BoW Awards 2014: Sculpt, Painting & Sci-Fi Game
January 1, 2015 by warzan
Welcome to the first part of the Beasts of War Awards 2014! To kick things off we're going to be talking about the Sculpt, Painting and Sci-Fi Game categories that YOU as a community voted on and discovering what the four finalists are for each!
Each of these categories has been a joy to look at, especially considering the Sculpts and Painting that people have worked on over the past year. It's no surprise that these two were some of the most hotly contested in terms of votes for nominations.
Of course Sci-Fi gaming is also a massive part of our hobby and there are a lot of big contenders getting ready for a scrap! It's been a big year for a number of different companies.
Tune in on the days below at 18:00/6pm GMT to watch each of our nomination shows to find out the finalists and then the results show on Sunday 4th of January 2015...
1st January - Sculpt, Painting & Sci-Fi
2nd January - Fantasy & Accessory
3rd January - Pulp, Punk, Horror Or Weird & Historical
4th January - Finals Night!
Talk about the awesome nominations below!
![Warcradle Studios Reveal TINY New 10mm Festive Marker! [Updated]](https://images.beastsofwar.com/2025/11/christmas-kyle-main-600-338.jpg)
Well, its better than watching the Oscars. Looking sharp guys!
Lol
Me thinks @lloyd is trying to remind us how erm… Essential he is lol 😉
Anyway enjoy the next three nights of me butchering names and pronounciations 🙂
I didn’t quite hear you attempt “Oghurithne Umaer” for the Bagseg mini. You’ll have to give it another go on XLBS on Sunday 😉
Yeah i was never going to try that one lol
I thought you did pretty well, especially on some of the more challenging French ones.
‘re we go, applause and cheers!
Clap clap clapity clap clap.
Not to post any spoilers but it looks like the haters got their way. I think this is going to be a great final never the less. Thanks once again BoW for running this amazing program! You guys definitely keep the Miniature War Gaming Fires Burning! May 2015 be even more amazing
Well, you couldn’t vote against a game, so the haters didn’t get their way. There are just a lot of other games out there now… I did find it interesting though…
Also worth looking at the finalists of the categories before.
We found it interesting as well, but that’s a topic for another day.
Whatever the reasons were, it was because people chose to vote for something else, rather than hatin’.
Well-said. There are just so many different sci-fi games out there now that people are gravitating towards different systems. Were this 5 or 10 years ago the gaming landscape would have been very different and 40k would have almost certainly been a nominee.
But this past year alone has been explosive in the sci-fi category. Even though GW unleashed their big guns in terms of releases there was just so much other equally exciting shiny from other companies (Operation Icestorm, DZC Resistance, etc.).
I think for all that 40K can be a fun game, and has a lot of fans… that’s not the same thing as being ‘the best’. It’s had a new edition of what is still an old game, and it has many flaws. The interaction between the rules and GW’s release schedule and marketing policy also upsets many who think GW perfectly capable of designing a good game from the ground up if only doing so wouldn’t conflict with other corporate goals.
GW quite reasonably got miniatures into the final 4, but I think it’s only fair that newer, more modern, tighter, better designed _games_ beat 40K.
Not how I would put it myself, but I think what dogst4r is referring to is the adolescent “anti-corporate” sentiment which is this instance probably results in people not voting at face value, there are instead making a statement – whatever that might be.
I think the other thing to bear in mind is that this site is unlikely to be visited by hardcore GW only fans, so whilst there probably are some in-genuine votes, the majority of votes will be from players who were already looking for an alternative, never played, or have widened their horizons beyond GW.
It’s a little bit like expecting votes for Manchester United on a Manchester City website….;)
I seriously doubt anyone voted for another system as a protest vote against 40K. There’s no reason not to believe that every vote was a genuine vote. Bear in mind that Horus is in the final four for Best Sculpt, so if GW do something people like, then they vote for it. The second point has more merit. BoW is a site that covers a wide variety of games, and is visited by people who play a wide variety of games. The fairest conclusion to draw is not that anti-GW sentiment has unfairly cost 40K a place in the final four, but that given a level playing field, several thousand people who enjoy a wide variety of games decided that 40K is not one of the best sci-fi games currently on the market. The football analogy is a poor one, because it equates BoW with one particular product which is anti another particular product. A better analogy would be that it would be like expecting votes for Manchester United on a general sport website for best current team in sport.
“I seriously doubt anyone voted for another system as a protest vote against 40K”
Lol, you have a good deal more faith in the internet than I do sir….;)
Whilst I stand by the sentence, picking out one sentence and presenting it out of context from everything else that followed means you aren’t presenting a counter-argument. People have voted 40K product into the final four in the other categories, so if there is a anti-40K voting going on it isn’t doing a very good of it. If you can present any evidence in contrast, then I’d be interested in reading it (and I do mean genuinely interested).
