GW Review of the Year 2012

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**Harriticus**

d3m01iti0n wrote:
This is roughly my one year anniversary of WH40K. I used to dump absurd amounts of money into my car and all it does is get me into trouble, so I figured I needed a hobby to keep me grounded. Played SM for 360, bought AoBR, and sold my GIJoe collection.

I love building, painting, and playing. And for the most part I enjoy GW's sculpts, even for armies I dont collect. I own and enjoy my Storm Talon. I love the books, I love the imagery, I love WH40K as a whole.

However as a business, GW makes no sense to me. They are sitting on a goldmine of potential, but they are quite happy to stay in their tiny dark hobby cave. You look at other franchises out there that span genres with HALF the depth of Warhammer and really have to scratch your head. Im talking a reliable video game license and merch to get the brand name out there and generate sales. But why bother, right?

The favortism shown to certain armies is bizarre. One could mention this Mat Ward guy here. The fact armies can basically be handed free wins without earning a thing is absolutely absurd in my eyes. Meanwhile, paying customers with outdated armies get to sit there with their collective thumbs up their ass while the popular kids get spoonfed.

Dont get me started on prereleases, advertisement, and advance product notice. I understand the "impulse buy" tactic, but Ive been in sales/marketing most of my life and lets face it......its stupid.

In summary, GW is an assbackwards company. I love the product, hate the management. If this post has touched you in an inappropriate way I would like to wholeheartedly apologize in advance.

GW deliberately reduces their potential to reduce their profits. They're a bit of an oddball that take basic corporate strategy a bit too far. My backstory with 40k sounds almost exactly the same as you though, and I too am disheartened by the enormous wasted potential that exists with 40k.

**d3m01iti0n**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:
This is roughly my one year anniversary of WH40K. I used to dump absurd amounts of money into my car and all it does is get me into trouble, so I figured I needed a hobby to keep me grounded. Played SM for 360, bought AoBR, and sold my GIJoe collection.

I love building, painting, and playing. And for the most part I enjoy GW's sculpts, even for armies I dont collect. I own and enjoy my Storm Talon. I love the books, I love the imagery, I love WH40K as a whole.

However as a business, GW makes no sense to me. They are sitting on a goldmine of potential, but they are quite happy to stay in their tiny dark hobby cave. You look at other franchises out there that span genres with HALF the depth of Warhammer and really have to scratch your head. Im talking a reliable video game license and merch to get the brand name out there and generate sales. But why bother, right?

The favortism shown to certain armies is bizarre. One could mention this Mat Ward guy here. The fact armies can basically be handed free wins without earning a thing is absolutely absurd in my eyes. Meanwhile, paying customers with outdated armies get to sit there with their collective thumbs up their ass while the popular kids get spoonfed.

Dont get me started on prereleases, advertisement, and advance product notice. I understand the "impulse buy" tactic, but Ive been in sales/marketing most of my life and lets face it......its stupid.

In summary, GW is an assbackwards company. I love the product, hate the management. If this post has touched you in an inappropriate way I would like to wholeheartedly apologize in advance.

Agree with what you say about Imperials. Chaos, and all its diverse legions gets crammed into one book, but the Imperials get Blood Angels, Black Templars (waste of space) etc etc
This has been a bone a bone of contention of mine for years.

I dont recall specifying Imperials. Chaos just got a huge update and new models way ahead of more deserving armies (SoB, Tau, BT). And if certain Chaos Legions got their own books Im sure somebody start crying over those being pointless too. Yet if each book sells product then it makes perfect sense. So not entirely sure what you are agreeing with.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

d3m01iti0n wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:
This is roughly my one year anniversary of WH40K. I used to dump absurd amounts of money into my car and all it does is get me into trouble, so I figured I needed a hobby to keep me grounded. Played SM for 360, bought AoBR, and sold my GIJoe collection.

I love building, painting, and playing. And for the most part I enjoy GW's sculpts, even for armies I dont collect. I own and enjoy my Storm Talon. I love the books, I love the imagery, I love WH40K as a whole.

