Inside the World of Games Workshop
Games Workshop is a renowned British game production and retailing company that has been a dominant force in the miniature wargaming hobby for decades. With a rich history dating back to the 1970s, the company has evolved from a small importer of American board games and RPGs to a global powerhouse with a wide range of products and subsidiaries.
The Early Years
Games Workshop’s journey began as an importer of American board games and RPGs. However, it wasn’t long before the company started to create its own content, including the popular UK-based roleplaying magazine White Dwarf. The success of White Dwarf led to the establishment of a national chain of gaming stores across the UK.
Expansion and Diversification
During the 1980s and 1990s, Games Workshop expanded its product line to include miniature wargames, such as Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000. These games quickly gained popularity and became the company’s flagship products. Games Workshop also began to produce and publish novels, comics, and other media based on its Warhammer universe.
Specialist Games and Subsidiaries
In addition to its core products, Games Workshop has a range of specialist games and subsidiaries that cater to specific interests and hobbies. These include:
- Citadel Miniatures: A leading manufacturer of miniature figures for tabletop wargames.
- Sabertooth Games: A producer of collectible card games (CCGs) and tradeable miniatures games.
- BL Publishing: The publishing arm of Games Workshop, responsible for producing novels, comics, and other media.
- Warp Artefacts: A company that produces merchandise based on Games Workshop’s intellectual property.
- Forge World: A manufacturer of specialist resin miniatures and conversion kits.
Community and Online Presence
Games Workshop has a strong online presence, with official websites and forums dedicated to its various products and communities. The company also publishes several magazines, including White Dwarf and Fanatic Magazine, which provide news, reviews, and features on its products and the wider gaming industry.
Licensing and Partnerships
Games Workshop has partnered with several companies to produce licensed products based on its Warhammer universe. These include video games, such as the popular Dawn of War series, and a forthcoming animated series.
The Future of Games Workshop
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Games Workshop remains committed to producing high-quality products and engaging with its community. With a wide range of products and subsidiaries, the company is well-positioned to meet the changing needs of gamers and hobbyists around the world.
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