Games Workshop (GW) has canceled its Warhammer Advent Calendar Rumor Engine for 2024, as new 40k previews will be nowhere to be found, but you can try to find Da Red Gobbo instead.
For several years, GW has brought a touch of festive excitement to Warhammer fans with the Advent Calendar Rumor Engine—a daily reveal during the holiday season, teasing new 40k miniatures and upcoming releases.
However, 2024 marks a shift, as GW has announced the cancellation of this event.
In its place, a new contest called Where’s Da Red Gobbo? will take center stage, offering prizes through the Warhammer Community site. This is definitely disappointing, but at least they are doing something else instead, and not just canceling it altogether.
Why the Change in 2024?
The 2023 Advent Engine.
The decision to take a break from the Rumor Engine in 2024 seems to be a response to several factors. While GW hasn’t acknowledged that the release schedule for Warhammer 40k has slowed down recently, it’s possible the studio felt the need to pull back from the usual barrage of teasers.
With the ever-present pressure of keeping fans excited, it seems that the traditional Advent Event wasn’t sustainable, and rather than risk burning out the community with another “Exterminatus” of overhyped reveals, GW is opting for something new.
They released this single statement on the change:
* It’s different to the usual Advent Engine, which is taking a break this year because we can’t afford another Exterminatus on the Warhammer Community oubliette.
Additionally, the past few years of Advent reveals were heavily focused on key factions like the Death Korps of Krieg, Dark Angels, and Skaven. While these miniatures were widely celebrated, the absence of such major teases in 2024 could signal that GW is prioritizing other strategies to keep fans engaged.
In place of the usual format, the new Where’s Da Red Gobbo? event invites hobbyists to participate in a scavenger hunt-like game, leading to prizes through interactive play on Warhammer Community.
The Significance of the Warhammer Advent Calendar Rumor Engine
For fans and hobbyists alike, the Advent Rumor Engine was more than just a set of cryptic images; it was a tradition that captured the thrill of upcoming releases. Each December, fans were treated to a mysterious hint at new miniatures, often fueling intense speculation.
This ritual not only fueled discussions online but also helped maintain excitement for the future of both Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar. Whether it was the introduction of new factions, expansions to existing armies, or the release of iconic miniatures, the Advent Rumor Engine built anticipation for what was next in the Warhammer AoS or 40k hobby.
What Fans Can Expect Now
While the cancellation of the Advent Rumor Engine is a major change, it doesn’t signal a lack of new content on the horizon. 2023’s focus on Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar saw the launch of new miniatures for the Death Korps of Krieg and the Dark Angels, as well as a major update for Skaven in the 4th Edition of AoS.
2022 also delivered exciting reveals, including new Eldar models and Chaos Space Marines. With 2024, GW will likely continue to focus on expanding these armies while also shifting towards a new style of engagement.
By focusing on community interaction through Where’s Da Red Gobbo?, GW is trying something to fill the void, but finding him in posts (but at least you can win a prize), just won’t have the same impact as the Advent Engines.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Warhammer?
The changes in 2024 highlight a larger trend within the Warhammer universe: an ongoing effort to adapt and innovate. As GW navigates the future of the franchise, fans are really looking forward to 2025 as a big year for Warhammer 40k, as 2024 has been a pretty long and slow road of releases.
While the absence of the Advent Rumor Engine may leave some wondering what’s next, one thing is certain—Warhammer’s appeal remains strong, and the journey forward will hopefully be thrilling, albeit in new and unexpected ways.
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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!