Where did I say I was presenting a counter-arguement? Where did I say I was interested in presenting any kind of arguement at all?
I have no interest in a debate because neither of us have any real data. In fact no one has. Even if each voter gave their reasons how would we know they weren’t lying?
My tongue-in-cheek, off-the-cuff comment (marked with …;) ) regarding the internet, and my previous comments that use the word “probably” are based on many comments I’ve seen posted over the years and my general suspicion of human nature but has absolutely no basis in hard evidence whatsoever and neither was I presenting it as such. In turn I view counter statements in the same light.
Was actually rather surprised with the sculpting category with the exception of the Horus mini. Did not expect the Perry stuff to be much of a contender to be honest.
Painting finalists were about what I expected to show up.
Guessed three out of the four sci-fi games correctly. Did not expect Deadzone to show up because I’ve found people’s opinion of the game to be very mixed. Some love it, other were very disappointed by it.
Anyway, because it is fun to do, my predictions;
Sculpting – Horus. While the other minis are impressive the Horus mini is a display piece.
Painting – The Enchantress. Honestly I can’t see anything else winning. Yes the others a good from a technical standpoint but this model is a work of art.
Sci-Fi Game – A really tough one to call as I can see any of them winning except of Deadzone. But I would have to say Infinity eeks out a win here. Dropzone has had a meteoric rise and X-wing is a Star Wars game which in itself gives it instant popularity. But Infinity has a rabid fanbase and out of all the games has had the most exciting year.
That was really well done guys, I’m impressed.
My votes are all in the final on this one. Infinity really is taking things by storm, two in the sculpts plus the painting as well as the game itself.
I have to say as well, I have 3rd edition and its beautifully made.
That was truly a joy to watch. Its my hope that at the beginning of every category you all take a chug down. By the end when the winners are announced you all be talking like drunken sailors.
I agree the votes where for what system/game you liked not who you hate and I could not be happier that enough people have seen the light and tried and enjoyed the many other great games out there, that can only help our hobby choices/options get better as the money is spread around rather than going to the biggest, who is not necessarily the best for each persons taste. Good show btw
I’m really pleased, I play three games in the Sci-Fi category and they all made the final (Deadzone being the odd one out)
Same
Great to see my nominations coming up in the finalists for all three categories so far. Not going to attempt to predict the winner from sculpting or painting, but my money’s on Infinity for Sci-Fi.
🙂 funny how the word “hate” can cause such a ruckus. I just simply meant 40k never had a chance because of the hate it produces as the “big guy”. Even with a strong year of releases behind it, it still cant scratch the top 4. I am totally in agreement with all nominees, infinity especially as it is going from strength to strength. Nice to see my favourite in the mix *cough X-wing.
From my perspective I’m maybe a little sensitive to the word ‘hate’ as we’ve went to some lengths to keep the experience positive and fair.
So absolutely open nominations and absolutely open voting 🙂
Every nominee had basically the same chance 🙂
I don’t think we have seen any protest votes so I don’t think hate really came into it 🙂
Personally I was ecstatic about the Sci Fi final 4, I voted for Deadzone but I wouldn’t be upset with any other the other three taking it because they are all fantastic systems!
Or maybe people just voted for what they like.
What he said.
The other games are rising stars, especially Infinity and DCZ. Each new release doesn’t just excite the base but elicits interest in other games.
40k, while still the biggest, is at best stagnant and at worse on the decline. A major factor in this is that the industry is much more competitive and that other games are much more accessible.
As indeed do I.
I agree enormously. No anti-votes were cast and I am enjoying the good humour of the awards.
Wahay! I got a mention for my printer. BTW, if you’re interested in what I’ve got finished, check it out here:
I’m moving onto painting next, and changing the construction so that things stay together with dove-tailing. It’s a really rewarding hobby!
Nice
Im relly impressed with your productions. The 3D printing scene will only get bigger and better this year. I might have to go look for one myself.
Well said @warzan. We will leave it at that. Once again big thanks for all you guys do for our hobby.
I cant wait its like christmass all over again!
Very interesting short lists, that showcase same awesome work in the industry. The breadth of material available for the discerning gamer is incredible.
A joy to watch. Really great production values. Cant wait to see the winners.
good effort would be nice to know about the sculptors who did such wonderful art, any chance of an interview of one? I guess 4 out of 4 of the sci fi games and I reckon infinity will grab top slot.
just shows the quality and range to choose from to day nice very nice.
