Games day gone, replaced by warhammerfest

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**Herzlos**

Yodhrin wrote:

There's also a smaller venue in the same building with a standing capacity of 800, which seems like a more plausible option if their main aim is to cut costs.

That might explain why it's not on their calendar, but that seems pretty small. Weren't the numbers for last years GD about 2500?

**Skinnereal**

If the NEC is too much hassle/expensive to rent, the Ricoh is just 1 junction further down the M1 from Nottingham.
But the train station is miles away. Same train, different stop.
Given the choice, and living in Coventry just 2 miles from the Ricoh, I'd have preferred the NEC, too.
It's going to be down to cost, pure and simple. Visitor experience be damned, and they can charge for the privilege. On top of the cost to get across town.

**Grimtuff**

azreal13 wrote:
They close their forums.

They retreat from all social media.

Now GW are literally sending their customers to Coventry.

I'm here all week...

Brilliant. Have an exalt.

**Gaz Taylor**

Skinnereal wrote:
If the NEC is too much hassle/expensive to rent, the Ricoh is just 1 junction further down the M1 from Nottingham.
But the train station is miles away. Same train, different stop.
Given the choice, and living in Coventry just 2 miles from the Ricoh, I'd have preferred the NEC, too.
It's going to be down to cost, pure and simple. Visitor experience be damned, and they can charge for the privilege. On top of the cost to get across town.

Yeah I was a bit surprised when I found out it was in Coventry. Both NIA/NEC are fairly easy to get to via train/car/bus, whilst having it at the Ricoh seems to force people to drive.

**Kid_Kyoto**

Fezman wrote:

I especially like how it completely ignores the existence of RPGs licenced by GW themselves!

GW licenced RPGs?

Wow!

I totally forgot about that!

Must have been around the same time as that Japanese monster game came out, what the #@$% was it called?

**jonolikespie**

Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Fezman wrote:

I especially like how it completely ignores the existence of RPGs licenced by GW themselves!

GW licenced RPGs?

Wow!

I totally forgot about that!

Must have been around the same time as that Japanese monster game came out, what the #@$% was it called?

Digimon?

**Sidstyler**

So...'Hamfest 2014. Are they going to put time and effort into producing a real event this time or is it just the same old crappy "Games Days" of recent years with new branding?

**Herzlos**

My money's on a series of Seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large shopping area.

**NoggintheNog**

Herzlos wrote:
My money's on a series of Seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large shopping area.

Yup

I think, whilst the trademarkable name is a happy byproduct, the driving force behind the change is the huge negativity they got from Games day that didn't have any games to play. They obviously have no plans to have any participation games again, this sidesteps the easy line for the blogosphere. Of course 'Warhammerfest without any Warhammer played' will be just as damning a title to a blog piece as well.

**Herzlos**

There's a pretty big likelyhood that there'll be no Warhammer (Fantasy) content either. But 40KFest doesn't have the same ring to it.

**Platuan4th**

jonolikespie wrote:
Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Fezman wrote:

I especially like how it completely ignores the existence of RPGs licenced by GW themselves!

GW licenced RPGs?

Wow!

I totally forgot about that!

Must have been around the same time as that Japanese monster game came out, what the #@$% was it called?

Digimon?

No, no, he's obviously talking about Tamagotchi.

**Brother SRM**

It's also not really "Games Day" since it's over the course of two days instead of just one.

**rich1231**

Brother SRM wrote:
It's also not really "Games Day" since it's over the course of two days instead of just one.

Games Day used to be multiple days.

I went on a Friday and Saturday back in 1987... 1988, it was when Aliens came out.

**TheAuldGrump**

H.B.M.C. wrote:
Kilkrazy wrote:
It is surprising how GW seem to be systematically disengaging from their former identities. Games Day had been running in the UK since the mid-80s. White Dwarf demoted. IG renamed. Games Day replaced.
It's easier to stick a little "™" after "Warhammerfest" than something like "Games Day". But we wouldn't want to be cynical about these sorts of things now would we?

