Skaventide struggled to meet sales expectations, prompting Games Workshop to rethink its approach to Age of Sigmar and admit the truth about the release.
Games Workshop Admits Truth About Skaventide, and AoS 4th Edition’s Release
In the world of Warhammer, few things draw more attention than new releases, especially when tied to beloved factions like the Skaven. The recent Skaventide release, however, didn’t perform as expected, and Games Workshop has acknowledged the issue.
Despite the hype, the sales numbers just didn’t meet expectations, leaving many store owners, fans, and shareholders underwhelmed.
For those who missed the news on just how Skaventide did, Games Workshop’s quarterly trading update in September 2024 was a mixed bag. The company reported that performance was “in line with expectations” but failed to deliver the surprise dividend some shareholders hoped for.
You can make the argument that “in line with expectations” is corporate speech for “it didnt do as well as we thought it would”
Especially when last year saw a bumper payout fueled by the success of Warhammer 40k’s launch. This year’s announcement, however, came without any such bonuses, signaling a significant shift in momentum.
The Skaventide Struggle: What Went Wrong?
The Skaventide release was supposed to be a major event for the Age of Sigmar community. Skaven, the iconic ratmen of the Mortal Realms, have always had a dedicated following. Yet, despite the strong lore and their chaotic charm, this release didn’t resonate with the broader audience.
Then, on the other hand, the Stormcast is also a big draw, but not quite enough from the looks of it. It’s not hard to see why, besides moving a large swath of the range to Legends, they did it just before the release of the new Edition of Age of Sigmar and the Skaventide box.
The months leading up to the release were marked by delays in product previews, with significant gaps between major announcements and releases for 40k. This left many in the hobby feeling disconnected from the usual excitement that surrounds new launches.
Moreover, compared to the explosive launch of 40k’s 10th edition, Skaventide just didn’t bring the same level of buzz.
Another factor was likely the community’s shifting focus. As 40k continues to dominate the Warhammer ecosystem, some fans of Age of Sigmar may feel that their game isn’t getting the same attention. While Skaven have always been a fan-favorite, it seems the timing of the release didn’t align with the broader interests of the community.
A Turning Point for Games Workshop?
Games Workshop’s board highlighted that performance was “in line with expectations,” but the lack of any surprise dividend announcement left many feeling that the company isn’t seeing the same level of growth it did last year.
For a company that thrives on enthusiasm and new releases, this could be a critical moment.
However, not all hope is lost. Games Workshop has already begun offering Skaventide kits as giveaways, with rumors suggesting (and not even really rumors, as we’ve seen them as prize support) they may soon appear as prize support for larger events.
These actions indicate that the company is still invested in pushing the product, even if sales haven’t been what they hoped for. It also points to a likely clearance effort, with some expecting to see these kits hit discount retailers before the holiday season.
What’s Next for Warhammer Fans?
For both newcomers and long-time players, the mixed reception of the Skaventide release raises interesting questions about the future of Age of Sigmar. Will Games Workshop recalibrate its approach to AoS, or will it continue to double down on its successes in 40k?
One thing is certain—Games Workshop has a loyal fanbase that craves new content, and while this release didn’t live up to expectations, there are still many exciting projects on the horizon.
With 40k dominating 2024, it will be interesting to see how Games Workshop shifts its focus back to AoS and whether future releases can recapture the excitement that Skaventide struggled to achieve.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Skaventide Release
In the grand scheme of the Mortal Realms, not every scheme of the Skaven turns out to be a masterstroke. Keeping a cautious eye on Games Workshop’s moves, it’s clear that Skaventide hasn’t quite gnawed its way to the top.
But hey, the Horned Rat is nothing if not persistent. The real question now is whether GW will rework their warpstone magic for Age of Sigmar or keep their focus on Imperium’s latest 40k chapters.
Either way, whether you’re in it for the lore or the loot, there’s always a scheme brewing just over the horizon—probably with a bit less “rat” this time
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What do you think about the lack of sales for Skaventide and giveaways?
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!
