Because of the updated IP rules and Warhammer Plus, viewers have started attacking Warhammer TV on YouTube.
If you haven’t been keeping up to date, GW recently updated its written stance on fan animations. Before we go further, we just want to say, it’s probable that GW has always had these guidelines, it’s just recently that they wrote it down for all to see last week.
- Fan-films and animations – individuals must not create fan films or animations based on our settings and characters. These are only to be created under licence from Games Workshop.
- Games and apps – individuals must not create computer games or apps based on our characters and settings. These are only to be created under licence from Games Workshop.
With Warhammer+ coming out, it seems like they wanted to put the community on notice in regards to these types of copyrighted works.
YouTubers Have Started Attacking Warhammer TV
YouTubers have hit the videos hard with each one for the past week or so with a 2:1 ratio of dislikes to likes.
As you can see, people are showing their frustration with the new rules, but GW hasn’t really taken a ton of direct action to take down fan stuff yet.
They were extremely slow on their responses to Sodaz, but it was actually the community themselves that killed that in a sense. Then TTS called it off somewhat, mainly because they didn’t want to battle the GW legal team, but literally no action was taken against them by GW.
Still, the community is not happy with even the idea of GW starting a purge, and the fact that many of their favorite fan animators, who are now creating new content for GW, have removed their previous works from YouTube.
GW has pretty much always had comments turned off on the videos, but we imagine right now they would be pretty interesting. Hey, if you’re mad on YouTube, we guess this is one way to show it. Anything is better than setting your armies on fire…
The interesting here thing is the YouTube community seems to be the only one so far really showing their teeth over these updated policies. As the rest of Games Workshop socials seem to be business as usual, with a similar amount of likes and such.
It’s Time to Cancel Warhammer+ Plus
This was the last straw as GW keeps rewriting the narrative with double talk, a shortage of animations, and apps in beta- it’s time to cancel Warhammer plus.
Before we go too far, we want to start by saying, if this has value to you, keep it. However, for us, it’s hard to support something where GW constantly changes their offering, and even their posts on Warhammer Community without notice, and no oversight.
Flip-flopping on all of the promises and literally running out of the main attraction to the platform (animations) is in our opinion inexcusable. Once again, if they were just upfront about the fact that animations would be slow for the first few months and the main content would be things other than the animations it’s possible that hobbyists would be more understanding.
Imagine if Disney had promised 12 new Star Wars shows and starting with Mandalorian and halfway through invented a midseason break, and then went back and edited all their posts to match their version of events.
How many people do you think would cancel the service? We think a lot. And that is EXACTLY what Games Workshop has done with Warhammer Plus.
If you remember when they first marketed this, they made the animations center stage. Now, just a month in, one animation is taking a mid-season break (what is that after 4 episodes?) and the other doesn’t even promise to come out in consecutive weeks.
So it looks like for the month of October the main value now comes in the way of free signup mini that still has yet to ship, battle reports, painting guides, lore, and old White Dwarfs.
All of which is well and fine, but guess what, the very same content is available for free on YouTube from your favorite content creators.
Basically, the disingenuous nature of the content makes it hard to support Warhammer+ We’re not just making unsupported claims here either as you are about to see.
Value of Warhammer+ Plus:
This post was updated with the actual value of Warhammer+ Plus on October 2nd, 2021
Let’s start out with the actual on-paper value of the service if you subscribed from day one:
Editor’s note the voucher was confirmed as being $16 and the post was updated as such.
Cost for a year $59.99
- Subscribers in August got a $16 voucher (announced Aug 23rd, 2021)
- Choice of Exclusive Figure $35 (announced June 25th, 2021)
- 5 Worldwide Entries for Paint Giveaway (announced Oct 1st, 2021)
Actual cost for a year subscription: $9 which breaks down to less than $1 a month for initial subscribers.
When you look at the value of Warhammer+ in hobby dollars, the monthly rate is probably the best value in hobby content that ever existed.
But that was never the main issue, and we actually praised the unlimited potential of this service back in July.
Is it Time to Cancel Warhammer Plus?
Let’s start with something that really, really put a bad taste in our mouths. This is the picture of their Sunday teaser release. It shows nothing about any animation, doesn’t talk about a mid-season break, or has any content included about any animation.
A mere 16 hours after our most recent editorial about the lack of animations, GW has changed the lineup (see new image below) and now have informed readers about a “mid-season break”.
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So, from the exact same post we grabbed this picture from Sunday, they actually went back and changed the content and original post without notifying readers that an edit was made- a big no-no in the publishing world.
Why? Because it’s basically lying to your audience.
