A Brief History of Games Workshop
If you’ve ever stepped into The Hidden Lair, you’ve probably seen rows of intricately sculpted miniatures, colorful paint racks, and books filled with sprawling fantasy worlds. All of that traces back to a small company started nearly 50 years ago — Games Workshop.
The Humble Beginnings (1975–1980)
Founded in 1975 by Ian Livingstone, Steve Jackson, and John Peake, Games Workshop began not as a miniature maker, but as an importer of niche American board games like Dungeons & Dragons. Their early business was mail-order only, run from a tiny London flat. By 1978, they had opened their first retail store, specializing in roleplaying and tabletop games — a rare sight in the UK at the time.
The Birth of Warhammer (1983)
As the roleplaying boom grew, Games Workshop began developing their own products. The turning point came in 1983 with the release of Warhammer Fantasy Battle — a miniatures wargame set in a grim and gritty medieval fantasy world. It offered something unique: battles with hundreds of hand-painted figures that you assembled and customized yourself.
Expanding the Universe (1987–2000s)
In 1987, Warhammer 40,000 brought the same large-scale battles to a dystopian sci-fi setting, mixing high technology with gothic horror. Over the years, both Warhammer universes developed deep lore — sprawling stories told across novels, game expansions, and community events.
Today’s Global Hobby Giant
Now, Games Workshop operates stores in more than 20 countries, supports massive tournaments, and continually innovates with new miniatures and game systems. For many hobbyists, their products are the heart of tabletop gaming — a mix of art, storytelling, and strategy that you can hold in your hands.
At The Hidden Lair, we’re proud to be part of that tradition, bringing you everything from the latest releases to the classic kits that started it all.
Check out Games Workshops newest releases here - coming to The Hidden Lair August 30th
