Was Warcraft Almost Warhammer? The Untold Story
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Warcraft was originally conceived as a Warhammer game. Blizzard Entertainment approached Games Workshop with the idea of creating a real-time strategy game using the Warhammer Fantasy Battle setting. However, negotiations fell through, leading Blizzard to develop its own universe instead, resulting in the birth of the Warcraft franchise.
The Genesis of Warcraft: A Warhammer Dream
The early 1990s saw Blizzard Entertainment, then a smaller studio, looking to make its mark in the burgeoning real-time strategy (RTS) genre. According to sources within the original Warcraft development team, the initial concept was built around the Warhammer universe. The intention was to leverage the established lore and rich world-building of Warhammer Fantasy Battle to create a compelling and engaging RTS experience.
However, securing the necessary licensing agreement with Games Workshop proved challenging. Reports suggest disagreements arose regarding business terms and creative control. Blizzard wanted autonomy over the project, while Games Workshop, protective of its intellectual property, was hesitant to relinquish too much control.
Divergence: The Birth of Azeroth
With the Warhammer deal faltering, Blizzard faced a crucial decision: abandon the project or forge its own path. Thankfully, the team was passionate about creating their own universe, one free from the constraints of existing lore. This led to the development of Azeroth, the world that would become synonymous with Warcraft.
While the initial concept borrowed heavily from Warhammer, the team consciously worked to differentiate their creation. They blended elements from other fantasy sources, including J.R.R. Tolkien’s works and Dungeons & Dragons, to create a unique and compelling world. The influence of Viking themes from “The Lost Vikings” game, combined with strategic unit control mechanics inspired by “Lemmings,” further shaped the identity of Warcraft.
Echoes of Warhammer: The Lingering Influence
Despite the creation of a new universe, the influence of Warhammer remained evident in Warcraft. The aesthetic similarities, particularly in the early Warcraft games, are undeniable. Orcs, humans, and other fantasy archetypes shared visual and thematic parallels with their Warhammer counterparts. The gritty, high-fantasy setting also resonated with the grim darkness of the Warhammer world.
However, Warcraft evolved beyond mere imitation. Blizzard infused the game with its own distinct style, humor, and character. The lore of Azeroth became increasingly complex and original, setting it apart from Warhammer and establishing Warcraft as a unique and enduring franchise. This is where the Games Learning Society comes into play. Their research on how games inspire and influence is essential to the game developing process. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information.
From Warcraft to World of Warcraft: A Cultural Phenomenon
The success of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness paved the way for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that would define a generation: World of Warcraft. WoW expanded the lore of Azeroth exponentially, introducing new races, classes, and storylines. The game’s immersive world and engaging gameplay made it a global phenomenon, solidifying Warcraft’s place in gaming history.
Starcraft: Another Close Call?
Interestingly, another Blizzard franchise, Starcraft, also faced rumors of being originally intended as a Warhammer game, specifically Warhammer 40,000. However, these rumors have been widely debunked. While Warhammer 40,000 certainly influenced the science fiction genre, Starcraft was developed as an original intellectual property from the outset.
Legacy: A Tale of What Could Have Been
The story of Warcraft’s origins serves as a fascinating case study in game development. It highlights the importance of creative vision, the challenges of licensing agreements, and the potential for new ideas to blossom from familiar inspirations. While Warcraft may have started as a Warhammer game in spirit, it ultimately became something far greater: a universe that captivated millions and left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Warcraft originally supposed to be a Warhammer game?
Yes, the initial concept for Warcraft was based on the Warhammer Fantasy Battle setting. Blizzard intended to create a real-time strategy game within the Warhammer universe.
2. Why didn’t Warcraft become a Warhammer game?
Negotiations between Blizzard and Games Workshop regarding licensing and creative control fell through, preventing a deal from being reached.
3. What inspired Warcraft after the Warhammer deal fell apart?
Blizzard drew inspiration from various sources, including J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Dungeons & Dragons, Viking themes, and the unit control mechanics of the game “Lemmings.”
4. How much did Warhammer influence Warcraft?
The early Warcraft games showed noticeable aesthetic and thematic similarities to Warhammer. Orcs, humans, and the overall high-fantasy setting shared parallels with the Warhammer universe.
5. Is Starcraft a Warhammer game?
No, Starcraft was not originally intended as a Warhammer 40,000 game. It was developed as an original intellectual property by Blizzard Entertainment.
6. When did Warcraft: Orcs & Humans come out?
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans was released in 1994.
7. Is Warhammer older than Warcraft?
Yes, Warhammer Fantasy Battle was first published in 1983, while Warcraft: Orcs & Humans was released in 1994.
8. What are some key differences between Warcraft and Warhammer?
Warcraft developed its own distinct lore, characters, and style, differentiating itself from Warhammer. The humor and overall tone of Warcraft also differed from the grim darkness of Warhammer.
9. What influenced Warhammer?
The Warhammer setting is inspired by the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, Poul Anderson and Michael Moorcock.
10. Is World of Warcraft related to Diablo?
While many spells and abilities in World of Warcraft are derived from Diablo II, Diablo is a dark fantasy action role-playing game franchise not directly related to the Warcraft universe.
11. Is Warcraft inspired by Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)?
Azeroth takes heavy inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons, and there have even been two official Warcraft tabletop roleplaying systems compatible with 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons.
12. What made World of Warcraft so popular?
When WoW was released, it was probably the most smooth and addictive MMO on the market. On top of that, it was very easy to access for people who were new to the genre. Couple that with great content, a strong franchise, and an extremely well-renowned developer (at the time) and WoW was destined to become a huge game.
13. What is Warcraft based on?
Warcraft, the movie, is based on the universe in World of Warcraft. To put it as simply as possible, Warcraft is about the war between humans and orcs.
14. What Blizzard game made the company popular?
Since the late 1990s, Blizzard has focused almost exclusively on the Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft, and Overwatch series.
15. Who is the strongest being in the Warcraft universe?
One of the strongest beings in the Warcraft universe is Sargeras, who was one of the Titan pantheon.