A lot of people have opinions on the 3D printed models in our hobby as of late. So what can be done about the issue and who should do it?
After one ambitious hobbyist won a Warhammer 40k tournament with what was clearly 3D printed models on cardboard bases, everyone seems to have formed an opinion on the matter.
In the end, it seems to be up to the individual events to set the parameters of use for not just 3D printed models, but proxies in general. As we stated yesterday, the ITC will be coming up with a more formal guideline on this topic going into 2019, but for right now it’s up to events themselves.
We spoke with Reece Robbins, the head of ITC, about this recently. 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.
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.
Regardless the 3D printing trend is picking up speed and it’s here to stay. Hobbyists and companies such as Games Workshop may not be prepared for the digital pivot that seems to be on the horizon for our hobby.
But you might be thinking that it would cost a fortune to get a quality 3D printer. Right now in 2019, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
This alternate Obliterator model is a single resin piece printed from the $500 ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD printer.
3D models have even already been available for download before the kits themselves have released:
This Sweet 1950s Hovercar Beach Lander was spotted on Thingiverse recently. Alternate digital new releases being available before their analog counterparts can potentially threaten GW’s revenue stream as technology advances at a rapid pace.
GW hasn’t directly made a statement on all of this, but from the outside looking in, there may be an easy fix to all of this.
GW Could Sell Their 3D Model Files Online
As policing their property inside of people’s homes might be near impossible, they could embrace the 3D printing age and offer their official miniature files online as a purchasable file. Rather than potentially lose revenue to people in the hobby community with printers, they could always turn a profit.
Of course, the parameters and usage of such files could definitely be up for debate. The sales theory seems pretty sound… just ask iTunes, Hulu, or any video game with a ton of DLC.
Keep a close eye on the 3D printing trend as we move further along into the year. Who knows what we’ll be seeing next!
What do you think about the quality of 3D printers now? Have you purchased a printer for yourself? Would you buy official miniature printing files from GW if they offered them? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
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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 has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including the Adepticon Team Tournament and American Team Tournaments, and is on a first-name basis with almost every major company in the space.
He’s all gaming all the time. With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. 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 1908s, 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.
