Games Workshop has reintroduced the special edition book Siege of Terra: End of Ruin after the original pre-order chaos led to the Warhammer.com website going offline due to scalpers. This eagerly awaited release is a significant moment for Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts, shining a light on the rich lore of the Siege of Terra and the Horus Heresy.
The Siege of Terra: End of Ruin’s Tumultuous Launch
Back in June, the excitement surrounding the pre-orders for the Siege of Terra: End of Ruin special edition was palpable. However, the launch quickly descended into chaos. This special anthology, set in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, was meant to be a collector’s delight with its luxurious design. It boasted a leather-effect cover, gold foil details, gilt edges, and a metal emblem of a ruined Imperial eagle. The release was eagerly anticipated, promising availability “strictly while stocks last” with a planned queue system for fair distribution. Unfortunately, the system faltered, leading to widespread frustration and the unexpected shutdown of the Warhammer.com site.
Games Workshop later revealed that scalpers had used bots to bypass ordering systems, prompting the site’s temporary closure. “Our eagle-eyed Tech Priests caught this happening in real-time,” they noted, necessitating quick action to curb the chaos.
Return of the Special Edition
After months of anticipation, the special edition’s return has been confirmed, this time offering a “guaranteed stock run.” Enthusiasts can secure their copies by ordering between Saturday and 8am UK time on Christmas Eve. This change means the book will be printed based on demand, ensuring that real fans can obtain it, albeit with a production window of up to 180 days.
Fans have reacted positively to this development, celebrating the move as a victory against scalpers. On Reddit, a lively discussion unfolded, with many declaring their support for the new system. “Print on demand, what sweet words to read!” exclaimed one enthusiastic fan.
Hope for a New Era in Special Editions
This latest approach by Games Workshop to thwart scalpers and ensure fans receive the books has been met with optimism. Many hope this method will become standard for all future special editions. “It’s about freaking time,” one fan commented, reflecting a sentiment shared across the community for a more equitable distribution system.
The long-standing issue of scalpers inflating prices on the secondary market has been a thorn in the side of genuine collectors. With this new direction, Games Workshop may finally be on the path to resolving these challenges, much to the delight of the Warhammer community.
Image credit: Games Workshop.