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Lot of negativity surrounding ol Gee Dubs at the moment, especially since the new Eldar dex. Lots of threads about how GW are going about things all wrong.

So what would be the TOP FIVE changes you would make to GW if you ran the company, to turn it all around?

Just wondering how the dakka community would do things differently.

-Markaret

I think my answers would depend on what the shareholders would let me get away with.

1. Public relations. With customers, with retailers, the works. Stop coming off as an evil corporation that just wants to maximize shekel intake NOW with no plans for the future.

2. I never would have turned down any decent looking idea for video games/movies etc. to build the universe more and snag people from across genres.

3. Big one. Play the game. Make balanced books, do some r&d on the game. Put out errata as needed, including point costs.

4. Have tourney formats. Get behind the "play the game how you want" thing without destroying any chance of people playing tourney style. A.K.A. don't be hypocritical.

5. Make several branch off games that use 40k models.

I do not have buissness eduction, nor have I ever run a firm. But if I run GW, I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe I would bring formations and multi codex armies sooner. But the rest seems to have been done right.

Ignore my shareholders as hard as possible and start talent scouting for people with strong foundations in game theory and tabletop wargaming game design and increase coordination with forgeworld.

Let 7th edition run it's course for the next three years, use the new codexes as testbeds for our planned revamping, especially when we release completely brand new armies like Hrud, Slann, Slaugth, Rak'Gol, AdMech etc and with beefy mini-dexes (a la Harlequins or Skitarii).

Once 7th edition runs its course, pause new releases for a while and work on a mega-update for each army for the new edition and do the same for fantasy battle.

Start hyping the new release with an actual marketing campaign rather than relying on people stumbling onto the fandom via the google walk/seeing something cool at a hobby store or word of mouth. Also use the fiction and other media to help build up interest in the new release. Prices will of course, need to go down at least somewhat in order to make the new release more accessible. Maybe even introduce some lines of pre-built/painted models alongside the standard set to increase accessibility to people interested in the game but are put off by model assembly and painting.

Work closely with the fandom and give them hints of what's coming up to get them excited again. Allowing testers to come in and try out our concepts is absolutely essential. We'll do our best to rebalance things without disallowing the usage of anyone's models (so I'd rather not remove certain units or things like lords of war entirely, we can readjust the stats to make them more fair without throwing the baby out with the bathwater), and also work to make sure that internal as well as external balance is as good as possible.

During this time, make sure that we're also putting spin off projects like the FFG role playing games and the various video games out there in the public eye. Try offering the license for 40k to a real time strategy developer with a strong foundation; if we can afford to be ambitious I'd like to see a game that plays out like a combination of the Paradox Interactive games (for the strategic scale) and the Wargames series (for battles), but we may have to compromise here. RPGs for 40k and Fantasy battle should also be pushed along with other genres; making sure to get as many factions as we can out into the limelight without compromising on quality. We need to get the brand name out there to as many people as possible.

Then finally release the big damn revamp for 40k and FB to as much fanfare as possible and hope that we can make it live up to the hype we put out. We need to take the entertainment world by storm rather than suck the old fanbase dry and essentially sucker in kids who don't know better. If the gamble pays off (if it doesn't we're probably going to have to sell out to Hasbro), use the windfall to start bringing back those spin off games we all used to love in an age past. Epic, Battlefleet Gothic, Dreadfleet, Necromunda, Warmaster, and so on.

Keep committed to a strong focus on promoting our material, to keeping things accessible without sacrificing depth, and to growing our customer base. It's a simple fact that large and growing fanbases attract more people for the reality that they are large and growing; people like to go with what's popular and if we can get a real boom going we can create something of a self feeding cycle.

Continue to invest the profits wisely to ensure further growth. We're very likely to also expand into things like merchandise because I know a lot of fans would kill for the chance to buy a bloodthirster plushy to snuggle. Straight up toys like action figures are also a possibility.

Try dipping into the waters of television and film again. First try something like the Chronicles of the Roughnecks Starship troopers 3d series and mature audiences animations (like the HBO spawn cartoon) before trying for anything as ambitious as a movie or game of thrones scale live action TV series. The former especially because the movies that make the most money have time and time again shown to be the ones all ages can see and 40k's ultra-violence is not really going to fly with parents on the silver screen unless we tone things down which would likely alienate fans.

Finally; flatly reject the idea that this is a boy's only hobby and embrace female fans. Add more female characters (and ones who matter at that) where appropriate and for armies like the various Eldar, Inquisition, Guard etc; produce female models.

Only two things are needed;

1. Interact with and listen to the customers.

2. Realize that the game drives the sales of models, and create a set of rules worthy of 25+ years of development.

Lower their prices by 25-50%.

I would do faqs more often based on the feedback of community.

