Hollow

I kinda got the impression that the Design Studio isn't really "GW Design Studio" but there are almost 3 separate design studios (40k, AoS, Specialist Games) and that there is some competition between them.

That's exactly what I am advocating. Sorry untold legions of Bonesplitters players. You can still use your models. Still, buy the models. Still paint the models. Still read about them in the lore. But they will be sold under the ToW banner rather than the AoS banner. That is literally all I am suggesting. So that they take up slots from ToW studio allotment, to free up space within the AoS range for more new AoS models. Because Lumineth/Elves are one of the most popular fantasy archetypes? Have been given a NEW AoS identity and have huge room for expansion via Tyrion. Daughters of Khaine have been given a NEW AoS identity and have huge potential for expansion via Malerion and Sylvaneth have been given a NEW AoS identity with huge expansion opportunity via Kurnothi. I think it is in the best interest for AoS to keep its ranges, factions and lore tight. I personally think that just continually adding things without the balls to cut stuff makes for a bloated, mixed mess in the long run. We saw it happen with Fantasy and 40k is struggling to maintain 2000+ datasheets. I have said this before, but If I were head of the AoS Studio I would cut the bottom 10/20% "performing" units (in terms of age/sale/gameplay) of every Faction, each edition. They would be retired and moved into either ToW (if they fit) or Legends and go into a MTO rotation.

I suppose I am looking at it more from a business point of view. AoS Studio has a finite amount of resources when it comes to supporting kits. That is just a reality. If the choice is maintaining and supporting 6/7 Bonesplitter Kits for the Orruks in AoS or moving them to ToW range (so that they are still available to buy) PLUS having an additional 6/7 replacement Orruk kits in the Kruel Boy and Ironjaws aesthetic, then I think that would be a positive for everyone. It's literally expanding the number of models that can be purchased without creating a scenario where AoS ranges become huge bloated messes. Yes. Of course, the AoS studio could do full factions worth of updates for the Bonesplitters. I'm sure they would be great as well. But looking at the game as a whole, is it better for those resources to be spent on maintaining and supporting 3 different types of Orruk? Or bulking out other factions? Remember there is a finite amount of slots.

To be fair GamesWorkshop literally put out Kislev concept art as one of their first updates. They were the ones who set expectations that Kislev would be represented and did or said nothing to dissuade that perception for nearly 3 years! Booo.

I think when it comes to Bonesplitters the situation is a bit different. With the approaching release of ToW, the Bonesplitters are basically all OW models. It's not the case that Bonesplitters will be retconned out of the setting, but rather the New Orruk Battletome tightens its focus to Kruelboys and Ironjaws. Allowing the Savage Orks to return (along with some other older Savage Ork kits) to ToW. People could still use the kits if they wanted to represent Orks (I can't see anybody taking exception to saying these 10 SO are Boys for example) They could just retain the Bonesplitters in the New Orruk Battletome, (Because why not, they are already there) but it seems like GW is going to try and differentiate the AoS and ToW ranges. It's not even that people have a dislike for them or want them removed, it just makes sense in terms of how GW might organise the ranges. I personally would really like to see the Bonesplitters out into the Studio for a repaint and rebase and presented alongside the Orcs and Goblins for ToW. It would free up a lot of creative space within the Orruk faction to explore new avenues for kits under the KB and IJ aesthetic.

Give me big luxurious coffee table art/lore books of the realms, please. Just putting it out there into the Universe.

Mages aren't broken.

When it comes to Warhammer gaming, I don't think people realise just how big it is. The first Total War game, out-sold every Creative Assembly Total War game up until that point, COMBINED! The Total War Warhammer series has sold over 40 million copies! If Realms Of Ruin can emulate even a tiny bit of TWW success it will be amazing for AoS. I really hope the game does a good job of explaining the setting. Too many people still have no idea how cool the Mortal realms are as a setting. (I've spoken to many people who still think the game is like it was when it very first released and everything is still completely undefined.)

Talk about fantasy! 😅 Don't really understand this point as there is no such thing as a "single community" when it comes to these massive IPs, there are many communities that follow the games. Imagine if the "40k community" was defined by somewhere like Dakka? That place puts all the collective negative and toxic grognards of ToW to shame on a daily basis. If I allowed a place like that to set the tone I wouldn't go near 40k with a 10,000 foot barge pole.

As a ToW fan, the way in which Gw has marketed the product has been the single biggest reason for my lack of excitement. It has even got to the point that I'm not sure I'll even get an army.

This isn't about being "Malicious" it's basic stock management. The vast majority of retail businesses do this.

