What Now for Warhamer 40k?
I have to say this has been the most ridiculous year for 40k in the entire time I have been played!
I posted this article up on my blog a few days ago, now BoLS asked me to post it here to get some discussion going.
Wow!
What a crazy year!
I have to say this has been the most ridiculous year for 40k in the entire time I have been played. Never have I seen so much change in such a short time. To put things in perspective, here are the major book releases for Warhammer 40k in 2014. Sorry if I am off on the exact dates.
- Tyranids Codex – Jan. 11th 2014
- Imperial Knights Codex – Mar. 8th 2014
- Crimson Slaughter Codex – Mar. 15th 2014
- Militarum Tempestus Codex – Apr. 5th 2014
- Astra Militarum Codex – Apr. 12th 2014
- Warhammer 40k 7th Edition – May. 24th 2014
- Orks Codex – Jun 28th 2014
- Waaagh Ghazghkull Supplement – July 5th 2014
- Sanctus Reach: The Red Waaagh! – July 12th 2014
- Space Wolf Codex – Aug. 9th 2014
- Sanctus Reach: Hour of the Wolf – Aug. 23rd 2014
- Grey Knight Codex – Aug. 23rd 2014
- Dark Eldar Codex – Sept. 27th 2014
- Haemonculus Covens Supplement – Oct. 11th 2014
- Shield of Baal: Leviathan – Nov. 15th 2014
- Blood Angels Codex – Dec. 12th 2014
- Shield of Baal: Exterminatus – Dec. 20th 2014
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Necrons Codex – Dec. 26th? 2014
This doesn’t even include the multitudes of new models, starter sets, digital only products, and Warhammer Fantasy releases. Games Workshop has been a very busy boy to say the least. We will see eight, count them 8 standard codex releases in one year, truly amazing!
The proliferation of Dataslates and the new psychic phase has altered the game dramatically. Still, most negative hobbyists find themselves frothing at Unbound and the “blandness” of all the new codexes. The criticisms are valid, but the constant negativity has weighed down any constructive discussions, devolving into nothing more than jealous rages against those who dare still enjoy the hobby.
At a business level GW has had major change as well, with a new CEO, the closing of the Chapterhouse debacle, and the cratering of their stock price. Even still GW is running a profit, which most seem to gloss over and shouldn’t go unnoticed. Until we start seeing GW in the negative don’t expect huge structural changes anytime soon.
As for the game itself I am having a blast, all the releases don’t bother me, I have self-control, picking and choosing what content I want. It seems GW has steadied the ship somewhat from a design standpoint. My main problem going forward, and has the been same one for quite some time is too much secrecy! Many players are blindsided by all these new releases; if only we had a clearer view of GW’s plans I think folks could digest all the new easier. Something as simple as a showing a release schedule for the coming year, with titles only would suffice. Player speculation would abound, creating buzz around products without giving anything away. It won’t happen, but peeps can dream.
What we can expect for 2015 is common sense speculation and some surprises. It is safe to assume we will see the codex cycle begin again as Chaos Space Marines should be up next. If the Blood Angels are any indication, expect the Cult Troops moved permanently to the Elite slot without Lords making them Troop choices. As well, I bet the basic Chaos Space Marine gets redone with those new larger bases. After Chaos Space Marines who knows! The design team is well aware of Eldar being a problem, so maybe they jump ahead of other armies to get nerfed. Once all the 6th armies get redone we will see how balanced 7th really is.
GW will hit us with some surprises, I am hoping for Vect to make a mighty return, along with the long rumored plastic Greater Daemons. If you were looking for shockers I imagine plastic Sisters of Battles or a new skirmish level game be at the top of the list. The campaigns being put out have been fantastic, so let us hope they continue, I can see three more campaigns happening for 2015. Personally, I want Necrons vs. Eldar, Daemons/Chaos Space Marines vs. Grey Knights/Inquisition, and Sisters vs. Dark Eldar. Surely none will happen, but those combinations would be classic and exciting.
Overall, 2015 will be more defining as the changes begun in 2014 will take hold, and as long as GW doesn’t release 8th edition I think the game will grow stronger.
What are you hoping from Warhammer 40k in the new year?
By the way, check out my blog Blood of Kittens anytime, been going strong for over five years!
