2010 Early Release Schedule

[Darkseer]

Tau perchance? They weren't in Fantasy...unless you're thinking of the old 'fishmen' army list from waaaay back.

[CrusherJoe]

No, it wasn't an existing race/army. There was a rumor a while back that GW was going to be adding a "new race" to at least 40K, and maybe Fantasy as well (or maybe it was the other way around).

[Darkseer]

Hmmm... from a practical point of view, that's probably a bad idea on GW's part.
The shelves are already heaving and with countless armies all screaming out for updates, FAQs and new models, I think they have enough on their hands already.

When assessing rumours we now have to bear in mind that since their new MD/CEO, Games Workshop has turned from a semi-disfunctional hobby company into an intelligent money making machine.

Apocalypse was the first big idea to make us all spend more money.
Black Reach was sheer genius in an affordable box.
Planet Strike is very similar to Apocalypse, but with a focus on scenery for our Apocalypse armies.
Now the Space Wolves, one of the most popular armies of all time, are on their way.

Now that Games Workshop is this money hungry machine, I always take rumours with a pinch of salt by contemplating how much money would be in it for GW.

This is why I believe that the Blood Angels/Dark Angels/Black Templar revision may be real. Back in 2nd (and 3rd) edition, these were the most popular space marine armies (alongside Space Wolves) and would be a big money spinner for GW should they properly clarify their rules.

[CrusherJoe]

Hmmm... from a practical point of view, that's probably a bad idea on GW's part.
The shelves are already heaving and with countless armies all screaming out for updates, FAQs and new models, I think they have enough on their hands already.

I don't know if I'd go that far. The armies that are in most desperate needs of updating really aren't on the shelves. When was the last time you saw Dark Eldar on a shelf somewhere? I'm going to guess it's been a while (while that may sound snarky, it wasn't meant to be, only illustrating a point).

In fact, with the release of Codex: IG, GW is pretty well caught up with mainstream armies that really, REALLY needed an update. Really the only other one left that is in DIRE need of an update is Codex: SW and that's next up. After that, they should be able to cherry-pick codex updates.

Tyranids need an update pretty badly, though I hate to admit it. I'm not really all that afraid of them when someone flops 'em down on the table across from me -- which is been pretty rarely since the advent of 5E. I've kinda enjoyed having a largely bug-free environment, honestly, I hope if they update them its more along the lines of "tweaking" them back into being competitive and not overdoing it. The current 'nid 'dex was prone to abuse with all those MC's available. Hopefully they'll stay about where they are now and not get cranked up on Codex Power Creep Juice.

As for Dark Eldar: OK, this is going to sound callous, cold and vicious...but who cares? All 100 people still left playing them, I'm sure, but they're definitely a very, very rare sight these days. By my way of thinking, the only way to get the attention of the average 40K gamer with a new DE book and model line is to make the model line really, REALLY nice...and then make the codex almost-pornographic in its power level. I would say, "Nah, they'll never do that," but then I look at Codex: Orks...and know they would.

Hmmm... from a practical point of view, that's probably a bad idea on GW's part.
When assessing rumours we now have to bear in mind that since their new MD/CEO, Games Workshop has turned from a semi-disfunctional hobby company into an intelligent money making machine.

Apocalypse was the first big idea to make us all spend more money.
Black Reach was sheer genius in an affordable box.
Planet Strike is very similar to Apocalypse, but with a focus on scenery for our Apocalypse armies.
Now the Space Wolves, one of the most popular armies of all time, are on their way.

Now that Games Workshop is this money hungry machine, I always take rumours with a pinch of salt by contemplating how much money would be in it for GW.

You say "now" as though GW was never out to make a profit. In the last two years -- yes, I've only been in the hobby for 2 years and I still consider myself a "newcomer", especially compared to some -- I've seen GW's methods change a bit, some different processes and hopefully some added efficiency, but I really don't think they woke up with a new CEO and said, "Whoa, wait, we're supposed to turn a profit, aren't we?" I do think they've become a bit more focused on that goal and honestly, that's how you run a business and as much as we'd like to think they live in Hobbiton living off the souls of children the reality is they're a manufacturer and publisher and they're in The Game, ultimately, to make money. Nothing new there.

Hmmm... from a practical point of view, that's probably a bad idea on GW's part.
This is why I believe that the Blood Angels/Dark Angels/Black Templar revision may be real. Back in 2nd (and 3rd) edition, these were the most popular space marine armies (alongside Space Wolves) and would be a big money spinner for GW should they properly clarify their rules.