Maybe my wording wasn't the best, but they are kept "purposefully" out of stock because each range will have its own rotation. If there are a few dozen of a particular product line selling slowly and is about to run out of stock, then they will let it run out and stay listed as out of stock rather than clamoring to get a reprint made (which they could do). It's not a coincidence that every range on the UK GW site has a few kits out of stock, but no single full range is out of stock. That stock management is done purposefully. There are of course kits that have clearly just been misjudged in terms of supply/demand, but I think they might actually be less than people think.

Indeed. I misread the "New Warbands" at the top.

I do find it funny that people think that selling out very quickly and/or being out of stock is just a sign of success and not poor stock management. Unless something is a limited release, selling out/being out of stock is not a good thing. You want to keep your stock levels tight but not so tight that you are leaving a load of money on the table. There is obviously stock manipulation that goes on, in order to keep at least a few kits purposefully out of stock in each range to create a feeling that things are at a premium. However, the idea that because something is in stock and not instantly sold out, is a sign of "failure" is utterly absurd.

Yeah, they are stretching the "Two new warbands" to breaking point on the roadmaps. (Although I will likely pick it up as I have wanted those Vamps for ages and I'm always happy to pick up some more SC bois.

Exactly. There are multiple factions that will most likely be looking at a single kit update in 4th edition. I would much rather see that slot go to bulking out options other than heroes.

But there is no reason why those aforementioned factions can't have Warmachines. There is a million ideas and thousands of different Warmachine types.

I'm waiting to see if/what we might see in regards to Warmachines. I really want a cannon of some type. In general, AoS could do with a lot more actual Warmachines. There is a distinct lack of them across all factions, where are the trebuchets, catapults, onagers, canons and siege machines? If we see an expansion in 4th let it be something Siege/Warmachine related (Which would fit if Skaven are the primary antagonists)

I think there are times when people already familiar with Warhammer, take for granted that they already understand the settings. Having Sci-Fi Super Soldiers in Marines for 40k and Fantasy Super Soldiers in Stormcast for AoS, make for very digestible, understandable and marketable points of entry into incredibly vast IPs. I am actually really looking forward to where GW takes Stormcast in 4th. The faction has been gradually gaining more depth in lore and I really like the Thunderstrike armor proportions. As I have mentioned elsewhere, I just hope that GW endeavors to keep the range tight and doesn't allow it to become a bloated mess.

For a hobby that is focused so much on painting. I do find it strange that GW doesn't repaint more of the minis more often. The Irondrakes are a perfect example of this.

I think AoS is doing a pretty good job of curating a sizable range of diverse factions with their own distinct identities. If you take a look at the different Grand Alliances in terms of "Collections". Death is in a very strong position. 4 Pillar factions each with their own well-supported ranges (pending the FEC update). The spooky bois, the boney bois, the Vampire bros and the Ghoul guys make for a well-rounded Death Grand Faction. Apart from a few stragglers (such as the Graveguard in the Soulblight), post-FEC update the 4 Death factions will reach mature "Maintenance status". I wonder what we might see for death in the years to come? Grand Alliance Destruction on the other hand is in a bit more of a state. I'd say that The Gloomspite Gitz are in the strongest place thematically and design-wise. I do wish they would just bite the bullet and release a new Shootas/Stabbas kit. With a new plastic Madcap Shaman kit, some new Spider riders and a Scuttleboss on Gigantic Spider, the range would be super strong. The Ogor Mawtribes need a full Seraphon/Cities level revamp. The Orruks need the scalpel. Savage Orruks/Morboys/Arrowboys, Savage Boar Boy/Maniaks, Maniak Weirdnob, Savage Big Boss, Wardokk and Wurrgog Prophet all need to go, I'd mourn their loss. (Put into the studio for a repaint and rebase to squares to be a part of the Orcs and Goblins ToW Army, bring back the big stabba!) Orruks Kruelboys/Ironjaws expanded with at least a couple of squad-based kits each. Finally, the SoB needs another giant kit. A lot of work to do across the Destruction GA. GA Chaos is.... well, Chaotic. I'd say all the Gods are pretty well-represented and STD have a copious amount of Warcry warbands for variation. We all know it's the BoC and Skaven that need the love. It's just a matter of waiting and seeing what/if anything happens. I love both and want to collect more of each. GA Order is certainly stronger than Chaos. I'm excited to see what happens with Sylvaneth and how they might be expanded thematically to include the Kurnothi. Sylvanth are a faction I would love to collect but I would like a break from all tree-folk, all the time. Stormcast are in a strong position and well catered for which is to be expected (although they are running the risk of becoming bloated and over-represented like Marines have in 40k)I hope they are bold and cut the Liberators, Decimators, Judicators, Retibuters/Protectors and update them with Thunderstrike armour proportions. Seraphon are super solid (although how many years do you think Temple Guard will languish as part of the collection?) Cities is on the horizon and I suppose we will see how GW intends to cater for the rest. (I've made my Duardin thoughts known elsewhere lol!) Overall I am very positive and optimistic about AoS where it is in terms of "maturity". There have been a few missteps along the way IMO (endless spell models) and some factions have taken or are taking waaaay too long to see some much-needed TLC. However, the future looks bright for AoS and I think 4th Edition is where we will really see it cement itself. I just hope Gw focuses on the fundamentals when it comes to models. (Like infantry, cavalry, elite-infantry kits as opposed to single heroes or mega-monsters)

