Games Workshop canceled its big Warhammer previews for Dallas Open, the day after huge Horus Heresy leaks flooded the internet.
Updated on May 14th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest previews and updates from GW themselves.
Games Workshop just pulled the plug on its highly anticipated Warhammer preview at the Dallas Open 2025—and the timing’s no mystery. Horus Heresy leaks have blasted across the internet, and GW’s response may have been to cancel the teaser with video games (yes, really)
Which decision came first? We will never know. However, they gave us another date to look forward to and hints at another big preview.
What Happened to This Preview
The Horus Heresy leaks had the internet foaming like a bad batch of Nuln Oil, and it’s hard to imagine that doesn’t have something to do with the cancellation. The leak wasn’t just a few sprue shots; we’re talking full-on, boxes and miniature pics. GW went silent, then trolled hard, and even pulled the preview altogether.
Coincidence? About as likely as a Bloodthirster winning a stealth contest.
Now, before anyone rage-flips their painting station, GW put up a post saying there are 399 hours until something big (they say planetfall). We’re guessing that the preview content is still coming, just not in Dallas.
From the post and timing, we think they are aiming for May 29 (another Heresy Thursday?), but whether that’ll be tied to another event or just a standard online rollout is still foggier than a Catachan jungle.
Here’s where it gets more curious. The canceled preview wasn’t just scrapped and forgotten—it’s been swapped for what GW is calling an “epic Game Night.” Sounds fun, and maybe it will be.
Attendees are getting a 4v4 Space Marine 2 tournament with $500 in store credit, a giant Space Hulk session with action figures (yes, really), and Warhammer+ shows on the arena screen.
It’s basically a Warhammer hobby convention’s chaotic cousin, all rolled out just a week before the event date.
So, is this GW testing a new format for live events? Maybe. Here’s why it’s concerning:
…we’re shifting the Thursday night activity from a preview night to an epic Game Night – and hopefully starting a new tradition for years to come!
Swapping reveals for social games and cinematic marathons could be a way to ease off the spoiler risk without killing the hype. But it also raises questions.
Are the days of massive live previews with roaring crowds and surprise miniature reveals over? Does this mean no more previews at the US Open? Gen Con? LVO in October? Are Monday previews all we have left to look forward to now?
Until May 29 rolls around, it’s all speculation. But one thing’s clear: If you’re planning to attend any events soon, don’t count on the classic preview format sticking around. Keep an eye on that schedule—and maybe start training for oversized Space Hulk.
Now, let’s look at what we are expecting to see at the preview (whenever it happens).
Heresy Heat Incoming
The Games Workshop preview on May 22 was shaping up to be more than just another look at upcoming kits—it might just be the prologue to a full-blown Horus Heresy shake-up.
With that “400 hours (actually 399 hours)” countdown post pointing straight at May 23rd, all signs suggest that Dallas could have serve as the teaser stage for something much bigger, dropping the week after. Horus Heresy Thursday, anyone?
Let’s be real—GW doesn’t drop massive hints without backing them up. That countdown doesn’t scream “new paint range.”
No, this felt like a setup (mainly because it’s a Horus Heresy post)—lay the narrative groundwork at Dallas, show a few silhouettes, maybe roll out a cinematic or model or two, and then come crashing in with the full reveal a few days later.
Classic GW preview pacing, just with added bolter fire.
And with the Third Edition starter set leaks already out in the wild, it would make sense to lean into the hype. The Saturnine Dreadnought, MkII Legionaries, new Praetors—all that plastic doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A box this loaded needs a runway, and Dallas was that runway.
What’s Next for 40k Previews?
If you’re a fan of the fiery Salamanders, the stout-hearted Leagues of Votann, or the steadfast Imperial Fists, it seems like there’s something cool on the horizon for everyone.
This time, the rumors, courtesy of Valrak, are for new chapter models that have been a bit overlooked (and maybe because some will be in the Cavill Amazon series).
Here’s a breakdown of the latest rumored Space Marine models said to be coming in 2025:
- Old Armor Marks in Primaris Size: It looks like GW might rerelease older Space Marine armor marks in one universal size that ends the Primaris vs. Firstborn designation.
- LVO Previews: GW’s latest 40k Roadmap looks to show new Black Templars and Salamanders “On the Horizon”
- Assault Terminators: A newly designed and scaled dedicated close-combat-focused kit.
- Updated Lysander Model: A new version of the Imperial Fists hero, potentially with a leadership role update.
- New Land Speeder Variants: Speculated to replace or update the Scout Land Speeder.
- Multi-Part Outriders Kit: Customizable bikers with new weapon options and possibly a character model.
- Vanguard Veterans: Overhauled elite warriors, rumored to align with the Primaris aesthetic.
- Raven Guard Character: A shadowy addition to their stealth-focused roster?
- Iron Hands Terminator Character: Likely a new named figure to bolster their bionics-heavy style?
- New Salamanders Character Vulkan He’stan: A long-overdue refresh for the Salamanders’ fiery leader?
- White Scars Jet Bike Character: A high-speed addition, possibly hinting at further jet bike expansions.
Let’s break it down and see what’s potentially coming for the Emperor’s finest. Just remember, these are rumors, so nothing is confirmed for new Space Marines until Games Workshop reveals it!
“The Future”
Last but not least, we’ve got this shadowy little teaser of a miniature. I mean, come on—it’s clearly a Space Marine. But take a closer look at the art, and boom—it screams classic Raven Guard vibes, straight out of the old-school GW playbook. But of course, these are rumors, so even though we think it, it’s not true until GW says it!
There’ve been whispers floating around about a potential rework for them, and this? This feels like the first real breadcrumb. Raven Guard players, it might be time to let the hype engines warm up.
And honestly, it tracks—they’re the sneaky types. Of course, they wouldn’t just barge in and announce new goodies. Stealth mode engaged.
Final Thoughts
GW’s decision to cancel the Dallas Warhammer preview doesn’t feel random—it feels like a tactical retreat after Horus Heresy leaks blew the lid off.
Now, all eyes are on May 23rd for the rescheduled reveal. Whether it’s tied to an event or just an online drop, it’s clear GW may be rethinking how it handles big announcements.
In the meantime, Dallas is shifting gears with game nights, oversized Space Hulk, and $500 prizes for digital bolter kills. If this format sticks, future events might lean less on reveals and more on experience.
And if you’ve got thoughts on this pivot—or theories on what’s coming—drop a comment below. We’re all in the same drop pod now.
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