Britain's biggest gaming company is not a household name, despite its parent company being valued at £6 billion. Warhammer, the popular fantasy game created by three self-confessed geeks in 1975, has become a global phenomenon with a loyal fan base. The company, Games Workshop, started as a mail order board games business and grew into an FTSE 100 darling.
The secret to its enduring appeal lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests. Warhammer is not just a game, but a hobby that encompasses painting detailed figures, reading rules, immersive gameplay, storytelling, and community. This emphasis on creativity and world-building has made it appealing to people from all walks of life.
Games Workshop's success can be attributed to several factors, including its smart business decisions, such as creating Warhammer in 1983 as a war game that required customers to buy entire armies. This move helped the company expand globally and cater to a broader audience. The recent Amazon-produced film and TV series has also removed the stigma associated with being a "geek" or a "nerd."
According to Jordan Sorcery, a Warhammer historian who has interviewed over 100 people who have worked for Games Workshop, the company made smart business decisions by creating Warhammer in 1983. This move helped expand the game globally and cater to a broader audience.
The company's appeal has broadened thanks to popular franchises such as Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones, which have removed the stigma associated with being a "geek" or a "nerd." Additionally, product line updates have made it easier for new fans to get into the hobby.
Warhammer World, planned for opening in the US, has the potential to open up Games Workshop and Warhammer to a whole new army of fans. The company's recent success is partly down to this global expansion, according to Charles Hall, head of research at Peel Hunt.
For many players, the sense of belonging is what draws them to the game. Euan Bennington, treasurer of Derby University's growing Warhammer Society, said that he most valued the "sense of belonging" among fellow members, who shared his passion for the game. Many players appreciate a calmer, alcohol-free space in which to socialize and enjoy their hobby.
The company's high margin products represent affordable luxuries for many fans. Despite being high margin, models are something people view as an "essential spend." For these fans, Warhammer is more than just a game; it's a way of life that provides a sense of belonging and emotional fulfillment.
The secret to its enduring appeal lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests. Warhammer is not just a game, but a hobby that encompasses painting detailed figures, reading rules, immersive gameplay, storytelling, and community. This emphasis on creativity and world-building has made it appealing to people from all walks of life.
Games Workshop's success can be attributed to several factors, including its smart business decisions, such as creating Warhammer in 1983 as a war game that required customers to buy entire armies. This move helped the company expand globally and cater to a broader audience. The recent Amazon-produced film and TV series has also removed the stigma associated with being a "geek" or a "nerd."
According to Jordan Sorcery, a Warhammer historian who has interviewed over 100 people who have worked for Games Workshop, the company made smart business decisions by creating Warhammer in 1983. This move helped expand the game globally and cater to a broader audience.
The company's appeal has broadened thanks to popular franchises such as Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones, which have removed the stigma associated with being a "geek" or a "nerd." Additionally, product line updates have made it easier for new fans to get into the hobby.
Warhammer World, planned for opening in the US, has the potential to open up Games Workshop and Warhammer to a whole new army of fans. The company's recent success is partly down to this global expansion, according to Charles Hall, head of research at Peel Hunt.
For many players, the sense of belonging is what draws them to the game. Euan Bennington, treasurer of Derby University's growing Warhammer Society, said that he most valued the "sense of belonging" among fellow members, who shared his passion for the game. Many players appreciate a calmer, alcohol-free space in which to socialize and enjoy their hobby.
The company's high margin products represent affordable luxuries for many fans. Despite being high margin, models are something people view as an "essential spend." For these fans, Warhammer is more than just a game; it's a way of life that provides a sense of belonging and emotional fulfillment.
. I mean, isn't £6 billion enough? Do they really need to expand into new territories? It's just going to lead to overcrowding and higher prices for those of us who already are obsessed with Warhammer 
. And don't even get me started on how it's going to affect the community - it's not the same as having a local gathering space where people can hang out without being judged 
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I know some fans might say they're worth it, but to me, that's just a fancy way of saying "I'm willing to pay more because I'm desperate".
. games workshop is still kinda niche but at least they're making a name for themselves by catering to people's weird hobbies 
. those fans who pay top dollar for their models are just really desperate to feel part of something 
. warhammer world in the us? more like warhammer world of tourists 
. can't say i'm surprised they're trying to tap into popular franchises, that's just good business sense 
but seriously, what's next? gaming companies going mainstream and ruining the whole thing? 
it's not just about the game itself, but about the community that comes with it. and i think we could learn a thing or two from how they've managed to make gaming more accessible and inclusive 
. People aren't just playing the game for themselves, but for others who share their passion too. And that sense of belonging is what keeps them coming back for more 
. It's not just a game, it's a hobby that lets you express yourself creatively. And the fact that popular franchises like Marvel and Lord of the Rings are involved has helped get rid of the stigma around being a "nerd" 
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I've always wondered how something like Warhammer can be so popular, especially with all the different age groups and interests involved. It makes total sense now that it's not just about the games themselves but also about the community and creativity around them 
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. Now, with the recent Amazon-produced film & TV series, Warhammer's lost that stigma of being "geeky" 
. I'm rooting for the upcoming Warhammer World US project - it could bring in a whole new army of fans! 
I think this is a great reminder to find your tribe and community, you know? It's not just about what we're passionate about, but also where our passions intersect with others. For Euan Bennington, it was the "sense of belonging" that kept him coming back for more. And it's true, sometimes all it takes is finding people who share your interests to make life more enjoyable. That's why Games Workshop's emphasis on community and socializing has been such a key factor in its success 
they're literally changing the world one miniature at a time 
but seriously, the sense of belonging is what makes warhammer so special. it's like, you find your tribe and you're never alone again 
. I'm really excited about Warhammer World opening in the US, it could be a game-changer for the company. And yeah, I get what Euan said about the sense of belonging being a big part of it... when you find people who share your passion, it's like you've found your tribe 
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I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of this amazing community of creatives and fans? The fact that Warhammer has become a global phenomenon is no surprise, given its inclusive nature 
The company's willingness to adapt and expand into new markets is also a huge win for its fanbase 
. And the best part? People from all walks of life are joinin' in on the fun! That sense of belonging is what keeps 'em comin' back for more, and I think that's super cool 
. The creativity, the world-building... it's all part of what makes Warhammer so appealing 
. Now they're expanding into the US and it's gonna be interesting to see how that plays out 
They've done a great job of catering to different interests and making Warhammer appealing to everyone. I mean, who wouldn't want to paint miniatures and build armies? It's like a hobby, not just a game 
. Players are willing to spend money on these high-margin models because they're an essential part of their hobby, not just a game 
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