"Warlord/WGF Merger, what does it mean for us?" Topic

Anybody know what's going to happen with the various product lines and the merger? I don't see how Warlord could sell competing products from WGF.

They're just distributing it, not buying the company…

Judging from the WGF Forum WGF will cease selling product so if Warlord does not offer the sets they are dead in the water. I am sure back stock will be around for some time but why would Warlord compete with itself by offering WGF Romans and their enemies let alone WGF WWII sets when Bolt Action is their big money maker. My guess is they will offer the AWI sets, Zombies and Survivors, Dream Forge and the Shock Troops and Bikers, said to be in the pipeline, as well as (I hope! I hope!) Moderns. The Moderns are said to be "generic" as to uniforms with different heads and weapons in the set like in the Survivor sets. As for prices I fear Warlord will raise them and/or end retailers being able to sell at deep discounts. I bought most of my WGF for $16.45 USD from Miniature Market. Warstore is a couple of dollars more. That said I bought the plastic German Grenadiers set from Warlord at USD$41.00, then saw Warstore had them for $31.00 USD, and now NSW has Warlord $41.00 USD sets for $25.00 USD! I have not bought from NSW but right at 40% discount is hard to beat. Perhaps that will be what they do with the WGF sets, jack the prices up to increase profits for those not shopping around while allowing some dealers to sell at deep discounts. We will see.

It'll be a shame if Warlord does away with the WGF Hoplites, which are both better looking and less expensive than Warlord's.

Yeah that sucks. I just started collecting the ancients lines, and the warlord figures I have gotten don't cut it. The Romans are tiny! And I can get GP plastics elsewhere.

<sighs> Guess I gotta stock up sooner than later.

You're still going to be able to get the figures guys, no need to hold a wake or anything.

WGF Romans are pre-Imperial (chain mail, rounded corners on shields), perfect for Caesar and Pomey, so don't compete directly with the Warlord Romans (segmented armour, rectangular shields).
The Celts, on the other hand, are probably doomed, so if you want cheap Celts, get them now.

Well the postal prices to other countries from UK are better than the US so I'm happy.

What does it mean for "us"?
I wouldn't know. I don't do plastics.
But if you are looking forward to being depressed, buy all you can now.

I don't understand the reason for Warlord to sell WGF figures in the short term, if it is not to take them over in the long term.
I haven't been a huge buyer of plastics in the past, but due to rising costs, I am starting to buy them now, so will not be happy if one of the suppliers disappears.

Those who claim you are still going to be able to get the figures have not bothered to read the Wargames Factory forums where the company reps themselves have stated Warlord will NOT be carrying the ancients.

Nor do they think the WWII sets will be carried, nor the Zulu/British sets.

What has been confirmed are the WSS (but not until the new year):

Re: Late 17th century soldiers.
Unread postby John at Warlord Games » Sun Sep 13, 2015 9:19 am

Hi there, John stallard here warlord Boss… No current plans , but will be selling the WSS range from wargames factory in the new year which may cover what you want best wishes js
John at Warlord Games
Optio

The American Revolution sets.

The Apocalypse sets (including the Bikers and the Modern Infantry).

The Skeletons.

As for the rest, I am not sure and it sounds like WGF was not 100% sure either as it was up to Warlord to make the final decision.

In general, it sounds like Warlord will only carry and distribute sets that do not directly compete with their own. Without their distribution and having rights to sole distribution, what they do not distribute will not be available any more.

However, there has been talk among WGF staff that the sets not carried by Warlord may be distributed by another, as of yet, unnamed company. How that will work if Warlord has been given sole distributive contractual rights, I have no idea.

Another common fear is that Warlord will really jack up the prices on the sets to match their own high pricing.

Oh, I forgot to add:

Dexter Ward, Warlord does not just make EIR. They also make a range they have entitled, "Caesar's Legions" which are $34 USD for 24 figures and the WGF are $30 USD for 48 figures.

As for the difference in quality, here is what the 1000 Foot General has to say:

link

Phillius
I don't understand the reason for Warlord to sell WGF figures in the short term, if it is not to take them over in the long term.

I made this comment on a post at WGF's forum a short time back.

"Personally, they can refer to it as a "Partnership", "Mutual Agreement" or what other optimistic sales pitch they want to deliver to their customers, but when "A" company gains control over sales, distribution AND the power to decide which of 'your' product lines are going to be discontinued, lets face it, you've been bought out.

Just MHO of the situation, but for what is supposed to be a 'simple distribution agreement', it seems to carry a LOT of control.

As for "What does it mean for us?" in the long run. I think it leaves all of us in simply a 'Wait and See' zone. Theres a lot not yet clear as to what will and will Not be picked up by WL.

It sounds just like they said. WGF continues to design and produce their own sets. Warlord sells them through their website. It's all in the notice here. link

Partnership. Not merger.