Just like Hansel, counterfeiting Games Workshop is so hot right now- it’s not just miniatures anymore either it’s everything!
We’ve seen plenty of issues with IP when it comes to minis and videos, but it looks like counterfeiting of clothing, accessories, and just about everything else Games Workshop is becoming quite prevalent.
In a way, this means GW has hit the mainstream- because once you start seeing this many unlicensed products hit the black market, it means there’s a lot of people interested. So while this sucks, in a way, it does mean the hobby is growing.
There are some pretty easy ways to spot a counterfeit, so we’ll also cover some of those for you. There have even been some sites that we’ve covered, and when they had too much attention closed down their stores in hours because they were fakes.
Let’s jump into some of what we’ve found and the issue!
Counterfeiting Games Workshop is so Hot Right Now
This was some of the first stuff we saw and they shut down almost immediately after we posted their clothing. While it’s not on the same level (not even really close), this is akin to Gucci, Coach, etc… where people start taking the licensed stuff and just make whatever they want with it.
It’s becoming pretty rampant right now, so be careful. You just have no idea the quality of what you’ll actually be getting. It may be okay, but chances are if they are dodging the licensing, the products are going to be subpar. Just think of a fake handbag and how bad they hold up comparatively.
Unfortunately, this company has just switched to new website name #52 and is basically selling all the same gear (this is the home screen). We’ve even seen them advertise on Instagram on Facebook, meaning they have to be making money off these.
GW has garnered so much attention multiple companies are getting around the licensing to sell this stuff. It’s really something interesting to think about how mainstream the hobby is becoming. It’s not only clothing though, there is this potential scam as well- take a look at it below and how to avoid it.
It’s Not Just Clothes
If you see this Warhammer 40k Advent Calendar on the old interwebs it may not be exactly what it seems. This advent calendar is probably fake, but beware when you’re buying stuff online that doesn’t look legit and is selling GW products. This is a little different because it’s not just getting around the licensing to sell products, it’s basically an outright scam. Let’s check out why it is so obviously a counterfeit.
First, it doesn’t even make sense because these figures are about 6″ tall, meaning the calendar would have to be over 3 feet tall to even fit them inside. Then, the models supposedly included are just so strange. First up, the JOYTOY figures aren’t even out yet, so how could they possibly be shipping them to you?
So the figures inside just don’t seem possible at all when looking at that. The oddities don’t stop there, as one of the figures isn’t even from 40k!
The next, and maybe the biggest problem is the price. They are selling this for $49.99 (not to mention the discounts). Just the JOYTOY figures look to be about $100 and then with the price of the McFarlane figures, the Bandai Chibis, and everything else it may add up to way too much!
Hoist the Colors
Obviously, it goes without saying that a lot of folks enjoy 3d printing these days, and while some people like to fly too close to the sun by designing and/or trying to sell exact ports of Games Workshop miniatures, for the most part, the 3d printed parts seen on tabletops seem to be mostly conversions or versions of miniatures that are either out of date or stock.
And if you’re worried about GW’s Banning of 3d prints, keep in mind that they have about zero to say about day-to-day events at games stores and the majority of major tournaments worldwide. As long as conversions and models are not egregious, there is a good chance they will get the green light at your next event.
Be respectful, but always vote with your hobby dollars!
China-cast
The old 800 lb elephant in the room, resin casts of popular Forge World, and plastic kits seem to have fallen to the waist-side in this new digital world. However don’t forget business is still booming for recasters, so always be sure to check any site or listing to know exactly what you are getting.
Based on our observations some of them have even graduated to using new hybrid resins that are far superior to both plastic and GW’s finecast material, and a few of the more successful ones even have plastic injection molds for larger kits like the Imperial Knight as well.
Even Warhammer+
Yup, that’s right even the new Warhammer+ series videos are being pirated and posted on filesharing and video streaming sites across the web as soon as they hit the app. Sometimes they are even posted to YouTube as well, but generally don’t stay up there for long…
How to Tell if Something is Official
Probably the easiest way to tell if something is an official Warhammer is their graphic. Another great way is to check the main Games Workshop web store licensed product section as well, for what they say is the most current lineup of licensee products.
So if you see products out there without the logo or on the trusted list, it’s probably best to just stay away for now and save those hobby dollars for something else.
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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.
