Was WoW originally Warhammer?

Was WoW Originally Warhammer?

The answer to this question is a resounding "no." While World of Warcraft (WoW) and Warhammer share some similarities, they are two distinct franchises with their own unique histories and development paths. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both franchises and explore the reasons why WoW was not originally Warhammer.

A Brief History of Warhammer

Warhammer is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Bryan Ansell, Richard Halliwell, and Rick Priestley in the 1980s. The game is set in a dark fantasy world where players control armies of miniature figures, engaging in battles and campaigns. Warhammer has since spawned numerous spin-offs, including video games, novels, and comics.

A Brief History of World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft, on the other hand, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The game was released in 2004 and has since become one of the most popular MMORPGs of all time. WoW is set in the fictional world of Azeroth, where players create their own characters and engage in quests, raids, and PvP combat.

The Origins of WoW

WoW was not originally Warhammer. In fact, the game’s development began in the late 1990s, long before Warhammer was even a twinkle in the eye of its creators. Blizzard Entertainment had been working on a MMORPG called "Warcraft: Orcs & Humans" since the early 1990s, which eventually became the basis for WoW.

Why WoW Was Not Originally Warhammer

So, why did WoW not start out as Warhammer? There are several reasons for this:

• Different Target Audience: Warhammer is primarily aimed at a tabletop gaming audience, while WoW is designed for a broader, more casual audience.
• Different Gameplay Mechanics: Warhammer is a tabletop game that focuses on miniatures and tabletop battles, while WoW is a MMORPG that emphasizes character development and online multiplayer gameplay.
• Different Setting: Warhammer is set in a dark fantasy world, while WoW is set in a high-fantasy world with a more traditional medieval setting.

Similarities Between WoW and Warhammer

Despite their differences, WoW and Warhammer share some similarities:

• Fantasy Setting: Both games are set in fantasy worlds with magical creatures, mythical beasts, and epic quests.
• Miniatures: Both games feature miniatures, although WoW uses 3D models and Warhammer uses tabletop miniatures.
• Competitive Play: Both games have competitive play elements, with WoW featuring PvP combat and Warhammer featuring tournament play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WoW was not originally Warhammer. While both games share some similarities, they are distinct franchises with their own unique histories and development paths. WoW is a MMORPG designed for a broader audience, while Warhammer is a tabletop game aimed at a more niche audience.