Games Workshop will probably never say Orktober again in any official marketing capacity, and there is a pretty good reason why.
So, here’s the thing. Games Workshop (GW) rarely fumbles their marketing, but when it comes to Orktober, they basically handed every other miniature company a shiny, green gift on a silver platter. And let’s be honest, they never really made the most of it themselves in the first place.
Why Games Workshop Will Never Say “Orktober” Again – But Everyone Else Will!
Let’s Take It Back to 2018…
Back in 2018, Ork players were living the dream! GW was hyping up the biggest Ork releases since 2014 with the new (8th edition) codex and the Speed Freeks box. Orktober was in full swing, and life was great. Ork players finally had their moment in the sun.
But then, the twist—everything they talked about that October? It didn’t actually hit shelves until November! Classic GW move, right? And ever since, they’ve been pretty quiet about Orktober.
Meanwhile, in the Rest of the Miniatures World…
Fast forward to today, and while GW seems to have ghosted Orktober, the rest of the miniatures world has fully embraced it! Seriously, go online in October, and it’s like Orks everywhere. Companies like Kromlech, Artel W, Puppets War, Wargame Exclusive, and others have turned Orktober into their own little Ork fest, complete with discounts, new releases, and, frankly, a whole lot of fun.
Orktober: It’s Now a Community Thing
But here’s the silver lining: thanks to GW’s slip-up, Orktober has become a fan-driven celebration, and other companies have been killing it. You’ve got Artel W doing cool things like letting fans vote on their favorite Ork units for weekly discounts. Puppets War is dropping 20% off all their Orc minis and even an Orktober exclusive model (how cool is that?). And then there’s Kromlech, which is straight-up unleashing new Ork models, like a green tidal wave.
Let’s check out some of thier promotions for this year!
Save on Your Favorite Artel W Orc Squads!
They are doing something a little different this year; they actually let people vote on their favorite Ork units and then discount them that week! So, if you want a certain unit cheaper, let them know which is your favorite, and you’ll save a bunch of cash!
This month, they’re dropping the price of all their Orc-related minis and files, including an Orktober exclusive model, by a whopping 20% off! Get your Puppetswar minis and files here!
Deadly Print Studio New FXs & Big Discounts!
The team at the studio decided it was time to bring something awesome for this special time of year. You asked for it, and boom – here it is! The Big Mek, packed with all the FX goodness! Oh, and don’t forget – there’s a sweet 20% discount on all ork FX over on the website with the code “orktober” until the end of October!
Kromlech Releases New Greatcoat Korps Ork Alternatives!
The Verdict: GW Won’t Say Orktober, But That’s Cool!
At this point, it’s pretty clear GW has decided to quietly pretend Orktober never happened. I mean, they could have just embraced it every year and kept Ork players hyped! They release new Space Marine minis at least three times a year—why not toss some love Orks’ way?
But hey, no hard feelings. Orktober has grown into its own thing, fueled by the community and some amazing third-party mini-makers. So, while GW may never officially revive Orktober, the rest of us will keep celebrating it for years to come.
What do you think, will Games Workshop ever use “Orktober” again?
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.
