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The Future of Warhammer 40,000 - Brusilov | |
| The title may be deceiving for it is not the purpose of this article to discuss the future of the game, but rather the future of the universe itself. Indeed Games Workshop seems decided to take the grim future into new directions. In fact for several years now it would appear the development team has abandoned the relatively static setting we all know and love for a more dynamic storyline. This radical change, if it is confirmed, could change the face of Warhammer 40,000 forever. THE OLD DAYS: 40K AS A SETTINGFrom the moment it was created, more than 15 years ago, the universe in which Warhammer 40,000 is set seemed as unchangeable as stone. One can argue that on the contrary the background saw many modifications, but they had more to do with a transformation of the vision of certain races and armies, an increase of the quantity of information available, rather than true evolution of the universe.Eldar have evolved from mere pirates and mercenaries into the dying race we now know, Tyranids no longer have Zoat ambassadors, Squats have disappeared altogether, for better or worst, Ork imagery has become more barbaric and savage, especially with the latest edition… However, as said, all those are changes in the races themselves, not so much an ongoing story. One cannot deny that the 40K universe is rich with legends, prophecies and other stories. From the birth of the Star Child, to the Rhana Dandra, from the Quest of Cypher to the fabled return of the Primarchs, from the C'tan Great Work to Arhiman's machinations, there are literally dozens of plots that contribute to make the background so rich. However, none of those stories are to be resolved. They may find a solution in a far away future that is beyond the scope of the game, leaving the reader and gamer to imagine the consequences. Indeed many of those plots are so galaxy-shattering that their accomplishment would change the face of the 40K universe forever. Most additions to the background concern the appearance of new threats rather than the progression of history. The Tau have been around for several centuries, but have only recently become a serious threat to the Imperium due to their massive expansion in the Eastern Fringe. Tyranids have been part of 40K since the days of Rogue Trader, the Hive Fleets Behemoth, Kraken and Leviathan only help to describe the story of their invasion. The Necrons have more to do with the origins of the universe than with its current state even if they labour in secrecy to complete their plans, a work that will not come to its conclusion until many more years. If one so wishes he can use special characters, such as Cypher, Arhiman, the late Eldrad Ulthran, or even the mighty Deceiver to play a chapter in those stories but it appears clear none are to be resolved. And this might be for the best. RECENT TRENDSFor a couple of years now Games Workshop has been slowly moving away from their classical approach of the universe into something more dynamic.It started slowly with the Ichar IV campaign. There the fate of a world was decided and Hive Fleet Kraken was splintered under the onslaught of the Imperial war machine. However the consequences for the universe remained small. The Hive Fleet has dispersed and plagues the entire Ultima Segmentum. The next step was the 3rd War of Armageddon. There Games Workshop implied that the result of this massive world campaign would change the fate of many. As they said, "the destiny of a thousand worlds hangs in the balance." However the conclusion was disappointing, maybe because neither the Imperium nor the Orks managed to gain a clear victory on the sands of Armageddon. The invasion was repelled but countless Orks still plague the Ash Wastes of the planet and threaten the security of billions. Warlord Ghazghkull Thraka himself is still alive; he could very well come back for another round at some point in the future. Yet one cannot deny that Games Workshop made efforts to make the universe more dynamic. Drawing from these experiences the Eye of Terror campaign seemed entirely aimed at deciding the future of 40K. From the very beginning the development team stated that the results would have a great influence on how the universe would look like in coming years: the Imperium triumphant, crushing its enemies, or new dark ages, not heard of since the dreaded times of the Horus Heresy? It may be too early to decide whether they delivered on their promise but the results appear encouraging. The Cadian Gate has been breached although Cadia itself still holds. The forces of Chaos are spilling from the bale Eye of Terror. Many sectors lay in ruins and Abaddon seems triumphant. Yet it seems the Imperium held the line, although just barely. From the sound of it, the future of 40K seems very gloomy and darker than it ever was. Yet one cannot help but wonder if this will really change anything. OF THE DANGERS OF THE STORYLINEIndeed the example of Arhiman's fate is enlightening in this matter. The Thousand Sons Sorcerer aimed to gain access to the Black Library. In an effort to do so he kidnapped Inquisitor Czevak, Eldar specialist and one of the few human ever allowed into this fabled place of forbidden lore, he then unleashed his Rubric Marines in the Webway to force his way to the Library itself. Yet his plans were thwarted by a combined effort of the Harlequins and the Eldar of Ulthwé. Despite his obvious failure it seems as if Arhiman nonetheless gained some favour.Either he had a still unknown agenda he managed to complete or at least further or Games Workshop is trying to minimise the impact of his failure. If, as I believe, the second theory is the correct one it does not bode well for the future of 40K. Indeed Games Workshop needs to accept the consequences of the results of events they organise, otherwise people will be wary of their claim they want the fans to play a part in determining the future of their universe. It is obvious that this claim has partially mercantile origins, to catch people's attention and make them want to play (and buy) because the destiny of their universe is in their hands. I have nothing against this, but I wonder if Games Workshop will deliver on its promises. More importantly I am worried about the possible lack of direction. If you are writing a story you need to have a path in which you want to take it. Stories have a beginning and an end. To me it seems as if Games Workshop is flying blind. They have all those great legends and prophecies to use, many of each are contradictory, but they do not want to use them for it would require a complete overhaul of the background if any came to fruition. Therefore Games Workshop has to carefully balance between the necessities of keeping the universe stable for the sake of the game especially and the fans' desire to see great events unfold. Maybe Overfiend Andy Chambers does have great plans for the future of Warhammer 40,000 but as of now it seems to me the more the universe changes; the more it remains the same. We shall have to wait and see until the next edition is released. Supposedly the results of the Eye of Terror campaign will be taken into account in this new background. For now, there does not appear to be much of a difference however. | |
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