For Warhammer fans, it is a really good time: Recently, a new game called Space Marine 2 was released, and there are always new updates about the movie adaptation with Henry Cavill. Currently, a new MMO based on Warhammer is also in development. Here you can read everything we know about it so far.
What kind of game is it? The new Warhammer MMO currently in development is supposed to be a PvE game for PC and console. The chief developer has stated that he is specifically ensuring that his game is not a WoW clone.
This is what we know for sure so far:
- Which of the various Warhammer IPs the game will incorporate is not yet officially known, but has already been decided behind the scenes.
- The game is to be created using Unreal Engine 5.
- The MMO is not supposed to have a
traditional combat system
like tab-targeting. - PvP is expected to play a minor role.
The game is being developed by Studio Jackalyptic Games, which was founded by Jack Emmert – one of the minds behind Neverwinter Online. You can read more about him, his vision for the game, and the monetization in this news article.
A Warhammer MMO from the creator of Neverwinter
Who is developing the game? The new Warhammer MMO is being developed by Jackalyptic Games. The company was founded in May 2022 as Jackalope Games and was renamed Jackalyptic Games just a year later. The studio is based in the city of Austin in the US state of Texas.
The CEO of the studio is Jack Emmert, who previously worked at Cryptic Studios. He has been working on MMORPGs since 2003, and his projects include Neverwinter Online, Star Trek Online, and City of Heroes.
The game is expected to be published by NetEase, the company that also supported World of Warcraft in China until 2023.
What is Jack Emmert’s vision? In several interviews about the rebranding of Jackalyptic Games, Jack Emmert spoke about the upcoming Warhammer MMO and his specific vision for it.
In an interview with MMORPG.com, he mentioned that throughout his career he has mainly created games related to his hobbies, and he wants to continue doing so. These include, among others, Neverwinter Online, which is based on the world of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as Star Trek Online. Authenticity is also important to him.
Furthermore, Emmert wants to use the Warhammer MMO to make the vast universe more accessible for newcomers. He discussed this in a conversation with WCCFTECH.
Warhammer on Mobile and with Battle Pass?
What about a mobile release? Publisher NetEase is known for primarily releasing mobile games. Emmert stated that there are no specific guidelines for his team:
I don’t know the mobile [games] market. It is very tough, it is very difficult. I am definitely not an expert in it. But I can say that the great thing about working with NetEase is that they care more about what I want to create than the platforms I want to create it on.
How will the game be monetized? In the interviews with Jack Emmert, the question of the monetization model was also raised. Fans of Neverwinter Online, one of Emmert’s projects, have repeatedly criticized the MMORPG for its in-game shop. Notably, YouTuber Josh Strife Hayes has a very clear opinion on this.
In this regard, Emmert is keeping all options open: Just a few years ago, he thought free-to-play was the best option for him. However, he now sees potential in battle pass systems like those in Fortnite.
Shortly before the interviews, the MMORPG New World from Amazon was also released, which only requires a one-time purchase price to play. At that time, this monetization, at least in Jack Emmert’s view, worked well for New World.
As soon as there is new information about the Warhammer MMO, you will of course read about it on MeinMMO. Until then, we will keep you up to date with everything related to Warhammer. Recently, MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus ranked all major factions of Warhammer 40,000 by power.
