We take a look back at Games Workshop price increases from the last five years since their CFO became the CEO, and compare them to inflation.
Before we start, we know this hobby is just that, a hobby. So you can spend your hobby dollars wherever you want. This is just something interesting to look at and see how the prices for Games Workshop products hold up over the years in terms of increases versus inflation.
I opted to go with the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator as the standard for what these model kits prices should roughly be versus their original release price.
Games Workshop Price Increases Versus Inflation
In the beginning, a Land Raider (purchased circa 1999), checked out at 50 bucks. Today, that kit will run you $80.00; to some hobbyists, this is both unfair and greedy on the part of GW.
But let’s dig into these numbers…
Turns out, 50 bucks in 1999 is equal to $81.92 in 2021; so it looks like a price of 80 bucks is actually pretty fair here.
Let’s first look at what prices were like in 2016 (when this post was originally written) and then compare them to the prices of today, in 2021.
2016 Prices
I used my RobBOT 9000™ to get these prices, so there’s a distinct possibility these prices are slightly off. We may need to replace his neural-net processor.
Also, we’re using Space Marines, because they are probably the most bought minis and the easiest information to source from the depths of the Internet.
A Rhino, at $20 in 2000 should come in at $27.97; 2016’s price: $37.25. That’s a difference of about $9 over inflation.
A Drop Pod, at $30 in 2008 should cost $33.56; 2016’s price, $37.25.
A 5-man assault squad, at $25 in 2005, should cost around $30.83, 2016’s price $41. That’s a difference of nearly 25%.
10-man Tactical, at $30 in 2005, should cost around $37, 2016’s price $40.
2021 Prices
Now let’s take a look at the same kits from 2016, and compare them to their current prices.
A Rhino, at $37.25 in 2016 should come in at $42.33; today’s price, $45. That’s ~$3
A Drop Pod, at $37.25 in 2016 should cost $42.33; today’s price, $44. That’s ~$2
A 5-man assault squad, at $41 in 2016, should cost around $46.59, today’s price $49. That’s ~$2.50
10-man Tactical, at $40 in 2016, should cost around $45.45, today’s price $49. That’s ~$5
So, these prices have gone up, beyond what inflation would show, but not as much as the larger time gaps in the previous comparison which is to be expected.
Generally nothing insane, but it appears that GW may be clearly outpacing inflation with their product offerings.
New Kits: Better Minis, Higher Prices
So while the prices have raised on the old kits, new kits, that were previously unreleased, or updated is where GW is really raising the prices. Just look at the new Heavy Intercessors, you’re getting 5 guys, that don’t really cost that many points for $60.
While you get a decent amount of sprues, $60 is still a lot of cash for five guys.
The heroes are almost getting a little more out of hand because they seem to be pricing things based on how many you need, which as a business makes sense. So sometimes you’ll get a single tiny sprue, basically no plastic, but the kits run quite expensive. Paragon Warsuits run $65 for three insanely detailed sprues, to make three models.
Whereas Movenn Vahl runs $55 for a single sprue and actually fewer bits overall. We understand you only need one, still pretty pricey for one mini. Plus as we have shown above, the trend will continue past inflation.
Lastly, when kits get upgraded the price can skyrocket. Just look at Incubi, were they finecast before? Yes. Do the new ones look amazing? Yes. But they did go up $15 in price overnight for that re-design.
Does it Matter?
We all know this hobby is expensive, and if you think the models are worth it, then it is fine.
Overall Games Workshop’s miniatures have been getting better and better looking every year. While this hobby is not essential to survival, if you want to spend the money on new releases etc then do it.
Perhaps the best part of all of these increases is that there are a ton of great alternative mini companies out there. At the end of the day, you can spend your hard-earned hobby dollars wherever you choose. So voting with your hobby dollars is really the only way to make changes if you do not agree with the pricing versus value when it comes to miniatures from Games Workshop.
This is just an interesting look into how the prices increase and the pricing model GW chooses to use currently.
What do you think about the prices versus inflation? Has it made a change in how much you buy?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
