Dice Men: The Origin Story of Games Workshop
By Ian Livingstone with Steve Jackson
Publication date: Autumn 2022
Choose book format:
About the book
Games Workshop, Warhammer, White Dwarf, Citadel Miniatures and Fighting Fantasy are names which trigger powerful memories for millions of people around the world. The cultural impact of Games Workshop and Fighting Fantasy has been remarkable. But how did it all begin?
Since starting out in 1975 as a part-time mail-order business in a modest third-floor flat in West London, Games Workshop has grown from its humble beginnings to become a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange. From distributing Dungeons & Dragons, to living in the back of a van, to opening Games Workshop stores, to creating Fighting Fantasy, to launching Warhammer, co-founders Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson tell their remarkable story for the first time.
Dice Men is the fascinating, never-before-told story of an iconic company which changed the world of tabletop gaming for ever. It's an insight into the rollercoaster first year of Games Workshop and the birth of the industry.
Since starting out in 1975 as a part-time mail-order business in a modest third-floor flat in West London, Games Workshop has grown from its humble beginnings to become a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange. From distributing Dungeons & Dragons, to living in the back of a van, to opening Games Workshop stores, to creating Fighting Fantasy, to launching Warhammer, co-founders Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson tell their remarkable story for the first time.
Dice Men is the fascinating, never-before-told story of an iconic company which changed the world of tabletop gaming for ever. It's an insight into the rollercoaster first year of Games Workshop and the birth of the industry.
Is continuation planned? Next years of history GW 85-? And when will the book be published?
There are no plans for additional books at this point. We expect the book will be published in 2018, but it depends on when the project reaches its funding target.
Greetings from the Far East! I would like to inquire if there is a fixed last/final day for backers to make a pledge, please?
Hello Chang, unless the funding target is reached early, the final day for pledges will be end of March 2018. Thanks, Ian
I'm not a huge fan of hardback (heavy and expensive). Will there every be a paperback or PDF?
I understand there are no plans for a PDF. I'm told a paperback might come at a later date if the hardback is successful. Hope that helps. Thanks, Ian
Would like an option to buy more than one copy. I have a friend for whom this would make an ideal gift.
That is now possible, thanks
Hi! In FAQ I read that "We often run 'Read with a Friend' levels that include two books per package to save on postage." - is there any chance to have this in your crowdfunding campaign?
That is now possible, thanks.
Hello, Ian, Are you seeking the fans' perspective from those of us who have fond memories of GW from the early '80s (or even earlier)?
Yes we are! Please send your email address to us via Twitter or Facebook messaging.
Hey, guys. Are you aware that there‘s a book about D&D, Gary Gygax, etc, called „Of Dice And Men“?
Thanks for letting us know. There shouldn't be any confusion between the two books. Different titles and different focus.
Hi, I'm at Games Day poster pledge level and I'd like to add one additional signed book for a friend. I don't see an option to simply add another book to my pledge. Is there any way this can be done? Thanks!
It is now possible to do this, thanks.
What happens if you don’t meet the funding target? Will you still go ahead with the publishing?
Unfortunately not. Unbound require the book to be fully funded before committing to publishing it.
Hi thanks for the previous answer...if production doesn’t go ahead, I take it all pledges will be refunded? Hopefully it will :0)
Of course!
Hi thanks for previous answer, if production doesn’t go ahead, I assume all pledges will be refunded? Hopefully it will publish!
All pledges will be refunded by Unbound if production does not go ahead. However, the project is now 88% funded and we hope it will be 100% funded soon. Thanks for your patience.
Thanks for previous answer, I assume if production doesn’t go ahead all pledges will be refunded?
Of course pledges will be refunded, but we expect the book to be funded.
Hi when is the current deadline for funding? Wasn't it originally end of March? Thanks.
Unbound are happy for the deadline to be extended. We hope that is OK with everybody.
Is funding still open, gentlemen? It appears that it is, but it's obviously past March 2018, so I thought I should check-in to confirm.
Yes, you can still pledge, thanks. Unbound have a policy of keeping their pledge platform open to enable projects to succeed.
Thanks Ian. I've helped spread the word through Google+, Facebook, and some online gaming forums. Hopefully the project will move forward!----it looks like a great read. Have you given any thought to bulk buying for retailers? In the past we at Black Blade Publishing (old school AD&D 1e publishers) have brought books from Kickstarter authors and other friends who are publishers to GaryCon and the North Texas RPG Con for sale at our booth. We have been able to get those at ~50% off. Is that kind of retailer discount something you'd be able to do either during the funding process or after the book is published?
Allan, thanks for your help in spreading the word. I'm told that Unbound have book distribution partners who they work with for sales following on from their crowdfunded first edition release to the backers. I could ask Unbound to contact you if you wish? Best, Ian.
That would be great, thanks you Ian. You can have them reach out to me at grodog@gmail.com.
I'll ask Unbound to contact you in the near future. Thanks Allan.