I'd like to believe it, because there's definitely some game balance issues that need some attention (Black Templar, I'm looking at you) along with some points adjustments and a unification in the rules for all SM wargear. Not to pour salt in (very) old wounds or flog a (very) dead horse, but all SM wargear with the same name should work and function exactly the same. Every Dark Angel in the house with a Storm Shield say, "Woooo!"

Last but not least, if you're a fan of an army with an old book, you may or may NOT want your book updated. Having just picked up the Inquisition books, I'm hoping they don't get around to updating it for a while. A good long while -- like 2+ years. Why? Because I just know they'll take out all the good stuff and replace it with nerftastic crap.

[Darkseer]

I don't know if I'd go that far. The armies that are in most desperate needs of updating really aren't on the shelves. When was the last time you saw Dark Eldar on a shelf somewhere?

The Dark Eldar need a big revamp to make people care.
Remember when the practice sculpts of those Haemoniculi were leaked?
The web went Dark Eldar crazy until someone office stated that they were merely practice models.

Look at how many Dark Elf players there are in fantasy -proof enough that people like the look, feel and character of that kind of army.

Tyranids need an update pretty badly, though I hate to admit it. I'm not really all that afraid of them when someone flops 'em down on the table across from me.

I played an awesome Nid army at last year's UK GT and he quite literally blew me away with sheer fire power while holding me up with his little bugs. He admitted he would have had a hard time against my Tau, but "no one plays them now" I remember him saying.

I think Tyranid players just need to learn a different way of playing, in the same way that Tau players now use the 'mobile tank wall' in 5th edition.

Tyranids used to be a very forgiving and straight forward to play force. Now they seem to require a little more finesse.

You say "now" as though GW was never out to make a profit.
I've seen GW's methods change a bit, some different processes and hopefully some added efficiency, but I really don't think they woke up with a new CEO and said, "Whoa, wait, we're supposed to turn a profit, aren't we?"

Ah, I'm showing my geekiness now. I've been in the hobby since I was 11 and now I'm 26!

GW has always been there to make money. That's obvious. But the big change has come from HOW they make money.

all SM wargear with the same name should work and function exactly the same. Every Dark Angel in the house with a Storm Shield say, "Woooo!"

Last but not least, if you're a fan of an army with an old book, you may or may NOT want your book updated. Having just picked up the Inquisition books, I'm hoping they don't get around to updating it for a while. A good long while -- like 2+ years. Why? Because I just know they'll take out all the good stuff and replace it with nerftastic crap.

As before, FAQs could resolve a lot of issues with regards to different equipment descriptions, points costs and the like.


Back on topic -
Warhammer 40K doesn't really need another army. The Games Workshop range doesn't need another army. And the new very profitable Games Workshop doesn't need to create and sell another army when their current armies sell perfectly well and have a huge following.

[splnes]

what i would like to see would be them release a new Loyalist and traitor codex at the same time. So a updated SM Space wolves codex and for the CSM Thousand sons codex and create a nemisis thing! that would be awsome!!

[Darkseer]

Agreed. We need to have some 'proper' Chaos armies. None of this mixing marks malarkey!

[CrusherJoe]

Well...as my CSM army does a little mark-mixin' I can't say I'm totally with you...but the current C:CSM leads you that way, honestly. I'm of the opinion (which I have heard many others echo) that the current book is more "Codex: Renegade Space Marines" and definitely not "Codex: Chaos Space Marines Traitor Legions".

Trust me, though...on the day they release a "Legions" codex (or even a "Legion", one at a time) I'll be there to put my money down for it.

[RealGenius]

Tau perchance? They weren't in Fantasy...unless you're thinking of the old 'fishmen' army list from waaaay back.

I think Tau were still cows back in the Fantasy era. What about Fantasy Necrons?

I would be disappointed to see another Space Marine (of any variant) Codex. Really, there's nothing new about dudes with Bolters. Give me something original already.

[Darkseer]

Trust me, though...on the day they release a "Legions" codex (or even a "Legion", one at a time) I'll be there to put my money down for it.

I think a lot of people will be there with you.
I was a Chaos player at the time and the new Codex disgusted me so much that I sold my beautiful army and went to play Tau instead.

What about Fantasy Necrons?

Er...Tomb Kings?