What do we think about the lack of releases for AoS?

[Galas]

We all love new releases. It generates internet and community movement, it evades the "stale" perception of the game, and even if you don't are gonna buy them, probably somepeople of your group is gonna love that new release and take with renovate energy the hobby.

But even as big as it is, GW is a relative small company in the big capitalistic ocean of the world. They are doing what all what they do.

Nobody remembered those 7-8 months periods of fantasy with 0 new kits? And then maybe 1-2 kits for some faction and another 7-8 months without releases. Those were really bad times. 

[Wraith01]

I have no problem with the pace of releases. I just bought Skirmish a few weeks ago and I'll be getting Path to Glory next time I go to the Games Shop, with the new Generals Handbook on the horizon. I already have 2 armies at 2k points each, though the last few units still need to get painted. I have my Battletomes, and a few Campaign books. I've been slowly reading the Black Library books. Life in the Mortal Realms is treating me good.

 

Oh and before the year is out we get Shadspire!

[polarbear]

I don't mind the breaks, but I wish they had a more coherent strategy for AoS. It's been kind of fly by night since launch. This is neat in that the community has driven a lot of their changes of focus, but AoS has never felt like a completed game. The ordering of factions, alliances, square bases still for sale, no info about certain armies at all, several re-envisionings of what army books should be, etc. make for a muddy picture and very much seems like they're making it up as they go along. 

AoS has been a testing ground for 40k, which is getting much more complete treatment. 

[someone2040]

My disappointment I believe comes more from the model side and how the year is balanced. Going off the top of my head, the releases since July 2016 were:

Q3-Q4 2016: Sylvaneth, GHB1, Beastclaw Raiders, Bonesplitterz, Season of War, Lord Veritant, Gorechosen and Silver Tower in here somewhere

Q1-Q2 2017:  Shadows over Hammerhal, Disciples of Tzeentch, Stormcast Eternals v2, Blades of Khorne, Kharadron Overlords, Skirmish, Path to Glory

I could certainly have gotten a few wrong or missed something, especially those after Bonesplitterz, but that's what I remember (Although I might get out my White Dwarves and check tonight). The items in bold, are the releases that bought new models and kits to the game.

This year, it's been fine, even if a bit disappointing that we got Stormcast yet again. To me, the biggest frustration comes in the latter half of 2016. Post Bonesplitterz we had a drought of real content for Age of Sigmar. Silver Tower was basically just a sneak peak at Disciples of Tzeentch. 

In a world where we have over a dozen sub-faction that are in sore need of more kits, it's just disappointing that they haven't found time in their schedule to sneak a few in. A lot of factions only need 2-3 kits to make an interesting faction, some don't even need that much. That's literally a release smaller than Stormcast v2, and could be released over a week or two.

 

Honestly, that's what I'd like to see more of. Just keep throwing us these little morsels throughout the 40k releases. The Lord Veritant I think was actually a good release. It gave you a new option between 'major' releases for a faction to toy with. The fact it's rules were lacking perhaps meant it didn't create the fire from the sparks it made, but I think it's a good idea in premise. If Skirmish had come with a new hero model for a faction in each Grand Alliance (plz no Stormcast or Bloodbound though), it would've turned a great little release into an awesome release

 

That being said, the 2nd half of 2017 looks like it'll at least be better than 2nd half of 2016. We already know that GHB2 is coming soon, which for many, will be just as good as a model/battletome release due to updated points and allegiance abilities. We're 99% sure that Shadow Aelves will be dropped on us sometime (I'd bet on September!), and we know that Shadespire is likely coming around November, something that whether you play it or not, should add more content into AoS proper. And that's what we know about, hopefully something else sneaks in as well.

[AverageBoss]

Just like with Tzeentch, Nurgle and Slannesh will get AoS updates, most likely shortly after their 40K counterparts.

Remember, we got Thousand Sons first, then Tzeentch Daemons + gors.

Look for a Nurgle AoS update to drop shortly after the Deathguard drop for 40K. GW are not going to miss an opportunity to sell new nurgle demons to DG players, and then have those models pull double duty in AoS.

[EMMachine]

I wouldn't say that there is really a lack of releases, more a problem in support of the older modelranges, where they made some minibattletomes or the Grand Alliance at best. Here I have a picture of a pile of book (my book collection). These are the books that were published by GW during the time between July 2015 and April 2017.