TheAuldGrump wrote:
Okay, maybe cooler than Gleemax, but, really, why move away from a successful title to one that... well, just isn't that good?
Gleemax sounds like some sort of food-processor or blender.

Gleemax was Wizard of the Coasts attempt at a social media site - aimed at Facebook, etc....

WotC... has had mixed luck with the interweb.... (Mostly bad, but differently bad than GW....)

But the name Gleemax... is just awful.

The Auld Grump

**H.B.M.C.**

Brother SRM wrote:
It's also not really "Games Day" since it's over the course of two days instead of just one.

I Somehow doubt that that was a concern of theirs when they changed the name.

**A Town Called Malus**

Herzlos wrote:
My money's on a series of Seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large shopping area.

Don't forget that the shopping area will only have one member of staff trying to run the whole thing.

Gotta show those investors how well the one man store model works, after all.

**Davor**

Hamfest. LOL. I wonder how GW is taking that.

I don't know, how is this 40K? I mean they say Warhammer but show a Spacemarine. For me that is so weird. Been so "trained" that Warhammer is Fantasy, and 40K is well 40K.

Maybe this is GW way of trying to get everyone into Fantasy again? Small subliminal messages?

**Wolfstan**

Wouldn't it make more sense for GW to book up large stand space at some of the more bigger gaming events? They can cut costs but then actually have enough to keep people interested for the whole weekend. They could bring back the WOW factor, but keep costs under control.

Have a FW & BL section. A normal GW store section with perhaps some old style awesome tabletop scene that ties in with the next big release?

**A Town Called Malus**

Wolfstan wrote:
Wouldn't it make more sense for GW to book up large stand space at some of the more bigger gaming events? They can cut costs but then actually have enough to keep people interested for the whole weekend. They could bring back the WOW factor, but keep costs under control.

Have a FW & BL section. A normal GW store section with perhaps some old style awesome tabletop scene that ties in with the next big release?

That would require GW to accept that they are not the only game system/model maker out there. It is a smart thing to do, hence GW will not be doing it in the foreseeable future.

**H.B.M.C.**

Yeah. A token stand at GenCon is about the best we can hope for when it comes to GW acknowledging that other games exist.

**tgjensen**

Herzlos wrote:
My money's on a series of Seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large shopping area.

To be fair, I think a series of seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large hobby area sounds like a pretty good deal.

**timd**

filbert wrote:
Probably GW trying to preserve their veil of pointless secrecy as usual.

"veil of pointless secrecy" Nicely done...

**Yodhrin**

tgjensen wrote:
Herzlos wrote:
My money's on a series of Seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large shopping area.

To be fair, I think a series of seminars, a Forgeworld display and a large hobby area sounds like a pretty good deal.

You're a cheap date pal

Seriously though, if that's all they're going to lay on, why not just have another of their "intimate" events at WHW? They'd cut costs even further by not having to pay any venue hire at all, and at least that way people will have something to do when they find out the shedule is "Seminar: Project K(actually about stuff that came out several weeks beforehand), Seminar: We are the awesomest evar, Seminar: Have another look at this concept art from ten years ago, all that plus you can buy our stuff at full-retail!".

EDIT: And now a read it again, I'm beginning to suspect there was a hint of the sarcastic about your post that went right over my head...

**Thraxas Of Turai**

Pacific wrote:
@Kilkrazy - Interesting point. I wonder if we will ever see a change of company name for the same reason? There aren't really any 'games', any more (well.. barely in the plural, 40k/WFB and LoTR), and the 'workshop' component has been replaced by single piece plastics and large pieces of pre-moulded plastic that take the place of flocked MDF as a playing surface.

I'm only joking of course, but the name has become a somewhat amusing and ironic reminder of what the company once represented.

azreal13 wrote:
They close their forums.

They retreat from all social media.

Now GW are literally sending their customers to Coventry.

Haha.. very good !

Sorry for anyone here that lives in Coventry.. (but you need to move!)

At least...at least...at least it is not Northampton.

