Was Warcraft almost Warhammer?
The world of fantasy gaming has seen many iconic franchises emerge over the years, but few have had as profound an impact as Warcraft and Warhammer. Both series have captivated audiences with their rich lore, engaging gameplay, and intricate world-building. However, few fans are aware of the fascinating connection between these two beloved franchises. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Warcraft and Warhammer, exploring the intriguing question: Was Warcraft almost Warhammer?
The Early Days of Warcraft
Warcraft, created by Blizzard Entertainment, was first released in 1994 as a real-time strategy game. The game’s initial concept was inspired by the vikings of The Lost Vikings, combined with elements of Dungeons & Dragons. The game’s success led to the development of subsequent titles, including Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.
The Influence of Warhammer
Warhammer, on the other hand, is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Games Workshop. The game was first released in 1983 and has since become a global phenomenon, with a vast and dedicated fan base. Warhammer’s influence on Warcraft is undeniable, with many fans pointing out striking similarities between the two franchises.
The Connection Between Warcraft and Warhammer
In an interview, Bob Fitch, one of the original designers of Warcraft, revealed that the game was heavily influenced by Warhammer. Fitch stated that the team was fascinated by Warhammer’s rich lore and intricate world-building, which inspired them to create their own fantasy universe. Warcraft’s early concept art even featured characters and creatures reminiscent of Warhammer’s iconic miniatures.
The Road Not Taken
Despite the strong influence of Warhammer, Warcraft ultimately took a different path. The game’s developers decided to create their own unique universe, rather than simply copying Warhammer’s concept. This decision allowed Warcraft to carve out its own niche in the gaming world, establishing a loyal fan base and paving the way for future titles.
Key Differences Between Warcraft and Warhammer
While both franchises share similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart:
| Warcraft | Warhammer | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Fantasy world of Azeroth | Grimdark fantasy world of Warhammer |
| Gameplay | Real-time strategy | Tabletop miniature wargame |
| Tone | Light-hearted, humorous | Dark, gritty |
| Art style | Cartoonish, vibrant | Realistic, detailed |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Warcraft was heavily influenced by Warhammer, the game ultimately took a different path. The connection between the two franchises is undeniable, but Warcraft’s unique universe and gameplay mechanics have allowed it to stand out as a beloved franchise in its own right. As fans of both series, we can appreciate the nods to Warhammer in Warcraft’s early concept art and the shared inspirations that brought these two iconic franchises to life.
Additional Resources
- Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) – The original Warcraft game that started it all.
- Warhammer (1983) – The classic tabletop miniature wargame that inspired Warcraft.
- Bob Fitch Interview – A fascinating interview with one of Warcraft’s original designers, discussing the game’s early development and influences.
By exploring the connection between Warcraft and Warhammer, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and development of these beloved franchises. Whether you’re a fan of real-time strategy games or tabletop miniature wargames, there’s no denying the impact that these two franchises have had on the world of gaming.