Games Workshop seals deal with Amazon to bring Warhammer to screens

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Games Workshop has finalised a deal with Amazon to develop films and television series based on the Nottingham-based games company’s Warhammer 40,000 series. 

The deal, which was first announced in December last year, gives Amazon exclusive rights in relation to films and television series set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, as well as an option to license equivalent rights in the Warhammer Fantasy universe following the release of the initial production. 

Games Workshop creates fantasy war game miniatures, which players use to enact complex battles. The agreement with Amazon will bring the fantasy worlds of Warhammer to the screen for the first time, with computer games, films and television series, which the games company hopes will help recruit new players.

The agreement is a “game changer” for Games Workshop, according to analysts at investment bank Peel Hunt. “It has taken a fair bit of time to go through the legal process, and was not helped by the writers’ and authors’ strikes.”

Games Workshop said its full-year forecasts were unchanged, demonstrating that any upfront payment was modest. “This is in line with our expectations, as the value in this relationship is bringing the Warhammer world to life and to a wider audience,” the analysts added.

Games Workshop and Amazon will work together for 12 months to agree creative guidelines for the films and television series.