**Kilkrazy**

Wolfstan wrote:
Wouldn't it make more sense for GW to book up large stand space at some of the more bigger gaming events? They can cut costs but then actually have enough to keep people interested for the whole weekend. They could bring back the WOW factor, but keep costs under control.

Have a FW & BL section. A normal GW store section with perhaps some old style awesome tabletop scene that ties in with the next big release?

GW's general policy is to keep their new young customers ignorant of the existence of the wargaming world outside The HHHobby.

It's difficult to sell a £200 Realm of Battle Board to someone if they easily can see they can buy an equal or better product from someone else for £100.

The reverse of this argument is that the reputation of GW games appears to be so low with veterans now that GW are very unlikely to attract new customers from among the visitors at a regular wargames show.

**tgjensen**

Yodhrin wrote:
EDIT: And now a read it again, I'm beginning to suspect there was a hint of the sarcastic about your post that went right over my head...

The thrust of my post may or may not have been a cheap stab at GW's interpretation of what constitutes a hobby

**reds8n**

http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Warhammer-Fest-Sunday-Adult

Warhammer Fest

Sunday 12th October 2014
Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK
FREE car parking adjacent to the venue
Warhammer Fest is a celebration of everything about the worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000; the miniatures, the backgrounds, the stories and the games. You will encounter fantastic miniatures displays, seminars by our design teams, in-depth demonstrations and inspiring Design Studio displays.

You will also be able to pick up the latest releases from Games Workshop, Forge World and Black Library, including many items available for the first time over the weekend, along with exclusive event only merchandise. With such a wide range of activities, you can plan your day around specific elements, or just enjoy whatever grabs your attention.

Things to See and Do

Golden Demon - On Sunday 12th October, Warhammer Fest will be hosting the 2014 Golden Demon Miniatures Painting Competition, the calendar highlight for miniatures painters throughout the world. If you want to compete and showcase your painting skills, or be a spectator to this extravaganza of miniatures, then order your Sunday ticket today!

Seminars - We will be hosting a series of seminars featuring a panel of experts from Forge World, Black Library and Games Workshop. Each seminar will focus on a specific topic and we will be repeating certain ones each day, so you can choose to attend them when it best suits your plans.

Design Teams - Black Library, Forge World and the Games Workshop Design Studios will all have areas at Warhammer Fest so you can meet the dedicated teams that bring to life the worlds we all love. This is your chance to chat with them and ask any burning questions about Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, as well as seeing their work up close and personal.

Demo Pods - These dedicated areas are spread throughout the venue and each offers a specific activity such as: painting demonstrations, gaming tactics and a series of presentations covering a range of subjects.

Things to take Home

Black Library - The brand new Horus Heresy book, Death and Defiance will be on sale at Warhammer Fest for the first time anywhere in the world. This anthology collects together five stories set across the battlefields of the Horus Heresy, and includes brand new fiction from Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Nick Kyme, James Swallow, Andy Smillie and Guy Haley.

There will be a range of pre-release titles, event exclusive art prints and more.

Forge World - Visit the popular Forge World sales area for pre-release items, including a brand new book and new models not on release anywhere else; details will be revealed nearer the event. Over the weekend you can also buy from Forge World’s vast range of models and books as well as event only miniatures, t-shirts, hoodies, bags and mugs.

Citadel - You’ll have access to the Games Workshop range at Warhammer Fest, enabling you to add the latest Citadel miniatures, books and other products to your collections.

Art Prints - Admire a gallery of art prints celebrating the stunning visual work of our design teams, with artwork showing detail beyond what you see in our publications. And if there’s something you really like, you’ll be able to buy exclusive prints of many of the pieces over the weekend.

Exclusive Event Merchandise - Get an exclusive memento of your experience with event only products to use in your games and show off to your friends.

If you want to be part of this extravaganza of all things Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, then get your ticket now as we have strictly limited numbers available for each day.

Full terms and conditions are available here.

**Kilkrazy**

Frankly that sounds pretty good if they can deliver what they promise.

**SilverMK2**

No mention of what "event only" products they will try to sell you?

**notprop**

Event only "Ricoh Arena" branded water cups and paper hand towels?

More likely the three FW event only models.