Steamforged Games is the new owner of the Iron Kingdoms, including the award-winning fantasy miniatures wargame, Warmachine, Formula P3 and the Iron Kingdoms RPG.
Right now, the Privateer Press site is down ‘for maintenance’, suggesting change is afoot and stopping us from double-checking what the company’s focus and priority projects seem to be. Wikipedia says the Woodinville, WA-based production and publishing studio is known for Warmachine and Hordes. Hordes is an Iron Kingdom spin-off. It might not be clear what Privateer has left (Monsterpocalypse), but they are still involved with Warmachine.
Privateer will work in partnership with Steamforged. Matt Wilson, CCO and Founder of Privateer Press, told press;
We couldn’t have asked for better custodians than Steamforged. Their track record, history with the games, and genuine excitement about the future make them the perfect fit to shepherd Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms into the future, opening up new opportunities and growth channels for all Iron Kingdoms titles. We look forward to working with Steamforged in the years to come.”
Steamforge’s senior leadership team have been busy, the company turned 10 this year, and for the last three years it has increased trading revenue by 50%.
At some point, growth needs to come through acquisitions and that same Steamforged leadership team are Warmachine fans.
Rich Loxam, CEO and Founder of Steamforged, noted;
This project is a perfect, logical fit for us. Almost every aspect of Steamforged’s history can be traced back to Warmachine in some way or another. Both Mat Hart and I are Warmachine players, and Warmachine was actually a key inspiration for us creating Guild Ball, with its incredible world and well-designed gameplay. We couldn’t be more excited to bring our experience and infrastructure to the table to take Warmachine into its next era.”
Meanwhile, Mat Hart, CCO and Founder of Steamforged, added:
“There’s a real wealth of creative talent and, as you might expect, genuine passion for tabletop gaming in our team. In particular, we all share a special kind of love for Warmachine and the Iron Kingdoms. That, along with our expertise in creating games loved by many, makes us ideally placed to collaborate with Privateer Press in shaping the future of a hugely important franchise. There’s a profound sense of duty to nurture its growth and potential, and we take that responsibility seriously. We cannot wait for what’s to come for the players in this wonderful world.”
What next for Warmachine?
There will be a transition period for an unspecified time as Warmachine and Iron Kingdoms change homes.
Make no mistake; while Privateer Press are still in the room, Steamforged Games are the new owners, and updates will come from the British company.
Fans can;
There’s a little more on Steamforged‘s news page.
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