Really well done guys. loving the tuxedos. Plus the music really reminded me of the Oscars. Awesome
Some nice mini’s in those nominations and finalists. I’m surprised that Nagash didn’t make it to the finalists, or for that matter that the Glottkin didn’t get nominated. I’m not surprised however at the number of Infinity related finalists and Angel being nominated for his paint job. Not having a go at Infinity and Angel, I am giving Infinity a go I purchased the N3 rules and the limited mini and I myself have learned a huge amount from reading through Angels how to’s. But I think people are dismissing the amount of influence the site has on peoples votes. Take a look at the YouTube uploads over the past 12 months for Beast of War and count the amount of Infinity related videos and then count the amount of Games Workshop related videos 40K or WHFB. I don’t think anyone would disagree that Infinity has had a big year but both Warhammer systems have had just as big of a year but no where near the coverage here, as I might add has Forgeworld with it’s huge amount of 30k releases.
I’m not bashing or hating on any system I am just putting forward my opinion that as fair etc that you try to make a system by it’s actions this year Beasts of War has influenced votes.
That is fair, the voting is public oporated but hosted by BoW so they can tilt the year which ever way they see fit. I do think peer review would be good thing to do for next year.
Personally I voted away from games workshop based on my own relationship with their game system. I play tyranids, and the rules they wrote make it hard to play.
But you forget that two of the best painted top 4 are 40k universe. I think you will agree that 40k is better at art and story telling than competitive gameplay. Which is why I don’t think it made it to the top 4 as a gaming system.
I do agree mate, it’s one of the reasons I commented a while ago on why BoW hadn’t done a 7th edition primer like they did for Infinity. I thought that an in depth week for 7th would have helped newcomers, especially with the release/re-release of effectively 3 starter boxes for 40k this year. The guys could have mentioned during that week any house rules (like the poker chips) that they use for their own personal games.
I see those 2 mini’s mate 🙂 but I wouldn’t be surprised if Angel won because he has been spoken about extensively throughout the year and in my honest opinion although that bike mini is very well painted it isn’t of the standard or complexity of the other 3. Again I am not bagging Angel I think he is brilliant and I for one will be buying his book.
X-Wing has had zero coverage on BoW yet still made the final four. So whilst you could certainly make the argument that the relationship between BoW and CB has resulted in Infinity doing well in the voting, you can’t make the argument that a lack of coverage has resulted in 40K being locked out. 40K has placed in the other two categories and if WFB has placed in the Best Fantasy category (time will tell on that one), then it would be fair just to say that 40K lost out to some very strong competition. I’ve played all four of the games that made the final four and 40K. I think 40K may deserve to be in the final four ahead of Deadzone, but that’s about it. The other three IMO deserve their spots ahead of it.
“X-Wing has had zero coverage on BoW”
http://www.beastsofwar.com/x-wing/
I’m talking of dedicated shows. If we’re talking news items and mentions, then 40K has had more coverage than X-Wing.
Good point mate, I would put X-Wing on a pedestal of it’s own though purely due to the Star Wars fan base, and in my opinion it wouldn’t make a difference whether that particular game got all the coverage or none with regards to it’s nomination or place in the finals.
A very good point. To be fair there is just too many things coming out in the industry as a whole for BoW to cover. I think even if they were to quadruple their staff they would have trouble keeping up with it.
It is a bit of a two-way street when it comes to BoW and gaming companies though. We all know that BoW’s relationship with GW has been…rocky in the past so it is understandable if they are cautious with their coverage. Though they still talk about GW a good deal on the Weekender/XLBS and do stay up to date with new releases.
Corvus Bellie on the other hand are enthusiastic about displaying what they have on BoW. To be honest they have been kind of milking it for all its worth. Can’t say I blame them as being showcased on BoW is a smart way to get your product out to the community. Being open and engaging the community really makes the difference.
I think we can all come up with a couple of games that we feel don’t get enough coverage. I find Warmahordes coverage to be a little on the short side given its popularity and I would like to see more Malifaux coverage beyond new releases. And then there are some small companies I feel could really benefit from more in-depth air time like Bushido.
I suspect that some of this has to do with the dialogue between the game companies and BoW themselves, although to the extent this matters I’m not sure.
Good points mate, and I agree with them I would have loved to have seen some of the Raging Heroes mini’s up for sculpt nominations, they do in my opinion some brilliant metals and offer them as limited’s in resin as well. They are a painters dream I have a few and a couple simply had no mould lines, I don’t know how they did it.
Agreed, it’s obvious that the guys have great relationships with the team at Corvus and some of the others, and I can’t comment on what the relationship is like now with GW.
