History really is in the making at Warlord Games

COMPANY THAT PRODUCES HISTORICAL MINIATURES IS TAKING THE TABLETOP GAMING WORLD BY STORM

- By LOUIS CORBETT [e-mail]

Head of products Peter Gosling, left, and head of direct sales and marketing Jim Butler over a tabletop battle scene

(JOSEPH RAYNOR)

IN recent years, tabletop games have evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, with 90% of the world's largest businesses in the industry based in Nottingham.

While the phrase "lead belt" was popularised by Games Workshop, the world's biggest tabletop gaming firm, it has grown to encompass companies like Warlord Games, which are making headway in the historical side of the hobby, and their growth is astonishing.

Built on the roots of Warhammer, Warlord Games now dominates a different niche in the hobbyist world - the historical tabletop gaming world - after its inception in 2007.

Founded by former Games Workshop employees John Stallard and Paul Sawyer, who died last year, the company has experienced exponential growth over the past few years and proudly proclaims itself as one of the world's largest historical war-game companies.

Warlord Games produces games and miniatures for a worldwide audience, spanning from Napoleonic times to ancient Rome.

The figurines span the majority of recorded history, with their most popular line being Bolt Action, a Second World War game.