The small booklet below shadows over hammerhal should be Spire of Dawn, and I think the book beween Stormcast Eternals and Seraphon should be the book that was in the Starterbox (don't know if Silvertower was in this pile or not). If you didn't count Hammerhal, the beginnerguide, Spire of dawn and the starterbox booklet you still have 28 books in 1,75 Year (that are 1,33 books per month).

There could be only the point that the frequency went down in May because they needed the rescources to produce the books and miniatures to start the 8. Edition 40k and so the only things after april were Skirmish and Path to Glory.

 

[Koalaninja]

We don't know the costs of designing and printing models so we can't really comment on the frequency of their releases. Of course we want more models but they are a business. On the other hand they should release new codexes for every subfaction as it's a cheap way of maintaining interest in their model ranges. If more of the factions had command abilities, spells and artefacts we would all buy more models. 

[EMMachine]

9 minutes ago, Koalaninja said:

We don't know the costs of designing and printing models so we can't really comment on the frequency of their releases. Of course we want more models but they are a business. On the other hand they should release new codexes for every subfaction as it's a cheap way of maintaining interest in their model ranges. If more of the factions had command abilities, spells and artefacts we would all buy more models. 

Hopefully they will not make an own battletome for every little subfaction because we would have over 60 battletomes at the end. But I don't know what faction would fit together exept for the chaosgods.

[RuneBrush]

14 hours ago, chord said:

It feels like they only have one team.  So for awhile they work on AOS, then while that is getting manufactured and rolled out they are working on 40K,  then back to AOS, etc.

Why not do every other month, or every two months,  AOS, 40K, AOS, 40K. This keeps interest high in both.

On the whole they do only have one team   The rules writers are a group that gets spread over the main game systems as do the sculptors and painters.  It's only FW/Specialist games that have have dedicated teams of three of four people.

Overall, I can see where a lot of the frustration is coming from, it certainly does feel that GW is putting a lot of love towards 40k and for anybody who has joined AoS in the last year and didn't really experience the glut of releases and support AoS got (and technically End Times) will be feeling somewhat unloved.  The thing is that GW has been quite open that they're giving 40k the lions share of support this year - it's the 30th anniversary and they've had the biggest (and arguably best) update to the rules system to date - why wouldn't you support it?

I feel that AoS is still getting some love, as Bottle says we've had Skirmish and PtG has just dropped.  We've had more new start collecting boxes and the cheaper warband sized ones too - all of this during the 40k release schedule!  Before that we've had Kharadron, more Stormcast and a host of other bits and bobs.  Far cry from being an unloved child - plus we have the new handbook coming out at some point this year.

Next year I think we'll see things slide into a more familiar mix of 40k and AoS releases, with a "focus" each month.  GW tend to run summer campaigns alternating between systems, so last year was AoS and this year is 40k.  It looks like the AoS Open Day will be in March so I'd suggest that we'll have a host of goodies revealed

[Captain Marius]

I think revealing things in advance has backfired a bit on GW. We saw the whole Kharadron range almost 6 months ago and have seen no other new models since, save for shadespire which stiiiiill isnt out.

Even WD is mucked up showing releases for the last 3 weeks and 1 ahead - thats why we had an article introducing skirmish 6 or 7 weeks after its release! No point hyping whats out already!

Im champing at the bit for new releases, not just models but battletomes for factions new and old, and most of all new campaign books!!

[Chikout]

I am definitely feeling a little frustrated at the moment.  In the last 11 months we have had 2 new battletomes and 2 revamped battletomes. As good as they have been, that is not a lot. In the same time period we have had 3 new 40k armies (4 if you count custodes and sos), 4 campaign books with associated miniature releases including 2 primarchs and  a full boxed skirmish game. That is all before 8th edition even started.  In that same timeframe we have had 3 AOS novels, but literally dozens for 40k. That said I think the problem is not just the release schedule exactly but also the marketing.

By previewing the Kharadron and shadespire in March, the only new AOS models we have seen in the last for months are the death rattle guys for shadespire. Previewing well in advance of release is great, but it only works if it is consistent. Now with 40k just getting into its stride, more primaris on the way followed  by another 9 codexes before Christmas it feels like we may not see another AOS book this year. GW has mapped out the next several months of 40k in reasonable detail but have not done the same for AOS. 

We have had some releases but while both skirmish and path to glory are good for expansions to the game, they come with little additional support. The 40k equivalent came with a whole range of new scenery. 

On top of that you have ghb2. Not launching exactly 12 months after the first book was a mistake. If you are going to commit to an annual release it is important to keep to a strict timetable. If feels like AOS is holding its breath, waiting an increasingly long time for the changes that ghb2 will bring. 

