Is 3D Printing causing CONCERN for Games Workshop?

Main issue

The video discusses concerns around 3D sculpting/printing and Games Workshop (GW) model previews. The creator urges viewers to watch the entire piece before reacting and frames the topic as a nuanced debate — not a simple pro/anti-3D-printing rant.

The creator repeatedly asks viewers to watch the whole video before commenting or reacting.

What’s happening

• GW previously released detailed previews of upcoming models (including 360° views); those previews have recently been scaled back.
• A subset of the 3D-printing community is using AI and photogrammetry tools to convert GW 2D preview images and artwork into 3D STL files very quickly (sometimes within a day), then sharing and printing them.
• Examples mentioned in the video:
  • “Red Terra / Red Terror” model revealed at Adepticon / Kill Team previews.
  • Steel Legion artwork converted into 3D.
  • GW artwork of “Perabo” (Perch Rava) turned into printable models and shared online (posts appeared on Reddit before removal).

Why GW might be reacting

• The speaker suggests GW is limiting previews to avoid giving “ammunition” (images) that enable rapid rips into STLs.
• The creator thinks GW isn’t losing a huge amount of revenue directly from STLs, but local game/hobby shops that depend on GW product sales and in-store play could be harmed if people print armies instead of buying product or attending events.

The creator’s perspective on 3D printing

• Supports 3D printing for conversions, upgrades, and custom bits (examples shown: Black Templar Land Raider upgraded with a 3D kit; Terminator conversions using extra 3D bits by a friend).
• Not promoting printing whole armies or piracy, but recognizes why some people turn to prints (price and accessibility).
• Will not run resin printers at home for safety/household reasons.
• Prefers buying quality bits from creators (example mentioned: Archie’s Forge).

Key tips / takeaways for hobbyists

• Use 3D printing ethically: favor custom bits and upgrades rather than mass-printing official models.
• Support local hobby shops if you value community play spaces — their survival depends on in-store purchases and events.
• If you can’t or won’t run a home resin printer, consider buying custom 3D bits from reputable makers (e.g., Archie’s Forge).
• Be mindful when sharing or distributing STLs made from official previews/artwork — legal and ethical issues, and potential harm to local businesses.
• Watch the full source material before making public criticism to avoid misunderstandings.

Other observations

• The creator finds GW’s “one small reveal per week” approach boring and says it’s dampening his excitement for upcoming box releases (mentions the upcoming 11th-edition / last 10th-edition Kill Team release box).
• He asks for viewer feedback and discussion but again urges that people view the whole video before commenting.

Gamers / sources / names mentioned

• Games Workshop (GW)
• Adepticon
• Kill Team / 11th edition announcement
• “Red Terra” / “Red Terror”
• Steel Legion artwork
• “Perabo” / Perch Rava
• Reddit (Iron Warriors subreddit referenced)
• Friend “Stow” (Instagram / conversion work)
• Archie’s Forge (3D bits creator)
• Local hobby shops and the smaller 3D-printing community (the fraction responsible for rapid STLs)