However as a business, GW makes no sense to me. They are sitting on a goldmine of potential, but they are quite happy to stay in their tiny dark hobby cave. You look at other franchises out there that span genres with HALF the depth of Warhammer and really have to scratch your head. Im talking a reliable video game license and merch to get the brand name out there and generate sales. But why bother, right?

The favortism shown to certain armies is bizarre. One could mention this Mat Ward guy here. The fact armies can basically be handed free wins without earning a thing is absolutely absurd in my eyes. Meanwhile, paying customers with outdated armies get to sit there with their collective thumbs up their ass while the popular kids get spoonfed.

Dont get me started on prereleases, advertisement, and advance product notice. I understand the "impulse buy" tactic, but Ive been in sales/marketing most of my life and lets face it......its stupid.

In summary, GW is an assbackwards company. I love the product, hate the management. If this post has touched you in an inappropriate way I would like to wholeheartedly apologize in advance.

Agree with what you say about Imperials. Chaos, and all its diverse legions gets crammed into one book, but the Imperials get Blood Angels, Black Templars (waste of space) etc etc
This has been a bone a bone of contention of mine for years.

I dont recall specifying Imperials. Chaos just got a huge update and new models way ahead of more deserving armies (SoB, Tau, BT). And if certain Chaos Legions got their own books Im sure somebody start crying over those being pointless too. Yet if each book sells product then it makes perfect sense. So not entirely sure what you are agreeing with.

Yeah, Chaos have gotten a new book, but once again, it's everything crammed into one volume. In an ideal world, there would be 3 chaos books - Daemons, Legions, and renegades. Instead, we get the worst of both worlds, a mish mash of old and new crammed into one volume that does not reflect the diversity that chaos offers.

On the other hand, the Imperials get everything on a plate. This may be an unpopular view, but Black Templars are a pointless, waste of space. Space wolves/blood angels at least offer something different, but Templars are almost ultramarine esq in their blandness. And to be fair, SOB are not much better. I agree that Tau need a new book as they are a distainct race. But Black Templars, don't make me laugh

**Kilkrazy**

There are people who would argue that with codexes going up to £25, three separate volumes for Chaos is very far from ideal.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

Kilkrazy wrote:
There are people who would argue that with codexes going up to £25, three separate volumes for Chaos is very far from ideal.

So you're saying that by pushing for 3 Chaos books, it's my fault I'm richer than some people on this site?

**d3m01iti0n**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:
This is roughly my one year anniversary of WH40K. I used to dump absurd amounts of money into my car and all it does is get me into trouble, so I figured I needed a hobby to keep me grounded. Played SM for 360, bought AoBR, and sold my GIJoe collection.

I love building, painting, and playing. And for the most part I enjoy GW's sculpts, even for armies I dont collect. I own and enjoy my Storm Talon. I love the books, I love the imagery, I love WH40K as a whole.

However as a business, GW makes no sense to me. They are sitting on a goldmine of potential, but they are quite happy to stay in their tiny dark hobby cave. You look at other franchises out there that span genres with HALF the depth of Warhammer and really have to scratch your head. Im talking a reliable video game license and merch to get the brand name out there and generate sales. But why bother, right?

The favortism shown to certain armies is bizarre. One could mention this Mat Ward guy here. The fact armies can basically be handed free wins without earning a thing is absolutely absurd in my eyes. Meanwhile, paying customers with outdated armies get to sit there with their collective thumbs up their ass while the popular kids get spoonfed.

Dont get me started on prereleases, advertisement, and advance product notice. I understand the "impulse buy" tactic, but Ive been in sales/marketing most of my life and lets face it......its stupid.

In summary, GW is an assbackwards company. I love the product, hate the management. If this post has touched you in an inappropriate way I would like to wholeheartedly apologize in advance.

Agree with what you say about Imperials. Chaos, and all its diverse legions gets crammed into one book, but the Imperials get Blood Angels, Black Templars (waste of space) etc etc
This has been a bone a bone of contention of mine for years.

I dont recall specifying Imperials. Chaos just got a huge update and new models way ahead of more deserving armies (SoB, Tau, BT). And if certain Chaos Legions got their own books Im sure somebody start crying over those being pointless too. Yet if each book sells product then it makes perfect sense. So not entirely sure what you are agreeing with.

