A proxied army with clearly 3D printed models on cardboard bases won a 40k tournament over the weekend igniting opinions on the matter.
Not one day after our editorial declaring Printing Free 3D 40k Models is picking up speed, an ambitious hobbyist won an event with 3D printed models and proxies.
A 3D Printed Army Finishes 1st Place at a 40k Tournament
Now it’s important to remember that the tournament in question didn’t have any kind of paint requirement or 3D printed policy in place. The TO told us that this was the first time a non-painted army was ever in contention of winning one of their events even. He also told me that going forward they will re-evaluate their position on unpainted models and proxies like 3D prints.
So while this player technically didn’t break any rules for the event, it left a bad taste in some hobbyists mouths who were at the event itself.
How would you feel if saw neon green printed Caladiuses with missing guns and cardboard cutout bases compared to your army?
You can easily make the argument that this army is the result of fierce meta chasing. 40k’s meta is constantly evolving and some players can feel pressure to do whatever they can to keep up. Caladiuses are a Custodes hotness and since they are out of stock on Forge World (but go for about $130), this player went with a 3D printed route that took 0% hobby effort.
ITC Events Have Spoken On This Moving Forward
We spoke with Reece Robbins, the head of ITC, about this yesterday. He reminded us that there is no specific 3D model policy for ITC events. However 3D printed models are banned from Front Line Gaming events (like LVO, BAO, etc.). He specifically said “it is hurting the hobby to do so” He also indicated the ITC will have to think of a way to handle incidents like this in the future.
The ATCs, which are coming up in two weeks, has told folks that have asked 3D printed models are banned. Shane Grubb, one of the event organizers said: “if events and stores allow this, then it will be a big railroad spike in the coffin (for the hobby).”
Walking A Fine Hobby Line
The community may need to walk a fine line on the matter in the coming months and years. While 3D printed models with clear laziness evident might not be allowed at future events, it’s also important not to ONLY allow 100%GW models moving forward as this could result in hobby stagnation.
Any business person will tell you that competition not only lowers prices but facilities creativity and growth in any business space. However respectful use of 3D printed bits and alternate models should be on hobbyists minds as well.
Ultimately, and regardless of the tournament guidelines in place, it’s important to remember what the tabletop world is at the end of the day. People that like playing their models for the aesthetics and getting to watch a battle unfold between two armies. There is a hobby morality issue at stake here and if it goes unchecked, the community could be seeing an ugly, watered-down tabletop culture in days ahead.
Looking at event organizers, there is a danger at letting anyone play with unpainted, 3D printed, and unrespectful alternate models. From the outside looking in, people could begin to think that organizers only want as many players as they can get to enter into their events. While it might fly the first few times, people will remember the kinds of armies and minis people bring and won’t want to return next year.
After looking at the models and hearing some tournament officials speak up, what are your own thoughts on 3D printed minis? Do 3D printed minis give a player the license to show clear hobby laziness? How should 3D printed minis be regulated? Have you played against an army similar to this? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
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.
