There are only 4 codices left that still only have softcovers. Unfortunately for me, that short list includes two of my armies, Dark Eldar and Grey Knights. So the Discussion comes up, when are they going to be replaced, and what will happen after that.
The first big question comes up, and this is a big one; Will the Adeptus Sororitas finally get a full codex release. After all its been a long time that this army has gotten just enough to get us by (debatable), and it really does deserve a full codex. There are still a lot of players out there, and although it would require a solid investment by Games Workshop in uncertain times, I believe that there is enough here for a solid release.
Following that, we have been getting several short term decisions being made for new releases, like the unexpected addition of Grey Knights in the third Installment of Sanctus Reach. We really are not sure what this will bring, but its sudden appearance may quickly bring a few minor updates this army.
So after the soft covers, afterwards we are looking at a void, where the obvious choice of releases are more codex supplements, and the possible replacement or updates of hardcover codices. Could a new 40k army be in the works? While a possibility this could likely happen, bu the investment it would take right now seems to be a huge barrier. Rumors of a new army and what that could be will always persist in the rumor mill, but for now I dont see one happening in the visible future.
Here are a few words from Voice of the Chaos Gods on that, and please take these as rumors, and as part of the discussion.
via Voice of the Chaos Gods
4 softcover codices remain (grey knights, dark eldar, blood angels and necrons).
Codices have been moved back. Other armies were preferred.
To put the Grey Knights in the next Sanctus Reach Book is a short term decision.
GW wants to have the softcover quickly away.
Grey Knights and Necrons will getting few new Models.
In the autumn 2015 we can definitely expect the first replacement of a hardback codex.