Rumors point to a GW Warhammer preview next Thursday at the Tacoma Open, featuring upcoming releases, cancellations, and more!
It’s been months without a preview for any of GW’s major games (or minor ones…), but we might finally get a preview filled with new miniatures very soon! Let’s hope they have been saving up the new minis because things are dry out there.
RUMORS: New GW Preview Coming Next Thursday At Tacoma Open
GW Previews: Historical Patterns and Expectations
If you’ve been in the hobby for a while, you know GW likes to drop previews without too much warning and generally around the same time each year. Their knack for dropping last-minute preview announcements is becoming legendary. Take 2023’s “Not Warhammer” preview, for instance. Announced on June 26th and aired on July 1st, it left fans scrambling to clear their schedules (well, the ones who don’t play 40k).
Now, with nearly two months since the last preview, the rumor mill is churning with speculation about what’s coming next. Could the Tacoma Open be the stage for another surprise reveal? All signs point to yes.
The “Not Warhammer” Preview “Case Study”
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to the “Not Warhammer” preview. It was a great way to generate hype for anything that wasn’t 40k. Games Workshop teased the community just enough to keep everyone guessing. The reveal itself? A mix of expected updates and a few curveballs that had fans buzzing.
This playbook has set a precedent for how Games Workshop handles its announcements, letting you know just days ahead to not let the hype die.
Current Hype Cycle and Community Expectations
Fast forward to now, and the Warhammer community (oh, puns) is itching for the next big thing. With no previews for almost two months, which is practically an eternity in Games Workshop time, the excitement is palpable. Fans are speculating on forums, sharing wishlists, and predicting the content of the next big reveal.
The Tacoma Open could very well be the perfect venue to break the silence and kickstart the next wave of Warhammer hype with a huge GW preview.
Upcoming Releases & Rumored Cancellations
Warhammer 40k Codex Books
Brace yourselves; new Warhammer 40k codex books are on the horizon! The next wave of updates promises to shake up the meta and breathe new life into your armies. Whether you’re a loyalist, heretic, or xenos enthusiast, there’s something exciting in store (hopefully).
The community is abuzz with speculation about which factions will get the spotlight next. Will it be the long-suffering Imperial Guard finally getting some love, or perhaps it’s time for the haughty Aeldari? Only time (and a cheeky GW Tacoma preview) will tell.
Warhammer: The Old World Updates
Ah, Warhammer: The Old World. The nostalgic heart of many a tabletop general. We hope more updates are on the way, promising to expand this beloved universe. Fans are eagerly anticipating new lore, models, and perhaps even some long-forgotten factions making a triumphant return. The whispers of new content have the community speculating wildly, and the Tacoma Open might just be where these dreams become reality.
At this point, they may need to release more factions to keep people interested.
Fate of Blood Bowl, Warcry, and Warhammer Underworlds
Rumors are swirling about the fate of Blood Bowl, Warcry, and Warhammer Underworlds. Will they continue to see new content, or are they on the chopping block? The community is divided, with some hoping for a resurgence and others bracing for potential farewells. Games Workshop has been tight-lipped, but the upcoming preview could shed some much-needed light on the future of these fan-favorite games.
New 4th Edition Age of Sigmar Releases
Stormcasts and Skaven
The Age of Sigmar is about to get a whole lot more interesting. New 4th Edition releases for Stormcast Eternals and Skaven are on the horizon (and Skaventide here). These updates promise to shake up the battlefield with new models, rules, and lore. Stormcast Eternals, the golden boys (and girls) of Sigmar, are set to receive reinforcements that will make them even more formidable.
Meanwhile, the Skaven, those sneaky ratmen, are ready to unleash their latest schemes and contraptions. It’s a great time to be an Age of Sigmar player! We expect to see plenty more with the next preview!