Gw could make me happy simply by confirming a release month for shadespire and ghb2, and by saying when the next battletome is coming. 

GW is doing another preview event at nova. I hope AOS is not given short shrift again. 

[Mr. White]

I doubt anyone is playing so much AoS that every campaign book has been finished, every permutation of your terrain, tables, and rosters has been fully gamed and realized across Skirmish/PtG/and AoS proper. Perhaps use this time to try new tricks with your armies. Write up a narrative campaign with your buddies.

I played Blood Bowl for almost 15 years with zero GW support as the game was dead. I can handle a couple of months to focus on all the game I already have with the tons of books, supplements, and minis readily available. If all AoS support stopped right now...I'd probably have enough game to play until I shuffle off this mortal coil.

[Chikout]

I should complain about things more often

 GW just announced that Ghb2 is coming in August.

[polarbear]

13 minutes ago, Chikout said:

I should complain about things more often

 GW just announced that Ghb2 is coming in August.

Complaining works pretty well with AoS. What a video too. 

New allies rules interests me. Are they changing up the grand alliance system? I would be very happy if so. That's one part of the game I think could use a retcon.

[RuneBrush]

1 hour ago, Chikout said:

On top of that you have ghb2. Not launching exactly 12 months after the first book was a mistake. If you are going to commit to an annual release it is important to keep to a strict timetable. If feels like AOS is holding its breath, waiting an increasingly long time for the changes that ghb2 will bring. 

I think we'll find August will likely be the annual release date going forward.  The original GHb was released because of demand with rumour that they "might" do it as an annual release if it proved successful.  I'm guessing they feel August is more achievable each year

[DynamicCalories]

I personally feel the complaints about releases are one of my least liked things about the GW community at large. I understand why certain faction players are frustrated at the long wait they are going through, but I can already imagine the complaints that would come out if they released a Battletome for Death and then within a year released a new force invalidating the previous battletome.

I personally have no issue with the lack of releases for AoS, I still haven't finished by Kharadron Overlords yet, though I have switched to Death Guard because they're new and I am a magpie. 40k makes massive revenue for GW, is their flagship game, and has just got a titanic update. It makes total sense that it will be in the limelight for a few months, and overall it will have a great knock on effect for AoS I reckon, especially as it means we'll almost definitely see new Nurgle releases. 

[Sleboda]

1 hour ago, Chikout said:

Now with 40k just getting into its stride, more primaris on the way followed  by another 9 codexes before Christmas it feels like we may not see another AOS book this year.

I'm super ok with this.  My wallet needs the break, and if all the new 40K stuff I want had competition from new AoS stuff I want, well, I would have to limit what I get.

Gee, it's almost like GW knows this ...

[Marc Wilson]

Valid (and gloomy) question though this is, I hope this thread atrophies and dies and from its nourishing corpse flowers a new thread of excitement; excitement about GBH2.

[Aeryenn]

People are complaining not because they enjoy it but becsuse they want change. This is the biggest AoS forum. I'm pretty sure some GW employees read it. We give them hints so that they can sell us the products we want to buy. Effects are even in the new preview of GH2 where a guy adressess some of the most important needs of this community. We should be loud with our expectations. It's as good for us, as for them. 

[DynamicCalories]

2 hours ago, Marc Wilson said:

Valid (and gloomy) question though this is, I hope this thread atrophies and dies and from its nourishing corpse flowers a new thread of excitement; excitement about GBH2.

The path of Nurgle is the path of greatest reward, gross fecundity, and endless rebirth!

[VBS]

Everyone wants their faction update and will want to tell GW how important and fair it is to get it first because it's like... their faction.

But realistically, I can't understand how people complain about lack of releases in AoS. The evolution of the new GW has been monumental in that aspect, both in amount of releases and involvement of the community through previous of future releases.

Let's not forget that model are finished and ready many month before release but that from a business point of view, you can't churn out tons of new kits every month. Couple with the wide range they have to cover on multiple fronts, and you end up with many months/years of non-update for certain factions. It's just logic.

And if this is a lack of releases (I mean, they just got a new AoS book out in the middle of the friggin' 40k hype!!!), I don't want to imagine what you thought of whfb 8th ed.  

However, I do think they could balance a bit more the variety. I guess lots of us are sick of the umpteenth stormcast release (sometimes those khorne baddies too) but I didn't even understand why dwarves got two factions updated in a relatively short period of time, whereas others (undead/elves) get ignored since the whfb times. I guess the stormcast is purely for marketing (shove down the throat those posterboys I tell you!!) but for the rest, not sure it follows a pattern. 