No new codexes so often but living rules.

Good ideas so far, what I would have to add is this:

Capitalize on GW IP like there's no tomorrow: don't just sell books and miniatures, sell posters, mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, badges, flags, cosplay costumes, replica weapons and so much more and make a gak TON OF MONEY.

#1 - Accept that I'm a model, game, and intellectual property company, and that I can compete in each of these industries.

#2 - As a modelling company; I need to make sure that the models retain their high quality, but I also need to start accepting the coming future of retail-level 3d printing. I can do this by preparing a Games Workshop app store, similar to the iTunes store, where players can "rent" our models to be able to print extremely high quality models. Having spoken with a few people in the industry, I know that the most difficult part of accurately replicating existing models is getting a good scan, and not the quality of the printer itself. The rented scan will be good for a certain number of prints (at least one box plus one model, with any and all weapons options for free to allow full customizability), and report back to GW how often the scan was accessed. If it appears that someone is not abiding by the terms and agreements, the scan can be remotely removed from their system (just like with the iTunes store). We could even go one further and develop either a special GW mini-printer that can make most infantry-Hive Tyrant sized models, and/or a program that uses the rented scans that can allow you to choose customizable positions for the models prior to printing!

#3 - As a game company; I need to foster the community and build the idea of GW as being an approachable entity. I need to hire an online relations representative, or encourage my own employees, to approach forums and youtubers and represent Games Workshop at the player-level, giving a bonus to these representatives/employees based on number of views/subscribers/etc that they generate. Currently GW provides tournament support money for prizes to stores, but I think a lengthy investigation and rebuilding of our play and tournament system needs to be looked at so we can appeal to the same demographics as the top-tier Magic and Poker players. 40k takes a long time to play compared to these other games, and a simple win-loss system won't work. I've got some ideas (smaller games for tournament-level play with Unbound allowed, total points system, nomination system to send top-area players to major events), but most importantly, we need a free-to-download comprehensive rulebook, and quick online qualifying course to become a 40k or Fantasy judge.

#4 - As an intellectual property company; I need to ensure that our brand and the world we've created is properly represented in the television, movie, and game industry. That doesn't mean stamping out whoever comes to us with ideas, but rather giving some guidance to content creators, and requesting that they allow us to review the product during the development process to make sure important aspects aren't misrepresented. Overall, I think GW is doing a pretty good job of this at the moment (much better than they were a decade ago), so I wouldn't expect many shake-ups here.

1) open beta testing of the new rules and codex.
2) have their own forum to communicate with players
3) work with independent store owners
4) get rid of the super secret release schedule
5) change from a model company to a gaming company

 Sir Arun wrote:
Good ideas so far, what I would have to add is this:

Capitalize on GW IP like there's no tomorrow: don't just sell books and miniatures, sell posters, mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, badges, flags, cosplay costumes, replica weapons and so much more and make a gak TON OF MONEY.

That's what I was referring to in my discussion on merchandising.

Nagash pillows and Hive tyrant plushies.

I study game design at university, they need to actually employ game testers who understand how a game flows (mechanics).

GW are halfway there it just seems some stuff is a bit rushed, I think that's down to the share holders and the CEO

and the other big wigs

 RED EYE JEDI wrote:
I study game design at university, they need to actually employ game testers who understand how a game flows (mechanics).

GW are halfway there it just seems some stuff is a bit rushed, I think that's down to the share holders and the CEO

and the other big wigs

Some of the rot comes from the top of their design team, Jervis Johnson has some seriously flawed ideas regarding game design.

It's really all been said.

Start with customer interaction much like the days of yore.

End by fixing the damn game. Streamlined rules that focus on balanced forces. Split all the damn big stuff and D-weapons back into a separate format (ala Apoc/Escalation).

I would make the core game rules free or as cheap as possible; but you'd be incensed to buy the bigger version of the rule book for the bulk of the optional rules and a greater number of missions.

I don't think I would do the across board price cuts people want. I think I'd do incentivized discounts; buy so much product get a percentage off or get an amount of free product or maybe a free codex.

I would try to get better product support for some of the variance of the game. Kill team, combat patrol, etc.... GW just has them as slightly different rules but does zero support modelwise even though there are some specialized things like sentry guns for example. Use these games as the main vehicle to entry for new players by releasing starter sets themed to playing these.

I'd make FW responsible for all the 40k character models. Without finecast or pewter, resin casting is the only real option for high detail lower volume models and FW already does it better than most. Special characters would benefit from higher quality, stand out, centerpiece sculpts in such a way they are elevated as product above and beyond generic character models. I'd also produce more characters; there would be a lot more named characters released alongside campaign books.

Bring back global campaigns. Progress the setting.

Execute Order 66.