Follow-Up Releases
Age of Sigmar “Nesting Doll” Starter Sets
As with any major release, Skaventide is just the beginning. Games Workshop has a history of following up launch boxes with additional sets and expansions. These follow-up releases provide even more options to customize and bolster your army. Whether it’s new units, heroes, or accessories, you can expect a steady stream of Skaven goodness to keep your collection growing.
Battletome Roadmap
What’s a new edition without a battletome roadmap? Games Workshop has teased a comprehensive plan that will guide the Age of Sigmar community through the next wave of releases. This roadmap is set to include detailed updates for various factions, ensuring that every player has something to look forward to. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, the battletome roadmap is your ticket to staying ahead of the game.
Games Workshop’s Marketing & Hype Strategies
The Pre-Recorded Format Shift
Gone are the days of live streams fraught with technical difficulties and awkward pauses. Games Workshop has embraced the pre-recorded format for their previews, and it’s a game-changer. These polished presentations allow them to deliver content with a level of finesse that live broadcasts simply can’t match. Crisp visuals, smooth transitions, and well-timed reveals make for an engaging viewing experience. Plus, it gives them the flexibility to keep things under wraps until the perfect moment.
Building Anticipation and Engagement
Games Workshop has turned building anticipation into an art form. They know exactly how to tease just enough to keep us all hooked. A cryptic social media post here, a tantalizing trailer there, and before you know it, the community is buzzing with speculation. Their strategy is simple yet effective: give the fans something to talk about and let the hype build organically. It’s a masterclass in engagement, keeping us all on the edge of our seats.
Community Reactions and Feedback
Of course, no marketing strategy is complete without listening to the fans. Games Workshop has become adept at gauging community reactions and incorporating feedback into their plans (sometimes…). They monitor forums, social media, and event feedback to understand what the community wants and sometimes make decisions based on it. This responsive approach not only keeps fans happy but also ensures that each new release is met with eager anticipation.
The pre-recorded format, combined with active community engagement, creates a cycle of hype and satisfaction that strives to keep the Warhammer universe thriving.
The Role of Events in Games Workshop’s Strategy
Importance of the Tacoma Open and a GW Preview
Events like the Tacoma Open are more than just gatherings of enthusiastic hobbyists; they’re strategic opportunities for Games Workshop to showcase what’s next. The Tacoma Open, with its buzzing atmosphere and engaged community, serves as the perfect backdrop for unveiling new products and stirring up excitement. It’s a stage where Games Workshop can directly interact with their fanbase, gauge reactions, and build momentum for upcoming releases.
In essence, it’s ground zero for the Warhammer hype machine.
Event Coverage and Community Impact
Covering these events extends beyond the venue. With live streams, social media updates, and community forums abuzz with real-time reactions, the impact is far-reaching. Games Workshop leverages this coverage to amplify their announcements, ensuring that even those who can’t attend in person feel included. This broad reach helps to create a unified sense of anticipation and engagement across the Warhammer community, making each event a focal point for discussion and speculation.
Predictions and Speculations
Ah, the age-old pastime of Warhammer fans: predictions and speculations. With each event, the community dives into a frenzy of guesses about what might be revealed. The Tacoma Open is no exception. Will we see new models for Warhammer 40k? A full roadmap for AoS? Or maybe even a glimpse into the future of Warhammer: The Old World?
The guessing game is part of the fun, and Games Workshop knows how to play it well. By dropping hints and teasers, they keep the community engaged and eager for more.
What’s Next From Games Workshop?
When it comes to Warhammer, anticipation and speculation are constants. The upcoming preview at the Tacoma Open has fans on the edge of their seats, awaiting the next big reveal if it happens.
Games Workshop’s strategy of blending last-minute announcements, a steady stream of new releases (usually), and a deep understanding of their community’s desires have kept the hype machine well-oiled and running smoothly. Whether you’re a die-hard Warhammer 40k general, a nostalgic Old World enthusiast, or an Age of Sigmar tactician, there’s always something on the horizon to get excited about.
Do you think we’ll see a new Games Workshop preview at the Tacoma Open this year?
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.
