Games Workshop has faced significant challenges in delivering its highly sought-after collectibles to dedicated fans. Rather than focusing solely on its popular Warhammer models, we’re diving into the equally compelling struggle to secure its limited edition novels. Resellers often snap these up within moments of their pre-order availability, creating frustration for genuine fans. Thankfully, a solution seems on the horizon.
This past summer, Games Workshop had to cancel pre-orders for the limited edition version of the latest installment in the beloved Horus Heresy novel series, End of Ruin. The sheer demand overwhelmed their website’s servers, exacerbated by bots bypassing security measures to hoard copies. As a result, the company shut down its website for hours and apologized, delaying the release until they could figure out a way to ensure the books reached true Horus Heresy fans instead of eBay resellers.
This situation is not new for the Horus Heresy series. For instance, the last saga, Siege of Terra, which details humanity’s homeworld invasion by Horus, garnered attention not just for its epic storyline, but also for its exclusive, limited run leather-bound editions. These editions, styled to look like Warhammer artifacts, would often sell out in minutes, causing the website to crash repeatedly and leaving many fans frustrated as they watched resale prices skyrocket.
Despite the continual setbacks, Games Workshop persisted with each new release, even as fans expressed their growing discontent over the overwhelming rush for purchases. The chaos surrounding the release of End of Ruin prompted a significant response from the company. Six months later, they have rolled out a more structured plan.
On December 13, End of Ruin will be available for pre-order under a “guaranteed stock run” model. Any orders placed between December 13 and early December 24 will be guaranteed to receive a copy. The total number of copies produced will depend on demand—an approach similar to their model releases but a departure from the typical limited nature of their novel editions.
This shift towards a more inclusive approach to book sales may leave some long-time fans feeling the thrill of chasing limited editions is diluted. However, the priority of ensuring that genuine readers can access these coveted novels rather than resellers seeking quick profits is a move that should be welcomed by the community.
How does this shift affect Game Workshop’s future releases? Gamers are likely to see a similar model with future novel series, including the upcoming The Scouring, which is launching this month and is expected to feature flexible stock availability.
Are there still some who question if making these novels more accessible takes away their magic? While enthusiasts may sometimes miss the competition, the good news is that books will now reach those eager to read them rather than merely line resellers’ pockets.
What innovations is Games Workshop exploring to manage high traffic during pre-orders? They are adopting more robust online strategies and stock accountability to ensure fans can purchase without frustration.
In conclusion, this shift presents a pivotal moment for Games Workshop, encouraging a caring connection between the company and its community. It opens doors for accessibility while challenging the status quo of resales. Stay tuned for more updates and insights about your favorite Warhammer series, and feel free to explore more engaging content at Moyens I/O.