That would be great, thank you Ian. You can have them email me at grodog@gmail.com ....allan
Thanks Allan. Ian
I've constantly blogged about it and posted to Facebook. I gave it one last push as it it hit 99% and reached 225 people on FB alone through my Screaming Mob Miniatures page, and watched with joy as the pledges went up. Congratulations!
Thanks for your help Mark. Much appreciated. Great to see the book is finally funded. We are having an editorial meeting tomorrow to review the content!
Funded, huzzah!!! So what now? Is the book already finished? About when can we expect to read it? Greetings
It is still in the writing stage. Unbound will be communicating the publishing date.
Hi Ian---I'd be happy for Unbound to contact me about retail sales options, thanks. Also: now that the project is more than 100% funded, do you have any estimates for when Unbound will begin printing and shipping?
The book is still being written. Unbound have not issued a publication date. Thanks.
Can we get an update on how the project will proceed now that Funding has been reached?
The book is in the writing stage. Unbound will be communicating the publishing date.
Ian, Congratulations on getting funded! Woohoo! Further to my question a while back about fans contributing, how can I reach you other than Facetube or Twatter? Do you have an e-mail address? One created just to receive messages about this project would do. Thanks, Alexander
Please submit questions via this forum, thanks Alexander. Ian
Are there any updates on the status of this? It all appears to have gone silent?
The book is still in the writing stage. Unbound will be communicating the publishing date in due course. Thanks.
Hello guys, when will there be the next update at the beginning of design and editorial work? Or will be only updated the information status on delivery date? Greetings from Germany
Hi Alexander Thanks for getting in touch. We send email updates throughout the publishing process when the project moves on a stage. So there might be a while between emails, but it means we're quietly working in the background. The next email to look out for is one letting you know when we've received the first finished manuscript from the authors so we can start the editorial process. I hope this helps! Unbound Support.
Is there any update at all? It appears to have gone very quiet over the year.
The book is still in the writing stage. Unbound will be communicating the publishing date. Thanks.
Is there any sort of timeline? As it's approaching a year in this stage and Unbound advise its several months from the manuscript being completed?
Hi Joe, the book is still being written. I'm afraid it's a slow process as we are contacting former employees and sourcing more photos. We will update everybody soon. Thanks, Ian
Hello. 3/5/2019. How goes the Project? Thanks.
Hi Antonio, the book is still being written. I'm afraid it's a slow process as we track down and contact our former employees and source more photos. We will update everybody soon. We hope it will be worth the wait! Thanks, Ian
Ian, you may recall Peter Armstrong? Sheffield store and latterly Dalling Road iirc, and a painter par excellence. I can put you in touch with his widow as he sadly passed away two years ago. I can also probably reach all of the original Sheffield staff and management from the time the store opened.
Thanks Mark. So sorry to hear Peter had passed away. It would be great if you could connect me to his widow and the Sheffield staff. My email me is ian.livingstone@gmail.com. We are hoping to get photos as well as stories/anecdotes.
Hi again Ian and Steve--- I just discovered a wonderful blog post about the GW newsletter "Black Sun" at https://awesomeliesblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/18/the-black-sun/ Will Dice Men discuss Black Sun as well as Owl & Weasel in its history? .....allan
Black Sun will definitely get a mention!
Black Sun - Boy that was a great little 'extra'. Anyway, I have reached out to four of the original GW staff from the Sheffield store, and Gilly Armstrong. I've also asked them to cascade to others they may be in contact with from the very early days of the store. Thanks for the fast response Ian.
Thanks Mark.
Ian, Steve, In the darkest recesses of my loft, I believe I may have some GW and Games day memorabilia; would you be interested in seeing it? greatly looking forward to the book. Kind regards, Paul.
We'd be interested in anything from the early days. We have a lot items but not everything of course. Please let me know what you have. Thanks, Ian
Hi - can't see how to reply to Ian's response to my question, but I'll look up what I have and get back to you. Kind regards, Paul.
That would be great, thanks. Hi-res photos would be most welcome via email.
Is there any update on schedule/timing as of July 2019 please?
The writing is very advanced, and a lot of time is now being spent on gathering images, contacting ex-employees. Apologies for the slow progress but we hope the wait will be worth it!
How far along are we with it now? Thanks
The writing is very advanced, and a lot of time is now being spent on gathering images, contacting ex-employees. Apologies for the slow progress but we hope the wait will be worth it!
Hello Ian and Steve---Do you think that the book might be completed and available for March 2020, in time to stock copies for GaryCon? Black Blade is starting our planning for the convention, and it would be great to have the books in time for the show, if possible .....allan
Hi Allan, the book will soon be finished but I don't believe copies will be available for retail distribution in time for GaryCon. Please keep in touch regarding updates. Ian
Is there any update on the timings?
Writing will be finished by the end of February. It's a high word count and will need to be edited down. We have also sourced 200+ photographs/images and will need to select the best in relation to the text. Thank you for your patience! Ian
Has my question been deleted?
Your questions (and the answers) are still showing as far as I can see. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Ian
Alexander: you may be thinking of discussion in the Updates section perhaps? Allan.
Will do, thanks Allan.