My business strategy would be moving forward to (1) promote 40k as a GAME more so than "the hhhhobby" and (2) reduce pricing of model kits and rules to encourage players to want to build multiple 40k armies at once.

1) Clean house on the rules crew and hire a team of writers with experience, along with at least one specialist with experience in probability statistics to model the effects of new rules during playtesting. Main goal would be to return the balance level to that seen in 5th edition. In my experience, people buy new armies because they want to change their play style, or keep current with power creep (a little bit of which is healthy for a game). By formalizing a model of power creep like Wizards, it's possible to keep people excited for the next book release without making them feel like pursuing their current collections is a worthless endeavor (Eldar codex, I'm looking at you).

Rules would be available for free as a PDF on the website. Softback army books would contain fluff, painting guides, and suggested army lists, and tactics articles. Why do I want to go out and buy the book when I'm starting a new army? I want to know how to paint the army and play the army.

2) Snapfit plastic models for every rank and file trooper in the game, in order to reduce cost and make fleshing out a new army more accessible. The models wouldn't necessarily look as nice but they wouldn't have to, for most purposes. I'm thinking plastic Space Marines, Chaos Marines, Guardsmen, Guardians, Fire Warriors, Sisters, Necrons, etc. Some of the ranges (Daemons and Tyranids) don't necessarily need cheaper kits because their infantry are either highly specialized with lots of options (GK), or already pretty damn cheap (Termagants). 3 poses would be more than enough to help you flesh out an army...5 models per box at ~$1.50 per model.

3) Revamp the model range. Emphasize UNITS in the formal model kits. This means including the major special and heavy weapon options.

4) Close all GW stores. I can't believe that GW stores actually generate any income in the first place.

5) Publicly announce these changes. Not apologetically, but make it clear to the player ba

 KaptinBadrukk wrote:
Lower their prices by 25-50%.

I wouldn't do this. Honestly, all I think it would do is just lower sales revenue even more because I highly doubt enough people will start buying more to make up for the lost cash. What I would do, instead, is increase the value for the kits.

For example, I'd charge $35-40 for a box of Guardsman but I would include 20 Guardsmen instead of just 10 for 30. I would stick in an accessories sprue into the Leman Russ kit and make more bits available for customization purposes for the Tactical Marine box. In addition, I would stop the model inflation and rebalance the game at a smaller army size.

I would also completely revamp Apocalypse. It is a stupid game as it stands. Maybe I would release a different set of rules for apoc scale combat that would make the game something like a 15mm system with 28mm figures.

I would likely be in over my head and have to rely heavily on the pre-existing board and staff to keep me from running a fairly large company deep under the ground. They'd puppet me quite easily while possibly give a few allowances to keep me complacent.

Ideally, I would advertise. The market doesn't really go much deeper than [people who buy the figures already] and [those who have laid eyes upon the people who buy the figures already]. I know its a niche market with a niche demographic, but I was among those who did not know jack diddly about 40K and would have gotten into it much earlier if I had known... well... anything about the subject at all. I can't see how you can rely on the same diffusion of information as the eldritch gods. Especially since the catch rate is exponentially lower.

I wouldn't be able to do much about the rules. Rules are hard. Just putting a few alterations in Pathfinder causes it to shift into an entirely different game. Pretending to manage several factions and universal rules would be a facade as I'd never be able to keep them straight, fun and relatively balanced.

Blood bowl!
40k related maybe lower prices and make entry for new players easier

The biggest thing is public relations-- and I don't mean "a PR campaign", I mean actually listening to and giving a care about what customers think, while not making the company's decisions become demagoguery. Which is to say, actual customer relations as opposed to advertisements.

Hire game designers.

 TheCustomLime wrote:

 KaptinBadrukk wrote:
Lower their prices by 25-50%.

I wouldn't do this. Honestly, all I think it would do is just lower sales revenue even more because I highly doubt enough people will start buying more to make up for the lost cash. What I would do, instead, is increase the value for the kits.

For example, I'd charge $35-40 for a box of Guardsman but I would include 20 Guardsmen instead of just 10 for 30. I would stick in an accessories sprue into the Leman Russ kit and make more bits available for customization purposes for the Tactical Marine box. In addition, I would stop the model inflation and rebalance the game at a smaller army size.

I would also completely revamp Apocalypse. It is a stupid game as it stands. Maybe I would release a different set of rules for apoc scale combat that would make the game something like a 15mm system with 28mm figures.

Hey, that's a good idea too.

Honestly I would turn into a child and horde all kinds of things off the production line for myself
Other then that, recycling employees would be top on my list

I'd think this company needs to streamline every aspect of its operations. They'll be able to lower costs and cut prices. Here is my list in no particular order:

Stop printing WhiteDwarf and turn it into digital content. Push that content to the website as a marking and news tool.
Make an app and offer some additional premium content. Save $$$$ from printing that.

