There’s an easy way for Games Workshop to fix shorting everyone the new Lion El’Jonson model with an MTO Made To Order offering, but so far, they are unapologetic.
GW has put many sold-out or fan-favorite items on MTO (even semi-exclusive) when people really wanted them, so where is The Lion’s MTO offering?
Their website (here in the States, at least) crashed minutes after the model went up for pre-order, and stores were limited to three each, meaning getting it from your local store isn’t easy either.
However, this isn’t the first time Games Workshop has messed up a big release in terms of stock. With Indomitus, Cursed City, Imperial Knights Battleforce (for stores), etc., GW gave customers an option and put it on MTO once the original stock sold out.
With the Lion model still selling for $250-$300 on the secondary market, this would be an excellent option if you ask us! Even if you don’t get the item right away, you’re guaranteed the Lion Retineue Box for the actual retail price!
Plus, it’s a bump in sales for Games Workshop as well because this will surely be priced higher than the single release for the Lion that many are saying is sure to come this spring.
Where is The Lion MTO At?
While the model will be released eventually, the exclusive box comes with Bladeguard and two excellent pieces of artwork (and people have waited years for this). We’ve talked quite extensively about the issues with the release, but GW could fix it all by putting this on MTO!
While you would have to wait a little while (until GW gets their stock produced for it in about 180ish days normally), you wouldn’t have to scrounge on the secondary market and would be guaranteed a model for the retail price.
There is also the possibility that GW isn’t doing MTO because the kit is coming out soon on its own, but based on our polls of hobbyists and stores alike, we think an MTO for this box and the separate release could in fact co-exist and generate good sales for everyone!
Plus, this isn’t just a random idea from us; Games Workshop has done this many times when something sells out, and people get upset over not being able to score it.
Take for instance the 9th edition launch box, Indomitus; it was basically the exact same thing. Technically, they were exclusive, and the models inside would eventually come out on their own. However, that didn’t stop GW from putting it on Made to Order after the release debacle, and hobbyists and stores everywhere we upset they missed out on the release.
Plus, not only did the big box go on MTO, but all the smaller versions of the starter set boxes did just fine sales-wise when they were released as well.
Either way, this is just not a good look from Games Workshop when no one can really get a release, yet again.
You were great once Games Workshop, and we’re here for it when you’re great again. You could start by putting the Lion Guard Retinue on MTO, and build goodwill that 10th Edition Warhammer 40k won’t be the debacle many of us think it’s shaping up to be with your recent behavior.
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Would you order The Lion El’jonson model if GW put this box on MTO Made To Order?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