Yeah, Chaos have gotten a new book, but once again, it's everything crammed into one volume. In an ideal world, there would be 3 chaos books - Daemons, Legions, and renegades. Instead, we get the worst of both worlds, a mish mash of old and new crammed into one volume that does not reflect the diversity that chaos offers.

On the other hand, the Imperials get everything on a plate. This may be an unpopular view, but Black Templars are a pointless, waste of space. Space wolves/blood angels at least offer something different, but Templars are almost ultramarine esq in their blandness. And to be fair, SOB are not much better. I agree that Tau need a new book as they are a distainct race. But Black Templars, don't make me laugh

Well you certainly are entitled to your opinion. But lets face it, BT moves units such as upgrades, ICs, codecies, and novels. So theyre a lucrative product from GW's standpoint. And anybody who wanted to waste their time with your biased one-sided argument could easily outline the differences and validity of Templars fluff, structure, and tactics to you. God knows its happened enough around here, but most people hate to be wrong and either counter with something extremely stupid or simply walk out of the thread. So rather than get upset over tiny plastic spacemen you dont like, lets get back on topic shall we?

Bring on 2013 I say.

**Quintinus**

d3m01iti0n wrote:

Well you certainly are entitled to your opinion. But lets face it, BT moves units such as upgrades, ICs, codecies, and novels. So theyre a lucrative product from GW's standpoint. And anybody who wanted to waste their time with your biased one-sided argument could easily outline the differences and validity of Templars fluff, structure, and tactics to you. God knows its happened enough around here, but most people hate to be wrong and either counter with something extremely stupid or simply walk out of the thread. So rather than get upset over tiny plastic spacemen you dont like, lets get back on topic shall we?

Bring on 2013 I say.

Unfortunately, many more armies deserve to have an army book before the Black Templars. Heck, based on your argument, the Tanith 1st and Only is much more deserving of a codex than the Black Templars. They have an entire series of novels devoted to them, and these novels sell incredibly well. Commissar Gaunt used to be in the IG codex and now he's gone.

**d3m01iti0n**

Vladsimpaler wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:

Well you certainly are entitled to your opinion. But lets face it, BT moves units such as upgrades, ICs, codecies, and novels. So theyre a lucrative product from GW's standpoint. And anybody who wanted to waste their time with your biased one-sided argument could easily outline the differences and validity of Templars fluff, structure, and tactics to you. God knows its happened enough around here, but most people hate to be wrong and either counter with something extremely stupid or simply walk out of the thread. So rather than get upset over tiny plastic spacemen you dont like, lets get back on topic shall we?

Bring on 2013 I say.

Unfortunately, many more armies deserve to have an army book before the Black Templars. Heck, based on your argument, the Tanith 1st and Only is much more deserving of a codex than the Black Templars. They have an entire series of novels devoted to them, and these novels sell incredibly well. Commissar Gaunt used to be in the IG codex and now he's gone.

Im just going by the oldest legal codecies currently available (hence SoB and Tau). Didnt know Gaunt used to be in the codex!!! I just recently started First and Only and Id love to see them as an elite IG unit (probably couldnt do a full army as their numbers are steadily dwindling).

**Ratius**

Not strictly GW per se but absolutely loved HH - Betrayal, was a brilliant read imho.
Recaptured some long lost magic for me.

**Mathieu Raymond**

nolzur wrote:
SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Hate to inform you that the Soul Grinder has always been a fantasy piece.

Hate to inform you that you made an ass of yourself, again.

I got your joke, SoloFalcon1138. I even think it was good. Of course there is no other option but to agree with your statement.

**RiTides**

Excellent OP, Flashman. I look forward to these every year. I've also sold all my GW models and branched into several games. If you ever start up warmahordes, I'd love to see this treatment for them. It might need pics for those unfamiliar with the releases, though.

