I kind of like this. Although I wanted to mix my SM and Guard on one table, but I guess I could just base them the same and see which one looks better separate.
20774
Post by: pretre
Happygrunt wrote:I kind of like this. Although I wanted to mix my SM and Guard on one table, but I guess I could just base them the same and see which one looks better separate.
You can mix SM and Guard. The rules say it doesn't have to be a legal army, just have a general and two units. I think guard interacting with SM could portray a very compelling story.
10127
Post by: Happygrunt
pretre wrote:Happygrunt wrote:I kind of like this. Although I wanted to mix my SM and Guard on one table, but I guess I could just base them the same and see which one looks better separate.
You can mix SM and Guard. The rules say it doesn't have to be a legal army, just have a general and two units. I think guard interacting with SM could portray a very compelling story.
Good, now all I need is some imperial defense lines, that hill with the road from the RoM board and a basalisk and I am golden!
17349
Post by: SilverMK2
I spoke to the great bearded leader of my local GW today and he said he had not been told any dates for when deadlines would be, but he thought it would possibly be towards the end of March and probably be on a Saturday or Sunday. He said that his store would allow people to drop off entries before the date, but they could not guarantee safety of anything left in the store.
However, he said he was going to a meeting in the next few days at GW HQ and expected he would be given more information there.
11973
Post by: Slackermagee
Making a cool board for your minis sure is fun when you have the studio's trove of bitz to choose from. Otherwise you'd be killing good model kits left right and center to get something that looks wicked on a 2x2.
17349
Post by: SilverMK2
Slackermagee wrote:Making a cool board for your minis sure is fun when you have the studio's trove of bitz to choose from. Otherwise you'd be killing good model kits left right and center to get something that looks wicked on a 2x2.
Well, I'm going to make an effort to use as little GW stuff as possible in my entry.
37325
Post by: Adam LongWalker
Red Beard Wrote:
I'm tempted to show up with my Juan Diaz daemonette army, just cause.
MySlaanesh Daemon (all metal) Army will not fit in a 2x2 board for my goal before the chaos gods take me is to have all possible force org combinations with it.
That means I have 120 daemonettes 60 seekers and so on. I'm 80% or so completed but only 50% painted. Scratch build chariots, and soulgrinders, then after that it will be converting another 60 or so deamonettes and slaanesh models to other factions, such as Khorne and nurgle so I can play a poly themed army. It will be over 300 models when I am done, most of them are Juan Diaz types.
There is simply no rest for the wicked
10127
Post by: Happygrunt
My 1750 army of BA wont fit either. I am only using a fraction.
123
Post by: Alpharius
Which is fine guys, as already noted, the armies on the boards don't have to be 'legal' and there is no 'points level' either!
10667
Post by: Fifty
By my calculation, it would require 576 Orks to completely fill a 2'x2' table...
Now THAT would be a good look...
5256
Post by: NAVARRO
Fifty wrote:By my calculation, it would require 576 Orks to completely fill a 2'x2' table...
Now THAT would be a good look...
I doubt that flooding the board with minis would produce a cool display... Folks going for this comp should remember that you should have a focal point on the board and not just a mass of miniatures... just like one 28mm man has the face as a focus the board should have one area with some focus on some minis.
31272
Post by: Battle Brother Lucifer
If the store at the mall about 45 minutes away from me counts for the contest, I want to make a board with all the marines I received from the Great Marine swap.
35065
Post by: Calibanite Lion
This sounds like fun and i have some idea's forming already, i like how it does not have to be a legal army, just an hq and 2 squad/unit choices. There will be some stiff competition i think. I'll have to get to b&q for some wood and poly sheet.
722
Post by: Kanluwen
NAVARRO wrote:Fifty wrote:By my calculation, it would require 576 Orks to completely fill a 2'x2' table...
Now THAT would be a good look...
I doubt that flooding the board with minis would produce a cool display... Folks going for this comp should remember that you should have a focal point on the board and not just a mass of miniatures... just like one 28mm man has the face as a focus the board should have one area with some focus on some minis.
Yeah. 576 Orks is absurdly going over the top here
Halve that, and pose them appropriately and it's perfect!
13512
Post by: Jon Garrett
I sent an e-mail to our almighty overlords tp answer my questions, and got this reply.
Hi Jon
Thanks for the email, nice to hear of someone else who is looking forward to this too, Forgeworld are counted as part of Citadel range so yes they are fine, Green Stuff and Plastic card are also fine.
You can use Orks as long as they are part of the scenery and not another army on the same board.
So - Scratch Built Titan is Go. Heh.
11318
Post by: ollieholmes
Iim rather exited about this although i think i might be entering next year not this year. My problem is ihave a couple of ideas thusf ar:
1. Mumak line with a load of riders around them and a nazgul flying over
2. 4-5 DKOK Gorgons packed with infantry crossing a craterd ground.
3. Titan legion (okay this ones a bit extreme)
28238
Post by: Warboss Gubbinz
Kinda disappointing that you have to qualify at a hobby center just to enter at Gamesday this year. edit: Saw Mikhalia's post. Thanks Mikhalia!
Looks like my cockroach tyranid on the kitchen counter display will make its way there after all.
41289
Post by: Jadeophene
Fifty wrote:By my calculation, it would require 576 Orks to completely fill a 2'x2' table...
Now THAT would be a good look...
That, is exactly the look im going for.
Im curious, how is everyone doing with theirs?
18410
Post by: filbert
Was it really necessary to necro a 7 month old thread?
|
|
