Possible Change to 40k Codex Naming Conventions

[Sanai]

Along with the rumours of the Imperial Codex being renamed Codex: Astra Militarum, there are rumours that something similar will be happening with the Space Marines next time they get a codex (calling it Codex: Adeptus Astartes).

Now, there are a variety of possible reasons for the change to the IG codex name (one reason being the rumoured addition of various elements that aren't a part of the imperial guard).
But the source of the rumoured change to the Space Marines is this recently released box

This box came out a bit later than the recent SM codex, and you can see that instead of the usual "Space Marine x unit" on the box, it says Adeptus Astartes.

Now on this own it isn't remarkable, but rumours point to this being how all future Space Marine releases will be labelled.

Now on to a possible reason for using the quasi-latin names for armies- Games Workshop has been having issues maintaining copyright over terms like "Space Marine" and "Imperial Guard".
But they can and do have copyrights over things like Adeptus Astartes, Adeptus Soritas, etc. So it is rumoured that both of these changes are partially a result of them trying to make their kits more copyright secure.

Of course, this is all internet rumour and conjecture- however we do have the evidence at least that they are using "Adeptus Astartes" on the boxes now.

 

[Danceman]

Anything that gives the game more flavour gets a thumbs up from me.

 

[Sanai]

I agree. I would much prefer Codex: Adeptus Soritas to Codex: Sisters of Battle for example.

 

[Irisado]

Considering Space Marines are GW's most popular army, and most marketable concept, I very much doubt that they'd change the name of their codex. The others are possibilities though.

 

[Get of W'soran]

I imagine they're doing this due to copyright issues as some of the armies are very generic sounding, especially Imperial Guard (Don't wana get into a law suit with Disney!) and Space Marines.

Adeptus Astartes is just a better name to use on the Codex...the rumoured new IG name on the other hand...

 

[Sanai]

Considering Space Marines are GW's most popular army, and most marketable concept, I very much doubt that they'd change the name of their codex. The others are possibilities though.

They have already started renaming them on the boxed kits- it would be strange to call them adeptus astartes on the boxes and space marines on the codex.

 

[Irisado]

They have already started renaming them on the boxed kits- it would be strange to call them adeptus astartes on the boxes and space marines on the codex.

Yet, on GW's website the vast majority of Space Marine units are still referred to as Space Marines. Unless all of these are going to be renamed, I remain sceptical that it's a total renaming. It is possible that certain products are going to be renamed, but the whole Space Marine range? I don't see it.

 

[Sanai]

I dont see them renaming existing kits Irisado, its just that whenever a new kit is released it will probably be released using the new name. (which over the years would eventually lead to the majority of kits having the new name) the real test will be when a new space marine codex comes out.


Also, the Astra Militarum thing for Imperial guard is now confirmed, as pictures are on the web of the codex cover.

 

[Irisado]

They certainly seem to be heading for a total renaming and rebranding of Imperial Guard, so it looks like I'm going to be proven incorrect about that.