As you can see they went backed and changed the picture in the original post with this, the Deep Strike podcast about Angels of Death- which is a podcast about the show.
They didn’t even change the text to address the addition of the show in the graphic or even the post. Then, they finally mentioned Angels of Death will not be returning until November, so after four episodes, it’s taking an entire month’s break.
Which is fine, if you know, they had told us at the launch how this was going to work, and not shoehorn it in when they ran out of content, and then edit their posts to match…
Next, breaking down the other content a little. First, there is value in all three of the above shows for sure. The main issue though, is there is so much amazing content already out there for the exact same stuff.
It’s not only that the content is out there, it’s also that a lot of us have spent years supporting and watching the same type of content. So it’s just really hard to say paying for an app is worthwhile when there is so much already out there that is so established, and more importantly, they don’t over-promise and underdeliver as GW tends to do with all of its platform offerings as of late…
The Silent FAQ Change
This is the big change right here from the Warhammer+ FAQ that we noticed just before they throttled back on their animation offerings. They originally said content would be added every week, now it says it will be most Wednesdays.
We might be looking into this too much. But it gives them some leeway when it actually comes to adding content, and maybe their writers we a little confused about if the animation or the rest of the offerings were the actual content as well?
Yes, they did offer content for sure every week so far, but no it’s not the animations that they have been so hot and heavy on from day one that we showed you already.
Don’t forget they promised the AoS app would be ready but it’s still very much in Beta (sound familiar 40k players?).
Now they’ve also recently paywalled the last of the free rules for Age of Sigmar now, just like Warhammer 40k.
This pic comes from Reddit, and guess what it shows? That Stormcast is already paywalled! So every time an army comes out, you will need the digital code from the physical book. this just really sucks at it is sort of the end of an era. One of free rules and an app that people honestly loved in the Azyr.
We’re really not sure why they can’t listen to the community when it comes to things like this. Instead of letting people have something they like, they ruin it with another paywall…
At least it somehow gives more intrinsic value to Warhammer+…
Just be Upfront With Us
We would rather them just tell us the truth from the get-go that they don’t really have enough content created. Instead of acting like it’s all guns blazing when in reality, that just never seems to be the truth for any of their in-house developed assets.
That’s the main issue most hobbyists and viewers seem to have with the company in general, they just act like everything is peachy and never mention anything when it goes wrong until it’s mushroomed into an issue.
Then, just like with the images above, they just go back and make edits without telling anyone. Basically, everything Games Workshop does seem to just stay on the same rocky path they started with and limp on until enough customers bail on the offering that they finally that project to bed…
It’s time to stop rewarding Games Workshop’s bad behavior and cancel Warhammer Plus (well unless it has value for you, then don’t- it’s cool we still appreciate you reading this article).
Editor’s Note Updated Friday, Oct 1 2021:
Now it appears GW is trying another giveaway to entice people into the app. First, they gave a $10 voucher to people who stayed subscribed, which in itself is good, and now there is a giveaway open worldwide to all subscribers.
Warhammer Community, just announced a paint giveaway to five subscribers across the world and winning one of every paint they make would be amazing for sure!
Maybe just giving us what was promised in the beginning would have worked instead of constant gimmicks to get this thing off the ground though…
Where GW Fan Creativity Ends & IP Infringement Starts
Here’s where fan creativity ends and IP infringement actually starts for Games Workshop, Warhammer plus, and everything in between.
A lot of the information we talk about here was inspired by this amazing article from the Game Industry business site. It is more focused on video games, so while it’s not specifically for Warhammer, the samples are close enough to easily transfer over. In a way, it’s simple when you use copyrighted work, you always have to understand there is an inherent risk. In the real world, however, things are much fuzzier than that!
The main example used in the post is a Kickstarter with guides that can easily be found online or on YouTube channels. Even though the maps were hand-drawn, the creator used Copyrighted images for the covers of the guides.
This is where things get tough because generally companies won’t take down a YouTube video (even though the creators make revenue) but a project, even with the same info, was just a bridge too far…
Where GW Fan Creativity Ends & IP Infringement Starts
A big issue, when it comes to either Warhammer or video games, is the fact that the companies don’t want people confused as to what is a licensed product and what is not. If you or anyone creates something that is close enough or uses copyrighted images, it can be confusing to consumers.
That’s generally when companies step in, well unless it could fall under the realm of fair use which generally does not cover commercial uses, (but does apply to things like news, education, criticism (but sometimes not specifically satire, etc).
