A proxied army with clearly 3D printed models on cardboard bases won a 40k tournament over the weekend igniting opinions on the matter.

Not one day after our editorial declaring Printing Free 3D 40k Models is picking up speed, an ambitious hobbyist won an event with 3D printed models and proxies.

A 3D Printed Army Finishes 1st Place at a 40k Tournament

Now it’s important to remember that the tournament in question didn’t have any kind of paint requirement or 3D printed policy in place. The TO told us that this was the first time a non-painted army was ever in contention of winning one of their events even. He also told me that going forward they will re-evaluate their position on unpainted models and proxies like 3D prints.

So while this player technically didn’t break any rules for the event, it left a bad taste in some hobbyists mouths who were at the event itself.

How would you feel if saw neon green printed Caladiuses with missing guns and cardboard cutout bases compared to your army?

You can easily make the argument that this army is the result of fierce meta chasing. 40k’s meta is constantly evolving and some players can feel pressure to do whatever they can to keep up. Caladiuses are a Custodes hotness and since they are out of stock on Forge World (but go for about $130), this player went with a 3D printed route that took 0% hobby effort.

ITC Events Have Spoken On This Moving Forward

We spoke with Reece Robbins, the head of ITC, about this yesterday. He reminded us that there is no specific 3D model policy for ITC events. However 3D printed models are banned from Front Line Gaming events (like LVO, BAO, etc.). He specifically said “it is hurting the hobby to do so” He also indicated the ITC will have to think of a way to handle incidents like this in the future.

The ATCs, which are coming up in two weeks, has told folks that have asked 3D printed models are banned. Shane Grubb, one of the event organizers said: “if events and stores allow this, then it will be a big railroad spike in the coffin (for the hobby).”

Walking A Fine Hobby Line

The community may need to walk a fine line on the matter in the coming months and years. While 3D printed models with clear laziness evident might not be allowed at future events, it’s also important not to ONLY allow 100%GW models moving forward as this could result in hobby stagnation.

Any business person will tell you that competition not only lowers prices but facilities creativity and growth in any business space. However respectful use of 3D printed bits and alternate models should be on hobbyists minds as well.

Ultimately, and regardless of the tournament guidelines in place, it’s important to remember what the tabletop world is at the end of the day. People that like playing their models for the aesthetics and getting to watch a battle unfold between two armies. There is a hobby morality issue at stake here and if it goes unchecked, the community could be seeing an ugly, watered-down tabletop culture in days ahead.

Looking at event organizers, there is a danger at letting anyone play with unpainted, 3D printed, and unrespectful alternate models. From the outside looking in, people could begin to think that organizers only want as many players as they can get to enter into their events. While it might fly the first few times, people will remember the kinds of armies and minis people bring and won’t want to return next year.

After looking at the models and hearing some tournament officials speak up, what are your own thoughts on 3D printed minis? Do 3D printed minis give a player the license to show clear hobby laziness? How should 3D printed minis be regulated? Have you played against an army similar to this? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.