Can’t say I disagree with any of the finalists so far the shortlists were very strong but then they were all voted for by some very discerning people. Namely us lot.
Loved the show – really, really nicely done. I did wish that you’d chatted a bit more about the nominations, as it felt like a missed opportunity, especially now it’s too late to be accused of trying to sway the vote.
Perhaps that’s not what’s done for this type of awards show (I find the real Oscars pretty tedious, so don’t have much experience with what you’re actually mimicing), not what you were going for, or maybe you’ll do more of it in the finals.
Or maybe you’ll pick up on this stuff in a weekender / XLBS? I appreciated there’s an awful lot of impressive stuff to cover – more than you could do justice to in a reasonably lengthed show.
In any case, looking forward to tomorrow’s!
Holy banana. This is a graphic, lurid illustration of the creativity that layers our industry. The sculpts , the paintwork, it’s all on a stratospheric rise!
And to echo Sam and Warren: greens are cool BUT beautifully painted minis sell minis (minis companies please take note).
… and to reply to myself, the sci-fi game I don’t yet play but am most likely to start in 2015 (hint: it’s the most popular of all the tabletop games) isn’t even in the top 4. What a world we live in!
As some already pointed out, brillian production quality! It will be a blast to watch the final sceremony on sunday.
There have been some good pointers in the comment already regarding the nominations and I agree that since it’s the BoW watchers that vote the BoW content will influence their votes. Nothing sinister there just logic.
I was surprised by the Perry entry since as a regular army entry there are some amazing 30K sculpts that easy beats them, but Im glad to see some alternate sculpts end up in the final run.
Cheers and let the show begin!
Some people prefer the realism of the Perry minis. Opinions differ. Is that really so surprising?
A fantastic show, gents. The tuxes and the presentation set a celebratory tone that shows pride in the industry, and the production really convinces as an exciting awards show. My only complaint is the Beastie award itself. I get the humor, but I think it’s goofiness undermines the show’s credibility. Just my opinion, but I hope you decide to replace it next year with something a little more classy. Other than that, thanks so much for all the hard work. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun with the show, and the excitement is infectious.
Shouldn’t that be Lloyds in the opening credits? There are 2 of him/them. And Justin just looks evil.
IMO, shouldn’t the Sculpting category show assembled but unpainted models so as not to prejudice the judging by seeing the sculpting flaws covered by stellar paint jobs?
Nice and classy, gents!
Watched it in bed. Headphones on. Giggled. Got funny looks…
I was really impressed with Warren’s positivity about all the nominations of all the companies and artists – I couldn’t have managed that!
It’s nice to see what an effect the media handling has had on public opinion; companies that participate, release news, actively encourage dissemination of this information, do interviews and basically give BoW something to work with – they’re the ones that get covered, get attention and get voted for.
Companies that don’t talk, don’t do news/rumours (one week’s notice doesn’t count!), don’t do interviews and are actively hostile to the fan community, don’t get voted for. Who honestly wants yet another Cease and Desist?
Awesome stuff guys looking forward to the next 🙂
Seeing the guys in tuxedos just makes me think of Casino Royale (guess who the villain is?)
Please tell me it’s @lloyd 😉
Just a thought, how come Knight Models wasn’t nominated? My vote is going to Horus HAIL THE WARMASTER!
I have to say that this show was very well presented with the music and titles. Looking forward to watching the whole series this week.
Epic show! Did you spend all your money on video editing software and had nothing left for decent champagne? 😀 I was very pleased to see Perry’s Knights 1450-1500 make it into the sculpt finalists. I’m always amazed by the color, armor, shields, and flags in these pre-1800 historical minis.
Well to credit the sculptors for the two Mierce nominations Malacant was sculpted by
Daniel Cockersell (based on concept art by Stefan Kopinski) and Bagseg was sculpted by Yannick Fusier (based on concept art by Sam Lamont), the company always credits the artists involved which great.
Probably the best thing I have ever seen when it comes to wargaming contests. Great show guys. (I’m catching up late as usual ;-))
Just finished watching all nights stuff and have to good job it was alot of fun. I reallyenjoying getting to see some of the stuff I hadn’t noticed yet just making everything more interesting.
Also after reading many of the comments Ithink I have a good reason why 40k didn’t even make it to the finals. While most have played or even started with 40k most of us playmultiple games, personaly I play other things like Infinity, Warmachine/Hordes, and WIld West Exodus. What this has showen while 40k might have more people that play it and its the first love of many of us we have all expanded to well better games, with better release schedules. This does not mean we don’t like 40k we just like something else better be it Infinity, Deadzone, Mercs or something else.