The shape the new Press Ganger programme will take, and its launch date, is an update many of you have been waiting for. We covered this at a high level in the AdeptiCon 2026 keynote, but here are all the gory details...
If miniatures, rules, and lore are the heart, brain, and soul of a wargame, then the community heroes are the lifeblood. You know the ones: the people who tirelessly organise events, give up their weeknights to giving demos and weekends to running tournaments, and hustle their group to the gaming store every Wednesday.
There are so many incredible people out there contributing to the growth of Warmachine, and that’s only going to increase as the community gets bigger. So, we’ve created a programme that recognises and rewards your activity directly.
Working with the fantastic Sam Bredison of Longshanks, we’re beyond excited to be launching the Press Ganger points system.
Instead of “Press Ganger” being a title we bestow, anyone can earn Press Ganger points by running in-person Warmachine events using Longshanks. Not only tournaments, but leagues, narrative campaigns, demo days, and even hobby sessions.
Then, once per quarter, we’ll open the Press Ganger store on our website, where you’ll be able to redeem your points against special and exclusive items and merch.
With the new system, anyone can be a Press Ganger for Warmachine. It’s not something you apply for; it’s something you do.
(This will run alongside the event support request system that's in place now, where you can already request access to Organised Play Kits, Iron Gauntlet Qualifier status, or additional support if your event is over 48 players. Get more details here.)
So, how do you get involved?
We’d originally planned a soft launch before the full rollout, which is why we had a sign-up form at Lock & Load US back in 2025. However, we’re never ones to shy away from a course change if it’s the best way forward. So, instead:
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The Press Ganger points system will go live for everyone on Longshanks at the end of April
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From March 25, 2026, any Warmachine tournaments that have or will run on Longshanks are eligible for Press Ganger points
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Functionality will be added for more Warmachine event types in May
To start accruing points, all you need to do is:
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Create a Longshanks account (if you don’t have one already)
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Create a Steamforged website account (if you don’t have one already)
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Enter the email address you use for your Steamforged website account into the field provided on Longshanks* (even if they’re the same)
*This will give permission for Longshanks to share your account email with us, and help us associate your Longshanks activity with your Steamforged account. This is important because it lets us transfer your points to our website once per quarter, so you can redeem those points against items in the Press Ganger store when it opens on our website.
And that’s it!
By creating a system that rewards activity rather than bestowing status, we’re putting you in control. It’s up to you how much you do, and any activity you do to help grow your community will be recognised.
Got Press Ganger points? Then you’re a Press Ganger (and we massively appreciate you!).