The other option is to have Fyreslayers / Duardin stay separate, with Dispossessed collecting dust with cities? I'm not sure what people actually want when it comes to Duardin's representation in the Mortal Realms. If a Battletome is to mainly contain lore and Battle tactics in 4th (With Battlescrolls being on cards and on the app) I would rather a large £40 Duardin Book that covered Duardin of all shapes, and sizes than a £32.50 Battletome for Fyres Slayers, Kharadon, Dispossessed separately.

Removal of a majority of AoS Kits... to the Old World, where they belong. Which means they can still be purchased as models from GW. I just think that AoS needs to make a more distinct cut from the majority of Old World kits. This isn't exactly a controversial position, is it? This also needs to be thought about in consideration of 4th edition. I likely see AoS following 40k 10th with a complete reset. With 24 Faction Battlescroll decks available at launch. The Rules and Battlescrolls available for free online and through the app. That means that you have to ask yourself what Battletomes will look like and what they will include. There will be no need to dedicate pages and pages towards in-book Battlescrolls. Having a single large Duardin Battletome filled with lore of all the different types of Duardin across the realms, with distinct advantages to having your army made up of units all with the same keyword. It means you could have interesting and unique Duradin models like Warcry Troll Hunters, draped in skins and hides holding big ass axes. Or an AoS take on miners for Underworlds. It would allow for creative exploration of different types of Duardin. Have CoS Duardin be their own thing. Dwarfs in the new AoS aesthetic would be great and would keep to the "everyone working together" vibe of Cities whilst having a distinct aesthetic.

Remove? I would have the Gyrocopter (Along with the other Dispossessed kits) moved into their own Dispossessed Duardin sub-faction. I would keep and add to the Dispossessed aesthetic with new Warmachines and Units. I would like to see a 4th Edition Duardin release be a single large Battletome of 300+ pages with 10+ New kits split across FyreSlayers/Kharadon/Dispossessed. As for the Sisters of Thorn? I would move them to ToW Woodelf faction where they really belong. They could still be purchased by those who want them but they would be moved into a legacy AoS tier. The General on Griffin? Yep. It's a fine model but it's time for the chop (The same with 90% of the Empire models)

Agree with this. Age of Sigmar has 24 solid thematic factions. (9 Order, 7 Chaos, 4 Death. 4 Destruction) We are a good year away from the launch of 4th Edition and with Cities and FEC on the horizon, the game will be "complete". By the end of the year. With each Faction sitting on a V3 version of their codex. How do people feel about the release schedule in terms of Battletomes over the last 3 years? I remember a convo before stating that a "hard cap" of 30 factions for Age of Sigmar would be a good spot. Whilst this is possible, I'm not sure if it would be good for the game if there are as many as that. I know there are many that will have kittens at the suggestion, but I still think it would be better for the game as a whole if Duardin (Fyreslayers, Kharadon and Dispossessed) - (As well as other Duardin types) were all presented under one Duardin Battletome. With the emphasis on picking one sub-faction but with less effective soup lists possible. I also think the return of Malerion and the introduction of Shadow elves should be presented alongside the Daughters of Khaine under a single Battletome. For me, Age of Sigmar should stick with '24 Factions' and look to develop and expand on them. A consolidation of the Duardin under one Battletome and the reunification of Morathi and Malerion under another would allow for the introduction of lots of cool Duardin and Shadow Aelf models without expanding the number of factions. There would even be a free space for something completely new. 24 factions is a good amount IMO (With 3-year edition cycles = 34/36 months) Having 10 months worth of space to allow the edition to breathe and for campaigns etc is important. Or you could say ****** it, add new factions every year or so and double up on releases. With how mature many of the ranges are, they could just keep expanding.