 

My 2 cent.

[Shoe]

I think it's important to recognize that because GW is currently in a release schedule for wh40k, their team is most certainly working on development for the next big thing, which is more than likely AOS. 

Their actions have indicated to me that they are trying to alternate their ship schedules so one is under development when the other one is in production. The perception is a steady stream of content for players of both games, and a bust/boom for players of only one of their primary titles. 

[Greasygeek]

19 hours ago, AverageBoss said:

Just like with Tzeentch, Nurgle and Slannesh will get AoS updates, most likely shortly after their 40K counterparts.

Remember, we got Thousand Sons first, then Tzeentch Daemons + gors.

Look for a Nurgle AoS update to drop shortly after the Deathguard drop for 40K. GW are not going to miss an opportunity to sell new nurgle demons to DG players, and then have those models pull double duty in AoS.

Yeah I REALLY got my hopes up for this one. All the signs are out but when will those pesky Death guards be released? Except for the few snap fit pox walkers and guards.

 

I understand that GW will put almost all attention in 40K for now but lots of factions need battletomes and small updates. I find it hard to understand how this is not prioritized before releasing a bunch of codexes. New 40K have just been released as for AOS it needs time to settle in on people. Releasing so many codexes seem weird. Just look at how many AOS tomes and books that have dropped in value all ready, due to not containing points, abilities and basically just because they were released before anyone found out how they wanted AOS to play out.

And now they are about to make that same mistake again?! Statistics clearly show that shooter armies win games but far from all factions have options to deploy effective shooting or counter shooting. We really need some battletomes containing command traits, spells and artifacts at the very least. 

I also understand that Stormcast has become the faction test driver but please no more SE releases its getting harder and harder not to get salty as .... every time they get something shiny new while many of us are forced to cherry picking if we expect to be the least competitive.

Btw. Smart move with the Skirmish and PtG release to keep us at the table. Very enjoyable products, even without new models, but appertizers will only hold for so long. Really crossing my fingers that GHB 2 will help stabelizing things. If not I think that might cost my local group a couple of players.

 

 

[Payce]

On 24.7.2017 at 8:31 PM, bottle said:

I don't feel there's been a lack at all. We had a massive new range at the start of the year (Tzeentch) a massive new release in Spring (Kharadron) - a smaller release (Stormcast). 2 expansions of play (Skirmish and PtG) and a soon to be released new edition of the GHB. Not to mention the latest wave of Start Collectings make even more factions very affordable. Oh and Shadespire coming this fall too.

Do you guys need new armies every other month to feel content with the game?

I think Bottle nails it here.

AoS is in a good place. Those of you that use Facebook actively to follow painting and hobby groups, will see how insanely many Kharadon armies that sprung up and is still being painted, just like the Ironjawz Megaboss and Alarielle reigned supreme for months and months last year. People complain about the cheese builds, but how many of you actually play them? My local Bonesplitterz guy has a grand total of 20 Arrer Boyz in 2000 points. My Tzeentch guy owns zero Skyshooty thingamabirds. People like this game, and they spend money and attention on it, on the actual game. Not just the arms race like they do in 40k. I mean, head on over to the destruction subforum and look at all the Ironjawz threads - "yeah, we pretty much suck but we have the most awesome army anyway."

AoS will get some love. People aren't even mentioning BoK in this thread, although it was a whole new release, just not any models. They don't count Stormcast even if the model release wave was as many kits as Ironjawz had (and that for some reason was a full release). There seem to be a trend of "I want new things and I want something shiny but if it's not exactly what I want (looking at you here, death/aelves/brets) I'll find reasons to ignore it".

Have fun with the hobby. Go discover new things from old releases. Me, I'm loving my Ironjawz, and am starting some Beastclaws for Path to Glory. I'm having damn much fun. And I don't need a new release every month to have it.

[AverageBoss]

3 hours ago, Greasygeek said:

Yeah I REALLY got my hopes up for this one. All the signs are out but when will those pesky Death guards be released? Except for the few snap fit pox walkers and guards.

The vanilla Space Marine book is up first, releasing next week along side the first of the full Primaris kits.

After that will be vanilla Chaos Space Marines, which will most likely just be a book release.

Then it will be Grey Knights, also more than likely just a book.

Then Death Guard will drop along with their new models over the proceeding weeks.