SAVE $$$ and make $$$ by:
- Print Rules only codexes in soft cover and in black and white for $20 with no fluff for people that want hard reference copies. --People will buy all codexes again.
--- Print full color faction background/history/fluff, etc. books in colour for $40 for the collectors
- Print a softcover BRB for 40$ that in black and white with no fluff for people that want hard reference copies
--- Print full color Universe and setting fluff, etc. books in colour for $40 for the collectors

Hire a developers or outsource development to a top company and make an intuitive app that:
Has a store where you can download:
digital full color codices that you subscribe to that are constantly updated with FAQ/Errata changes.
digital Data Slates that you get for free!
the digital WhiteDwarf and GW videos - some free some premium content

Buy battlescribe IP and fold it into the app mentioned above for list making
-Hire an app team and make a game app that lets you make lists like battlescibe does and has the full interactive digital codexes, dataslates, formations, detachments etc.. available in an easy to use and intuitive interface.

Close up all its side business units / lines of business and fold them under GW main brand. Cut staff/managers in the process. Obviously still offer the products, novels etc that make sense just don't have them operating as separate companies under the GW umbrella. Saves $$

Sell Horus Heresy/ WH30k or whatever you call it as a 3rd official game to go with WHFB and WH40k on the Webstore.

Merge 40k and WHFB Forgeworld products into the codices for each faction. Adjust FW product rules. Lower prices and shipping. Sell more product $$$

Stop using resin and up quality control processes/ ensure moulds are replaced at reasonable intervals. Stick to 1 kind of manufacturing material - Cuts raw materials costs. Save $$$. Improve customer satisfaction by producing high quality products.

Stop making paint and selling branded modeling tools. Partner with other paint manufacturers. Cuts costs and saves $$$, they'll advertise for you showing GW products painted with their paints.

Reduce the amount of customization per box set. Produce more upgrade or customization kits.
For Example:
- Reduce materials cost per box. Example - a box of 10 space marines makes 10 space marines with only customization being arms, heads legs and back packs. Sell it for 20$
--Then sell weapons packs for space marines for 10$ that only contains sprues with the variety of weapons available to all marines from all codices (does not contain codex specific weapons)
---10$ for standard weapons, 10$ for heavy weapons.

Reduce production costs by remodeling Space marines to only produce vanilla marines and make faction specific upgrade kits.
For Example:
- Buy your 20$ box of marines. Buy your 10$ space wolf upgrades with all the teeth and skulls and talismans you need to make them Space Wolf Space marines.
++So for 30$ you get your 10 marines for your factions kitted with weapons to make them tactical, grey hunters, long fangs, vanguards etc...

Fire all the painters/modelers in house. Hire graphic designers and just digitally paint everything from the 3d designs for marketing use.

Allow FLGS to start selling online again. Make them your Allies

Sponsor and host tournaments, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Partner with all the great individuals or companies out there doing painting, custom work, making batreps, and hosting tournaments.
- Look at what magic the gathering and pokemon/Yu-gi-oh have done.

Make community web forums that GW would monitor and respond to.

Hire play testers and collect feedback from the community and fix the balance issues of some codexes, units etc...

Stop licensing your IP to crappy game developers and put out quality products like the DOW series. Make a MOBA style game thats FTP and of high quality. Get kids into the game via video games that are actually good.

Sell more branded merchandise, like previously mentioned.

I'm sure there more... but i have to get back to work

A lot of this stuff would be great. How about organising a loose group of playtesters. They play games using proposed rules on off days using prewritten lists and provide feedback to the game designers. A lot of people would be happy at the chance to play the game for a small salary with a discount for models.

I'd give myself a life-size Space Marine Rhino as a company car.

I have no idea how to run a business.

Free Rules: After all, GW is a miniatures company and this *is* the age of smartphones...it would be easier to push out updates and you wouldn't have to worry about separate erratas, etc.

Port More Fantasy Units to 40k: Units that can be used for both Fantasy and 40k without issue are fun. Yes we have Daemons, but think of the fun to be had with 40k-ified Warshrines, Mangler Squigs, Ogryn Promethiumbellies, etc.

Never Skip Leg Day: We have a lot of spare torsos and arms lying around. A Sprue of Marine Legs would help clean up the bit box.

Less UOPs: In the Lego fan base, POOP is slang for a "Piece with
Only One Purpose." An example being the Rock Thrower Arm from Rock Raiders. A UOP is usually a big model with no load out options, duality, etc. (Hi Toxicrene)

 KaptinBadrukk wrote:
Lower their prices by 25-50%.

Your ruined in 2 months...