Incredible 2,000pc rise of the games firm that sells model dwarves

A DECADE ago Games Workshop feared it may go bust.

The rise of video games had seen sales plummet at the company that makes miniature fantasy characters such as dwarves and elves for table-top games.

But, defying all predictions, shares soared 269pc last year – and more than 2,060pc since the dark days of 2008 – helping it become Britain’s best performing listed company.

Yesterday, the Nottinghambased firm revealed a whopping 54pc rise in sales notching up £108.9m for the six months to November 26. Profits were £ 38.8m, up from £13.8m. Its sales nearly doubled in North America.

Boss Kevin Rountree said the business was ‘in great shape’.

It was founded in a West London flat by board game enthusiasts Ian Livingstone, Steve Jackson and John Peake in the 1970s as an importer of Dungeons & Dragons from the US.

Peel Hunt analyst Charles Paul said it remained popular because hobbyists still enjoyed getting together to play.