Games Workshop did something new with the release of their CCW Leviathan Dreadnought and actually put their paywall in reverse.
This is probably worth taking a closer look at because, as far as well can tell, this is the first time Games Workshop has done something like this.
In an age of shrinking profits and customer base, we have been ringing the warning bell for months. Anyway you look at it, Games Workshop’s current way of doing business is not only outdated, but it’s also barely profitable at this point. When other companies like Wizards of the Coast are crushing with record profits by offering customers not only products they want but also products with value, GW really should take note.
A pivot has to be made soon by GW, as they plan their releases out up to 18 months if you believe the development interviews and such.
So in a way, this small pivot is a very good sign that GW is “getting it,” and perhaps this is the first of many release changes by them.
Games Workshop Puts Their Paywall In Reverse
Firepower-focused Praetors planning to pick up a Leviathan packing powerful ranged weapons when it arrives need not fear a lack of options, as the Close Combat Weapons Frame will also be available to order direct from the Games Workshop webstore.
This is what we’re talking about where you can grab just the CC weapons that are usable in a future release They even say this is great for those waiting for the shooty option (top missiles and nipple guns) and we might actually have to agree.
While you’ll spend $27 for the weapons direct from the webstore, it’s better than buying 2 $80 kits. As long as you magnetize all the weapons, you can get both versions for a little over $100, which is still expensive, but far better than buying two full kits.
This is actually the opposite way they do things, and while the Leviathan is expensive, this is better than the way they normally do the releases, where you have to buy all the stuff before the cheaper option.
We’re not quite sure what made them make the change, and while it’s not the best thing ever, we would much rather see this than the usual paywalls that force you to spend more money to get a unit or two.
Maybe they just thought not that many people would actually buy the siege dreadnought version and thought this was a good way to get another $27 out of people. Perhaps GW is listening to hobbyists and realizes this is a good way to give some extra value.
Or, it could always be a small attempt to stop people from 3D printing the bits?
Better Than a Normal Paywall
Kill Team Nachmund was a great example of a recent paywall where it took months to get the individual models on their own. Especially with how starved Chaos and Eldar (even though they got new minis, it had been forever) were for new stuff.
If you wanted the Chaos upgrade sprues or the Corsairs, you had to fork out nearly $200. While you did get terrain and could split the box, if all you wanted was just the minis, that’s a lot of cash.
Even if you split it, you were basically spending $100 to get a single unit. So, while it’s still expensive to get the new Leviathan weapons on their own, we’d rather see this style of paywall than the ones we were used to getting!
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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!