According to Google Fair Use is defined as the following:
(in US copyright law) the doctrine that brief excerpts of copyright material may, under certain circumstances, be quoted verbatim for purposes such as criticism, news reporting, teaching, and research, without the need for permission from or payment to the copyright holder.
Because if people can just use a company’s copyrighted images, the company loses tons of intrinsic and actual value. That seems obvious right? But, that’s just the most obvious point. If you create a one-to-one product, you must know the copyright claim is coming. If you write a book, even if it’s fan-fiction, and you use copyrighted images to market it, you can probably expect a claim on the way.
That’s the easy stuff though, with Warhammer plus and 3d printing on the rise, it gets far more complex.
The Warhammer Plus IP Infringement Conundrum
This is really where things get tough. Let’s look back at the video game side of things. when someone made an Unreal Engine 4-remake of Goldeneye 64, the chances it seeing the light of day were basically zero.
But, how many videos have you seen online about Nintendo games where people dress as Mario, Luigi, etc… Those videos don’t often get taken down. Why? Because it’s not direct competition with Nintendo because they do not have a platform that makes money from videos.
Guess who does have a platform that makes money from Warhammer-focused animations? That’s right, GW does.
While they did hire a lot of animators, there are plenty left out there. GW did update their IP rules to be harsher on YouTubers, they haven’t taken too much action yet. But because they are now in direct competition with animators, that will force more and more copyright claims as they try to corner the market, protect their IP, and provide value to their licensed partners and stockholders.
3D Printing & Games Workshop is Also Very Confusing
Again, the issue with 3D printing is that it directly competes with GW. Like the example above, if someone makes a direct copy of a video game (or close enough), there’s no way the company with the copyright can let it see the light of day.
However, sci-fi and fantasy miniatures have so much more gray areas. How can you say you own futuristic space soldiers? When someone makes a one-to-one copy it’s obvious when they use elements that are specifically copyrighted or a registered trademark in general (what we know as Intellectual property).
But if they do not, how does someone like Games Workshop say it’s too close?
Well, that’s why it’s so confusing. The article from Game Industry had a perfect quote for anyone looking to make something that could be thought of as infringement:
The bottom line is — if you create something that is not entirely original and uses third-party IP rights — without that party’s permission — you need to accept that there is a degree of risk in what you are doing.
Hopefully, this helps clear up where IP infringement actually starts for Games Workshop in regards to things like Warhammer plus, 3d printing, and everything in between.
News of GW ‘Fan Revolt’ has Hit Wall Street
The investing world is abuzz with news about why the Games Workshop stock price has taken a dip as it has been one of the best performers on the market.
As you can see above in a small sampling of financial news sites, investors may be getting some jitters in regards to Games Workshop’s performance.
The UK Times had this to say in their article, which summaries the majority of the issue, but falls alittle short without a deeper look at GW’s product mix.
Britain’s largest manufacturer of miniature wargames and fantasy figurines has become embroiled in a running battle with some of its fans that has sent its share price tumbling.
Games Workshop has angered a section of its customers after clamping down on unauthorised websites dedicated to its Warhammer franchise, according to analysts at Jefferies, the US bank.
From this chart on Yahoo Finance, you can see the recent dip in their stocks. It’s also worth pointing out the backend as you can see the tremendous growth since 2019 alone.
This Is Money UK, dug a bit deeper in their reporting, saying the following:
This change has led to popular fan content creators ceasing their involvement (under pressure from Games Workshop), a lot of negative community feedback, a raft of downvotes to Warhammer video content, and, with other factors also rolled in (price increases, employee pay), calls to boycott the business.’
The impetus for the crackdown appeared to be Warhammer+, Games Workshop’s subscription service that provides access to exclusive Warhammer TV shows as well as figurines and apps unavailable elsewhere.
…while the current noise seemed to be from a ‘vocal minority’, they trimmed their target price for the group to 12,250p from 13,200p, saying they would be ‘keeping a close eye’ on the situation.
However, none of the articles we read seemed to touch on the other issues such, as FOMO, paywalls, etc, that hobbyists are experiencing at the register. These factors may also be a contributor to consumer confidence in Games Workshop overall.
Here are more articles on the issues that Games Workshop is facing now as their stock has dipped and investors have taken notice:
- Everything You Need To Know About Warhammer Plus
- Games Workshop NDA Leak More Damaging Than Their IP Policy
- YouTubers Have Started Attacking Warhammer TV
- Boycotts Don’t Work, Do This Instead to Games Workshop
- Lookout YouTube, GW Just Updated Their IP Guidelines
- Where GW Fan Creativity Ends & IP Infringement Starts
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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.
