Hold onto your dice; Steamforged Games has acquired Warhammer 40k competitor Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms from Privateer Press!
That’s right, the realm that includes Warmachine, Hordes, Formula P3 Paints, and more is now under new management. This acquisition marks a new era for Steamforged Games and is set to shake things up in the tabletop gaming industry.
“Important news! Here at Steamforged, we are beyond excited to announce we’ve acquired the incredible Iron Kingdoms universe from our friends at Privateer Press, including Warmachine, Formula P3 Paint, the Iron Kingdoms RPG, & more.”
GW Competitor Privateer Press Sells Out, Warmachine Has New Owners
Steamforged Games didn’t hold back on the excitement in their official statement. Here’s the press release straight from their blog:
Welcome to the Iron Kingdoms.
“We’ve got important news to share with you all. Here at Steamforged, we are beyond excited to announce we’ve acquired the incredible Iron Kingdoms universe from our friends at Privateer Press. This includes the award-winning miniature fantasy wargame, Warmachine; the hobby and painting line, Formula P3 Paint; the Iron Kingdoms roleplaying series, and many more titles.”
Forging A New Era
Both companies are buzzing with excitement about this colossal shift. Of course, navigating the waters of mergers and acquisitions can be tricky, but Steamforged Games seems ready to sail this ship. Privateer Press isn’t just handing over the keys and disappearing; they’ll be aiding the transition, ensuring a smooth handover of the IP.
Warmachine Battled Warhammer 40k
Warmachine and its fantasy counterpart, Hordes, offered an alternative to Warhammer 40k for a number of years with their unique steampunk aesthetics, deep lore, and innovative gameplay mechanics. They even brought their own hobby supplies to the market with Formula P3 Paints, competing directly with Warhammer’s Citadel Paints.
Privateer Press has long been the scrappy contender squaring off against the juggernaut that is Warhammer 40k. Think of it as the Rocky Balboa of tabletop games, always ready to throw a punch and make a mark.
But Warmachine’s competitive edge really set it apart. This game wasn’t just about collecting and painting miniatures—it was about tactical mastery and strategic depth. The intricate balance of resource management and combat mechanics demanded skill and precision, attracting players who loved the challenge of outthinking their opponents on the battlefield. Warmachine tournaments were intense, high-stakes affairs, drawing a passionate community of competitive players.
Privateer Press also made waves with their Formula P3 Paints, offering hobbyists a new palette to bring their miniatures to life, directly competing with Warhammer’s Citadel Paints. It was like Pepsi squaring off against Coke but with better colors and tiny brushes.
However, the story of Warmachine isn’t without its rocky moments. The launch of the 4th edition, which many hoped would breathe new life into the game, instead stumbled out of the gate. Changes that were meant to streamline and enhance gameplay left many long-time fans feeling alienated.
The competitive community, which had been the backbone of Warmachine’s success, saw a significant exodus as hobbyists moved on to other games. It was a tough blow for a game that prided itself on its strategic complexity and dedicated fanbase.
Despite these challenges, Privateer Press continued to push forward, but the damage was done. The once-thriving tournaments became smaller, and the vibrant community began to splinter. It was a David and Goliath story where David took a few too many hits.
Regardless, Privateer Press didn’t just compete with Warhammer 40k—they offered a compelling, competitive alternative that stood on its own merits. While the launch of 4th edition was a misstep that caused many hobbyists to leave, the acquisition by Steamforged Games opens up exciting new possibilities.
Company Transition FAQs
When these awesome games join the Steamforged family, they’re all about keeping you in the know. Here’s the deal:
Get in on the Community
To stay in the loop, sign up for the Steamforged newsletter, hop on their Discord (now with special Iron Kingdoms channels), and give them a follow on social media.
Warmachine Facebook Group
They’re snagging the Warmachine Facebook group too, so you’ll still get the updates there.
Website Orders
The transition is in full swing, and the range is moving to the new website as we speak. Orders will reopen later this week. Right now, the main focus is on the Warmachine and Iron Kingdoms RPG lines. Stay tuned for more information on Formula P3 Paint, Warcaster, Riot Quest, and others coming this Thursday (6th).
Existing Orders
Don’t fret! Even though there might be a slight delay while things stabilize, any orders placed with Privateer Press will be honored and dispatched. Rest assured, everything will be delivered as promised.
Guild Ball & Godtear
Plans for Guild Ball and Godtear remain unchanged. For Guild Ball, Steamforged will continue working with the GBCP, regularly posting updates, supporting community events with the newly announced prize support, and staying active on Discord. Models will still be available to order, and the starter set will remain free to download. As for Godtear, a sneak peek at the new champion joining the lineup was recently shared! Did you catch it?
Adding Warmachine to the family is hoped to further strengthen and grow the Steamforged Games miniature gaming community, encouraging gamers from both sides to try out the other.
Gen Con Events
All scheduled Gen Con events for Warmachine and Warcaster are still on.
Looking To The Future of the Iron Kingdoms
From a personal standpoint, Steamforged Games feels like a perfect match for the Iron Kingdoms. Their Guild Ball setting shows they understand the blend of narrative and tactical gameplay that fans love. Plus, Steamforged has a solid track record with RPGs, making this acquisition a major win for them.
Overall, this partnership promises to bring fresh adventures and innovations to the tabletop community. It’s like a breath of fresh air, blending the creative strengths of both companies to forge something truly epic. So, stay tuned for June 6th, and get ready for the next chapter in the Iron Kingdoms saga!
What do you think about the SFG acquisition from Privateer Press?
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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.
