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First, Please go easy on me. In order to get a semblance of what we all think of GW and their prices, I say this. * Starts Rant *

Price Increase
Alright, as far as wargames go, I agree, GW's prices are ridiculous and there is no reason to raise them further. But in grand scheme of things, I would say Warhammer's pretty cheap, see this? That is a regular model train for $549.99. How about this? that's nice model train for $1,299.99. Now, model trains are possibly the biggest hobby on Earth, and from experience, one of the most expensive. And what about video games? The new ones cost about $50 when they come out, you finish it in a week, and move on to the next one. That's not even touching the price of consoles, add ons, upgrades, fancy chairs, and electric bills! Now, I understand that neither of those are wargames, but do we see any of them ranting on about the prices, or threatening to quit? No. (At-least I haven't) So while I agree that the price hike is ridiculous, GW still makes (some of) the best minis, and one of the most fun and detailed (fluff-wise) game system out there. So, in conclusion, cut GW some slack!

* Ends Rant *

If you look at GW games compared to other hobbies and habits, yes they pale in comparison. A three pack a day habit or spending a couple nights a week at a bar can add up quickly. A hobby like paintball is much more expensive than GW, generally. Most people are just pissed that GW raised prices without having real reason to. That and people are pissed at GW because of the boneheaded decisions they've made lately in addition to all that, like cutting off entire parts of the world from online sellers.

I really like the GW that makes the models and writes the rules. I really don't like the GW that makes the prices and runs the company with an iron fist. They are two very different parts of the company.

Im not going to complain about GWs prices too much...I dont buy enough the current prices to bother me much. I must admit te stuff Im likely to be buying in the near future is not included in the latest round of increases (SM & CSM tacs & term) so that helps. SUre, Id love it to be cheaper, who wouldnt?


The things that cause the anti-GW feelings I do have are their rules (hate em), and the nazi like business practices of GW.

I'm not seeing a need to rehash this song and dance again.

This thread is unneeded, seeing as it is rehashed in others, already.

Comparing GW to Paintball is somewhat valid, but disingenuous as GW and Paintball aren't really substitutes for each other. Nor GW and model trains; while to some, the extensive modeling and 'world creation' are the main draw of the hobby, to the vast majority it's pushing plastic soldiers around on a table, killing each other. You can't do that with model trains. Or at least I've never seen a head-to-head competition between opposing railroad tycoons carried out in 1:72 scale.

Let's put it in this perspective: GW is Ramen Noodles. Ramen Noodles are being sold for about 20 cents a package. USDA Choice Steak can be found on sale for $5.99 a pound at most major retailers.

A "meal" of Ramen, consisting of a single package of Ramen Noodles will run you 20 cents plus prep. A meal of USDA steak consisting of a 12 oz steak, a baked potato, and a tossed salad will run you roughly $6 plus prep.

Price-wise, steak will never be competitive with Ramen. Even Hamburger is almost 10x the price. But the people who eat steak are clearly exhibiting a preference justified by the price premium. Same way with GW games versus collecting vintage cars or firearms. GW games versus computer games is a little closer, like Ramen versus hot pockets, but that's still a very different hobby. Video games require no 'prep' time, unlike the painting and assembly of models. If you fire up Grind, you've got fully detailed and interactive models that you have perfect control over, unlike a 6-part plastic man who repeatedly dies to Gets Hot! rolls.

Ultimately you have to compare Ramen Noodles to other noodle products, or GW to other tabletop minature gaming companies. It doesn't matter of Ramen is still $5.79 cheaper than USDA choice steak if they cost 10 cents more than Cup Soup; steak people don't eat Ramen while Ramen People just might be seduced away to Cup Soup for half the price.

It is the same old thread that pops up once a week, but seen from another perspective. But I agree with sourclams.