**Hlaine Larkin mk2**

d3m01iti0n wrote:
Vladsimpaler wrote:
d3m01iti0n wrote:

Well you certainly are entitled to your opinion. But lets face it, BT moves units such as upgrades, ICs, codecies, and novels. So theyre a lucrative product from GW's standpoint. And anybody who wanted to waste their time with your biased one-sided argument could easily outline the differences and validity of Templars fluff, structure, and tactics to you. God knows its happened enough around here, but most people hate to be wrong and either counter with something extremely stupid or simply walk out of the thread. So rather than get upset over tiny plastic spacemen you dont like, lets get back on topic shall we?

Bring on 2013 I say.

Unfortunately, many more armies deserve to have an army book before the Black Templars. Heck, based on your argument, the Tanith 1st and Only is much more deserving of a codex than the Black Templars. They have an entire series of novels devoted to them, and these novels sell incredibly well. Commissar Gaunt used to be in the IG codex and now he's gone.

Im just going by the oldest legal codecies currently available (hence SoB and Tau). Didnt know Gaunt used to be in the codex!!! I just recently started First and Only and Id love to see them as an elite IG unit (probably couldnt do a full army as their numbers are steadily dwindling).

Gaunt was one of the 3 special characters in the 3rd ed dex when you could have a tanith regiment by means of doctrine which were eschewed in favour for just options on squads in the cruddace dex

And on dakka there's multiple fandexes if you have a look

**nolzur**

d3m01iti0n wrote:
Im just going by the oldest legal codecies currently available (hence SoB and Tau). Didnt know Gaunt used to be in the codex!!! I just recently started First and Only and Id love to see them as an elite IG unit (probably couldnt do a full army as their numbers are steadily dwindling).

Didn't Sisters get a new codex about a year and a half ago? Granted, it was in WD, but they still got a new codex. Not sure how competitive it is, as I have never personally played against anyone using it, and have never read through it myself.
I would agree that they definitely need a new line of models with multiple poses and a much lower pricetag, but they are far from the oldest codex at this point.

Anyone have a list of current codexes and their release dates?

**pretre**

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_(Warhammer_40,000)

Chaos Space Marines ISBN 987-1908872029 October 2012
Necrons ISBN 978-1-907964-18-3 November 2011
Sisters of Battle N/A - White Dwarf August/September 2011
Grey Knights ISBN 978-1-84154-991-0 April 2011
Dark Eldar ISBN 978-1-84154-978-1 November 2010
Blood Angels ISBN 978-1-84154-960-6 April 2010
Tyranids ISBN 978-1-84154-951-4 January 2010
Space Wolves ISBN 978-1-84154-010-8 October 2009
Imperial Guard ISBN 978-1-84154-923-1 May 2009
Space Marines ISBN 978-1-84154-894-4 October 2008
Chaos Daemons ISBN 978-1-84154-879-1 May 2008
Orks ISBN 978-1-84154-852-4 January 2008
Dark Angels ISBN 1-84154-807-3 March 2007
Eldar ISBN 1-84154-791-3 November 2006
Tau Empire ISBN 1-84154-712-3 March 2006
Black Templars ISBN 1-84154-685-2 November 2005

Automatically Appended Next Post:
They pretty much do 3 a year except for 1999 (which was a couple months after the launch of 3rd).

**ExNoctemNacimur**

2007 didn't get much love

**pretre**

ExNoctemNacimur wrote:
2007 didn't get much love

That's actually incorrect.

2007 got several codexes that have already been replaced as well as some other books. From the link that I posted:

Apocalypse[2] Large-scale battles ISBN 1-84154-838-3 October 2007
Chaos Space Marines ISBN 978-1-84154-842-5 September 2007 replaced by 6th Edition Codex: Chaos Space Marines
Blood Angels N/A[4] June/July 2007 replaced by 5th edition Codex: Blood Angels

**WaaaaghLord**

Totally agree on the Heldrake. Since when have CSM's been Power Rangers? The thing screamed Zord to me, and it's just horrible. Secondly, it's a dragon, with no tail. What is that?

**pretre**

No, it is a drake with a small tail.

Also, blistering insight on the Zord thing.

**nolzur**

pretre wrote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_(Warhammer_40,000)

Thank you pretre.