Games Workshop Introduces Female Figures to Adeptus Custodes Line in Warhammer 40,000
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Games Workshop made a critically important change to its Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game on Friday, unveiling new models for the Adeptus Custodes featuring female-presenting figures. This marks the first time the elite, golden-armored warriors of the Emperor have been depicted with female characteristics in the core model range.
Legio Custodes and the Shift in Portrayal
The Adeptus Custodes, traditionally portrayed as exclusively male, are the personal bodyguard of the Emperor of Mankind in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The new models, showcased during the New Year preview livestream, include options for head swaps allowing players to create Custodes figures with distinctly feminine features. This change addresses long-standing calls from the Warhammer 40,000 community for greater inclusivity in the game’s miniatures.
The introduction of female Custodes isn’t a complete overhaul of the existing lore, but rather an expansion of it. games Workshop has stated that the Custodes are created through a complex process involving genetic engineering and psychic conditioning, and that the Emperor can manifest them in various forms. This allows for the inclusion of female Custodes without directly contradicting established canon.
Such as, during the livestream, Games Workshop presented a new praetorian spearhead squad with interchangeable heads, demonstrating the ability to field a unit with both traditionally masculine and feminine Custodes figures. This was highlighted in a post on the warhammer Community website, showcasing the new model options.
Community Reaction and Historical Context
The response from the Warhammer 40,000 community has been largely positive, with many players welcoming the increased representation. Historically, warhammer 40,000 has faced criticism for its limited portrayal of female characters, often relegating them to secondary roles or depicting them in hyper-sexualized ways. This change signals a potential shift towards greater inclusivity within the game.
While some traditionalists have expressed concerns about altering the established lore, Games Workshop has actively engaged with the community, explaining the rationale behind the decision and emphasizing that it expands, rather than replaces, existing narratives. The company’s official stance, as communicated through the New Year Preview, is that the Custodes are ultimately servants of the Emperor and can be manifested in any form He deems necessary.
Games Workshop and Ongoing Efforts Towards Inclusivity
this move is part of a broader trend within Games Workshop to address concerns about representation and inclusivity. In recent years,the company has released more female characters in other Warhammer game systems,such as Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The introduction of female Custodes represents a significant step forward for Warhammer 40,000, a franchise that has historically been dominated by male characters.
Games Workshop, headquartered in Nottingham, UK, continues to expand its product lines and engage with its global fanbase. The company’s annual revenue for the fiscal year ending May 29, 2023, was £399.6 million, according to its Annual Report, demonstrating its significant market presence and influence within the tabletop gaming industry.
