Citadel miniatures Limited is a company that produces figures
Citadel Miniatures, commonly known simply as Citadel, is a British company specializing in the manufacture of miniatures for war and role-playing games. Founded in 1979, Citadel has had a significant impact on the modeling industry and has been instrumental in the success of Games Workshop, its parent company. Below is a detailed history of Citadel, highlighting its evolution, its most iconic products, and its impact on the miniature gaming community.
1979: Citadel Miniatures was founded in Newark-on-Trent, England, as a division of Games Workshop. The company was established by Bryan Ansell, Ian Livingstone, and Steve Jackson with the goal of providing high-quality miniatures for role-playing and wargames, a rapidly growing market at the time. From the beginning, Citadel focused on creating white metal miniatures, known for their durability and precise details.
1980s: During this decade, Citadel quickly expanded its catalog of miniatures, introducing figures for various popular role-playing games, including "Dungeons & Dragons." However, the real turning point came with the release of "Warhammer Fantasy Battle" in 1983. This miniature wargame, developed by Games Workshop, exclusively used Citadel miniatures, cementing the company’s position in the market.
1990s: The 1990s were a period of growth and diversification for Citadel. In 1992, Games Workshop launched "Warhammer 40,000," a science fiction wargame that quickly became a global phenomenon. Citadel was responsible for producing all the miniatures for this game, creating iconic figures like Space Marines, Orks, and Eldar. Additionally, during this decade, Citadel began producing plastic miniatures, allowing for greater variety and detail in their figures.
1997: The "The Lord of the Rings" miniature series was launched in collaboration with New Line Cinema, coinciding with the release of the film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. These miniatures became an instant success, attracting a new generation of collectors and players.
2000s: The new millennium brought with it the adoption of new technologies in miniature manufacturing. Citadel began using 3D modeling and 3D printing to design and produce their figures. This allowed for an unprecedented level of detail and precision. During this decade, Citadel also launched the "Citadel Finecast" line of miniatures, made from resin instead of metal, allowing for even finer details and greater ease of assembly and painting.
2005: "Warhammer Age of Sigmar" was launched, a complete overhaul of the Warhammer Fantasy Battle universe, with new rules and a new line of miniatures. This release was part of an effort to revitalize the player base and attract new enthusiasts.
Citadel has created some of the most iconic and beloved miniatures in the history of wargames. Some of the most notable include:
Citadel has not only been a production company for miniatures but also a central engine in creating a global community of players and collectors. Games Workshop stores, present in many countries, have served as community centers where players can gather, play, and share their passion for Citadel miniatures. Additionally, events like "Games Day" and the "Golden Demon Painting Competition" have fostered creativity and competitive spirit within the community.
Today, Citadel remains a leader in the miniature industry, continuing to innovate and expand its catalog. The company has adopted advanced technologies such as 3D printing and continues to develop new product lines and games. With the release of new titles and the expansion of existing universes, Citadel is well-positioned to continue being a dominant force in the world of miniature gaming.
Citadel Miniatures Limited is a company which produces metal, resin and plastic miniature figures for tabletop wargames such as Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000.
In the past Citadel Miniatures was a separate company but it has become a brand for Games Workshop miniatures.
Although its models are used for the wargaming hobby, the painting of its miniatures (and miniatures in general) is a hobby in itself.