14 June 2020: any new updates, Ian and team? .....allan
We are in final edit. Photo and images are finalised. Handing everything over to Unbound as soon as we are able. Thanks for your continued support and patience! Ian
Evening...do we have a publication/delivery date yet? This is now 2&1/2 years since pledges were confirmed (feb 2018) and please don’t blame COVID...the lack of updates is a little Frustrating!
We have had Covid in the house (not me) but I won't mention that! Apologies for the delay, but the scope of the book kept growing. Sourcing certain photos was also a lengthy process. Unbound have stated that publication is scheduled for this autumn. Thanks, Ian
13 February 2021: any new updates, Ian---the last one I saw was at the end of November, and sounded like the book might be done soon (going to pre-press)? ......allan
Unbound have indicated a Spring 2022 release. This has in part been caused by logistical problems with printers. Apologies again, but I hope the wait will be worth the while.
Hey guys, it's been a loooong time since the last update, I hope everybody is staying healthy and safe, but it would be good to know how things are progressing and when we might expect some more news.
Unbound have indicated a Spring 2022 release. This has in part been caused by logistical problems with printers. Apologies again, but I hope the wait will be worth the while.
Any news? I would like to read an update.
Unbound have indicated a Spring 2022 release. This has in part been caused by logistical problems with printers. Apologies again, but I hope the wait will be worth the while.
7 October 2021: Thanks for the update, Ian! As things get closer to production/shipping time, if the book will be available in time, we'd love to stock it for you at our Black Blade booth at GaryCon: see https://www.blackgate.com/2018/03/13/the-1001-treasures-of-black-blade-publishing-and-goodman-games-gary-con-2018-report-part-ii/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY8UffUh2Z4 for a quick overview :D GaryCon will be held 24-27 March 2022, so it may be earlier than the book is available, perhaps, but if the timing works out, it would be great to launch it with a big splash! Allan.
Thanks Allan. I will ask the publisher to get in touch with you. Thanks, Ian
Hello - is there a date for publication? Info just says 'Spring 2022' - anything more exact available?
I'm awaiting an update from the publisher. I know there are problems with the supply chain for hard back books at the moment. Hopefully no further delay! Thanks, Ian
Just ordered two signed copies -- is it possible to have them sent to different addresses (one is for a friend)?
Hi Greg, I'm afraid it is not possible to send the books to different addresses unless they are separate pledges.
3 January 2022---Hello Ian and Steve and Happy New Year! I saw from your November update that the book will be delayed through summer of this year, but thought I'd ping you to see if you or Unbound have plans to issue any fliers for the book? We'll be conventioning at GaryCon in March and the North Texas RPG Con in June in 2022 (both very old-school focused and in your core reader demographic), and would be happy to distribute fliers for the book given the imminence of its release. (And updated release date, if you have better visibility to that would also be useful to include in such a flier, of course). If you've not given thought to fliers, but want to work on it together, feel free to get in touch by email at grodog@gmail.com. I've also never heard from Unbound about book distribution pricing for sale in our booth, in case it's a good time to poke them about that again? .....allan.
Hi Allan, apologies for the very late reply! I’m delighted to say that Dice Men will be published on 10th November. Best, Ian
Content removed by Moderator.
Hi Bo, Thanks for reaching out. We are currently updating our system to ensure items are sent out DDP and have already registered for our IOSS number Best wishes, Unbound
Will this be available through some sort of retail in the United States in the future? I have friends that will regret not backing, so I want to know where to send them when they see my copy.
Hi Mike, Your friends can still support the project through the site! Meaning they will receive it at the same time as you. We accept pledges from across the globe. Best wishes, Lena
I've noticed there's a Kindle version of this book showing on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62921113-dice-men). Has this been released on Kindle before the book has gone to backers?
Hi Simon, The ebook edition has not yet been released. Amazon have it available for pre-order and it would be loaded onto your Kindle on publication day on 10th November. Supporters will be receiving the ebook edition later this week! Best wishes, Lena
When will we receive tracking information for delivery? I was hoping we would receive our book on or just before release day so have taken the 10th of November of as a holiday, but have no tracking info yet so assume we not getting them tomorrow?
Hi Grant, Please email support@unbound.com for any information regarding tracking. Best wishes, Lena
I just received one of my two books and it looks amazing! Unfortunately the book was damaged. Who do I contact?
Hi Marek, I'm sorry to hear this. Please email pictures to support@unbound.com and we'll help. Best wishes, Lena
Hello, just to check when supporters will receive the hard copy?
Hi Janina, Absolutely! If you've purchased a hardback it will be on it's way to you. Best wishes, Lena
9 Nov 2022 - Hello Ian and team: I confirmed my shipping address on 28 October but haven't received a tracking number yet. Should I be concerned? Other folks in the USA who confirmed on the same day have received their books by now, so I thought I should check-in! ......allan.
Hi Allan, Please contact support@unbound.com who will be able to help. Best wishes, Lena
13 Dec 2022 - How long until I get a replacement for a damaged book? I emailed pictures of damaged book to support @unbound.com today.
Hi Edwin, The Unbound Support team replied to your email today. Best wishes, Lena