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Forge World Open Day on March 30th – A Better Games Day?

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Forge World Open Day

Games Workshop – or Forge World to be precise – just announced the latest Forge World Open Day. Tickets are now available on the Forge World website.

Admittedly, I’ve never been to a Forge World Open Day. Unlike the widespread (and justified) complaints about Games Day, most accounts from these Forge World events (and, perhaps to a lesser degree, the similar Black Library events) are generally very positive.

What makes the difference?

#1 – Forge World Open Day 2014

Sunday 30th March will see us abandon our top-secret Manufactorum for our annual Open Day. The entirety of the Forge World Model Design team will be attending the Open Day, showcasing all manner of work-in-progress models and recent releases.

The Art and Book Design team will be there showcasing the process by which our books are created, and may even be seen working on artwork for future books on their advanced cogitator devices. The Forge World Writers will also be on hand to talk about the process of writing a Forge World book.

Our Sales stands will be packed with a huge selection of resin kits, books and modelling supplies, including some very exciting pre-release kits. The Open Day painting competition will again be judged by our Studio team, and all attendees can enter. Your entry should consist of a single Forge World model of any type, although we do advise that cabinet space may be limited. The prize, of course, is the prestigious Forge World Open Day trophy.

We’ll also be running our Charity Titan Raffle, which is always incredibly popular. Tickets will be on sale throughout the day for a mere £1 each; all proceeds will be donated to Children In Need and the prize will be a complete mighty Imperial Reaver Titan.

The Open Day runs from 10am to 4pm and all the Warhammer World facilities are available throughout the day, especially Bugman’s Bar for breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.

 #2 – Forge World Open Day vs. Games Day?

Sounds like an interesting event. Tales from last years’ Forge World Open Day were generally very positive.

Why is that? What makes it so different from the (these days very Forge World-heavy) Games Days?

  • Forge World Open Days are smaller and more intimate? Perhaps that is what the “smaller” Games Day tried to emulate?
  • Forge World Open Days preview new miniatures? True, on of the weak-spots of Games Day is that there is never anything new (except, ironically, some Forge World pics and previews).
  • Forge World Open Days actually have games? Well, I don’t think they do.
  • Forge World Open Days are cheaper? Well, a few pounds on the ticket, but the miniatures still sell at full retail, I believe.
  • Forge World Open Days are at the GW Headquarters, not in some event center. Is that the magic ingredient?

It’s an odd conundrum that’s been following me since I saw the announcement. Clearly, somebody at GW still knows how to make enjoyable events (assuming, for the moment, that Forge World Open Day won’t tank like the most recent Games Day did).

What is the difference between Games Day and Forge World Open Day?

Let me know what you think and leave a comment!

Z.

Zweischneid

Zweischneid

I am Zweischneid. Wargame Addict. Hopeless painter and founder of Pins of War. I hope you enjoyed this article. Don't forget to share your favourite miniature pictures and wargaming videos at www.pinsofwar.net.
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  • Paul

    I’ve just bought my ticket. The last Games Day was a shambles, but the Forgeworld events just seem cooler. The staff are more open and enthusiastic about talking with you, and like you said, they preview new and unreleased items.

    • D. B.

      This isn’t the first time one gets the impression that Forge World is how we want GW as a whole to be…

      • http://pinsofwar.net/ Zweischneid

        Perhaps.

        But what exactly makes it so different? More enthusiastic staff? Really?

        • Michael Bartels

          The difference is that the Boss of Forge World is a bigger nerd than you and me. ;)
          And that’s what makes all the difference.

          • Bobthemim

            chuck in that the FW team actually cares about what people think of their sculpts and will make changes or new models based off of feedback.

            and its in WHW, so when the event is over you can go across to Bugman’s for a pint and food that doesnt taste like shit and cost you £20

  • Michael Bartels

    I’ve been to two FWOD in the past. While they are awesome events at a location as heart to the Throne of Terra that you can get to, the comparison with Games Day or even the idea that this event would be a “better Games Day” is kinda off.

    The event is much smaller than the GD. It’s like the Forgeworld Booth at the GD plus their store. What is really nice about the event (and why I would recommend anyone to at least go once) is:

    - in Warhammer World: Could stay for 2 days and visit both.
    - rather small event which guarantees 1-on-1 time with the awesome guys from Forgeworld. Very intimate and informal, almost a family-like setting
    - You will definitely always see WIPs of new minis. That’s no different from GDs, but still good.

    I have really enjoyed my two visits to FWOD and would definitely like to go again some day. If not this year, maybe in the next :)