Games Workshop made a very smart move IMHO by inking a deal with Fantasy Flight Games. Basically, Fantasy Flight has gotten rights to publish the a)Warhammer Fantasy RPG, b) Warhammer 40K Dark Heresy, c) Universal Fighting System CCG games, and d) excusive rights to publish non-miniatures based board games. This includes expansions for Talisman 4th edition, but not games like Man O War or Space Hulk.
I think this was a really good move on GW’s part. Fantasy Flight has a very good reputation for both quality and service. I think that this partnership could be one that really turns GW around. This should allow GW to focus on the miniatures games, and allow FFG to work it’s magic on the other properties.
Fantasy Fight is certainly cementing it’s position as the premiere US game company now. Combine this deal with the distribution deal with Rackham, and then throw in FFG’s own game mix and you end up with a very solid portfolio of games. I am really looking forward to seeing what FFG can do with the RPG’s and board games, and I really hope they can wiggle their way into a new release of Man O War.
One thing is for sure, the % of my gaming dollars going to FFG is certain to rise with this deal.
You can read the FFG press release in this PDF.