So MK4 was indeed announced today. You can watch the video here (
https://youtu.be/sLMSBidai7M) but really you should read the article here (
https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/07/26/warmachine-big-news/).
PP has provided bullet points for each section which I've pasted below for ease of reference:
The Driving Reasons behind Embarking upon a New Edition
• New editions are controversial but necessary.
• “Living Games” have a shelf-life.
• Maintaining positive perception requires a constant stream of releases.
Understanding the Reasons behind the Difficult Choices We Have Made in the New Edition
• The existing catalog of miniatures for WARMACHINE and HORDES is overwhelming for players, retailers, and distributors, and continuing to expand upon that catalog exacerbates the problems that result from it.
• In order to maintain the playability of the entire catalog of existing models, we have created two arenas of play: Unlimited, which will allow all existing and new MKIV models to be playable; and Prime, which will provide limited model options in building armies from the preexisting catalog as well as incorporate all new MKIV releases.
• New mechanics created for MKIV, such as warjack customization, are not “backward-compatible” with existing models.
• It will take at least until the end of 2023 before we can release MKIV rules conversions for all existing models.
The New Hierarchy in Factions and Armies and the Introduction of Cadres
• In MKIV, the force you put on the tabletop is an Army, which is a subset of a Faction.
• Models from Armies within the same Faction are not compatible.
• Cadres provide small subsets of a Faction that are compatible with all Armies within a Faction.
An Explanation of How HORDES Will Be Incorporated in MKIV
• HORDES will no longer be a separately maintained brand; HORDES rules will be rolled into WARMACHINE.
• The first four armies for MKIV will be warcaster-led.
• Two all new warlock-led armies will launch in 2023.
Details about the All-New App That Is Being Developed for MKIV
• War Room will be a function within the new, FREE WARMACHINE app.
• The WARMACHINE app will provide the game rules and all model rules for FREE; no “card deck” purchases will be necessary.
• The WARMACHINE app will offer a subscription option for storing multiple army builds and receiving monthly premium content.
The Primary Differences between the Current and the New Editions
• MKIV is an evolution of the game.
• MKIV will support 50-, 75-, and 100-point battles
• MKIV introduces Command Cards, which provide one-off effects (like mini-feats) and can be purchased as part of your force construction.
• MKIV warcasters have customizable spell racks.
• MKIV warjacks are customizable with multiple weapon and head (cortex) options.
Our Production of WARMACHINE Models Is Changing with the Times
• Metal is no longer a viable material to produce models with due to rising costs.
• Overseas plastic product is rising in cost and possesses supply chain risks as well as difficulties in keeping products stocked.
• MKIV models will be produced using 3D printing technology.
• Warjacks are supplied with multiple head and weapon options and are engineered with cavities ready for magnets, which are supplied in the warjack kits, so loadouts can be easily changed between games.
• 3D printing production allows us to localize production in overseas markets to address accessibility of the products and eliminate additional costs of shipping and import fees.
The Rollout Strategy for MKIV
• Each MKIV Army will possess a limited number of SKUs, making the line easier to stock for retailers and distributors.
• Core Army Starters will contain enough models to field a 50-point army with options.
• Adding an Expansion box to a starter provides enough models to field a 75-point army with options.
• Add a warjack to have enough models to field a 100-point army with options.
Our Plans for Events in the New Era of MKIV
• We are committed to supporting MKIII events through the end of 2022.
• Official MKIV events and Organized Play will begin in 2023.
• Privateer will focus on key signature events at conventions we attend while supporting third-party competitive events like the WTC and Warfaire Weekend, which is taking up the Iron Gauntlet.
• In-store and club Organized Play kits will be available early in 2023.
What to Do with This Massive Flood of Information
• Tomorrow, download the beta rule document, two Legacy demo armies, and the rules for both the Orgoth Sea Raiders and the Cygnar Storm Legion battlegroups, and take MKIV for a test drive.
• If you find typos, errors, or bugs in the docs, let us know at
feedback@privateerpress.com • New MKIV armies begin shipping this fall.
• WARMACHINE app beta release at end of October.