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don_mondo wrote:As a gaming company instead of a model company. I don't know how many times I've heard GW state that they produce models and the rules are just an add-on so that we can play with our pretty toys. IMO, gaming stisfaction through well written rules would improve the sales of the highly over-priced models cause more people would want to play!

That was the first thought that came into my mind. I think GW does a great job with 95% rules. As in, they're 95% complete. They'll probably never be 100%, but just think what 99% complete would mean.

Well, since I have no experience and/or education that would enable me in any way, shap, or form to run any sort of business I wouldn't try to run it.

I love how these types of threads turn into NERD RAGE wish lists. Seriously in what way could anybody on Dakka really offer that would be reasonable advice to a Publicly traded company the size of GW. Let's get over ourselves people.

/rant. Not trying to offend, just being honest.

Speak for yourself, I am a corp. mgr for the world's largest retailer, I oversee over 850 stores.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
By the way, no offense taken.

lol, no worries KFJ.

Well, I believe even a company run by the best businessmen in the world need to listen to what it's customers want, and what ideas they have. Otherwise, these businessmen tend to lose sight of what matters past all the spreadsheets. I really don't think you need to study business to be good at business, in fact its probably detremental. Just remember rule no 1: the customer is always right. No offense taken, just sayin'.

There've been some great ideas on this thread (and some witty ones too). Hope GW take notice.

Anyhoo, some more of my ideas/nerd rage rants:

I'd commission the creation of an interactive galactic map on the GW website, on which players could post records of their battles and assign them to planets in the 40k galaxy.

New model releases wouldn't have to wait for a new codex. When all the units from a codex have been released, that army would still get occasional new units in boxsets/blisters until their next codex. Rules for these would come in the box, on the website and in White Dwarf.

In-store games evenings would be split into 'friendly' evenings and 'competitive' evenings.

There'd be a line of novels, and an accompanying series of short stories in White Dwarf, all set in the Time of Ending, during or after the 13th Black Crusade, published in chronological order. This would give players an ongoing, developing narrative to follow and get involved in.

Basically, my business 'strategy' would be all about keeping the customers, ALL the customers, happy and interested.

Amen to that, brother!

And bring back 40K-themed T-shirts and posters!

Anyone who does not post

into the ground.


Is lying.

I don't understand why some posters say GW should shift to a gaming company v. model company. Models are their core business product! To that end, rules are secondary and serve only to move more models. With that in mind, I would have free downloadable quick start rules to promote the product. Since the pocket rulebooks seem very popular, I would probably stick with them as they are cheap to produce and should have a decent margin. Full size books would cover factions and would be comparable to the current codex/army books. Promo quick play faction guides without special rules etc. would also be downloadable and come with larger boxes.

Rules need tighter quality control and testing. A rules development and testing division would need to be established to ensure greater coherency and play balance for competitive events. Supported factions should receive regular updates and unsupported factions rolled into existing factions or dropped entirely.

Since events help move product, I would provide better support for store run GW events, including prize packages and a member ranking system ala MTG.

Models would be designed to be as modular as possible for basic troopers and all kits should be designed to have all availible upgrades. Cost analysis would tell whether all upgrades would be included with the kits or sold separately as upgrade kits. Similarly, facilities should be tooled for maximum efficiency. If production is cheaper overseas (without unacceptable loss of quality control), it will be outsourced. Pricing would need serious review to make sure that current levels are not restricting sales (which could increase overall profit depending on levels and also encourage more expansion) and are matched to an acceptable profit level while still maintaining consistency.

Employment structure would be reviewed to make sure their are not unnecessary employment levels, especially at the managerial level. GW stores would be closely monitored on sales level, as well as employee retention rates. Employees would have required training on the product as well as sales training. Direct independent stockists would also be monitored on sales and be rated for additional benefits for meeting certain goals (IE better pricing structure, promotional kits, etc.). They would also be provided regular promotional materials to encourage greater focus on the GW product line. No direct sales accounts would be set up with pure online stores. Policy would be to encourage physical storefronts as they expand the market and are essential for long term growth.

IP would be reviewed for more cross promotional opportunities. DOW was a tremendous success in a critical area as video games are a competitor for leisure income. WAR is a new potential income stream, but would need to be watched carefully since it is going head to head against WoW, the current market leader.

Elnicko5 wrote:Poorly, and into the ground.

Ditto although I'd add in a dash of heavy handed CEO/rock star perks (I said white M&M's you!!!), and golden parachute.

Alternatively I would look to acquisitions. Hey GW has US$50.00 lets buy General Motors!