Warhammer Old World RPG: A New Era in Fantasy Gaming
In the expansive universe of Warhammer, where epic battles and intricate lore intertwine, Cubicle 7 is set to unveil a distinct fantasy RPG that transports players back to the rich tapestry of Warhammer: The Old World. This new game aims to stand apart from the existing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play (WFRP), as CEO Dominic McDowall explains the challenges of merging vastly different time periods and settings. With a focus on accessibility and narrative depth, this RPG promises to deliver a lethal yet engaging experience, inviting both seasoned players and newcomers to explore the grim and glorious era of the Old World.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Warhammer: The Old World RPG |
| Developer | Cubicle 7 |
| Why a Separate Game? | Significant changes in geography and demographics make it impractical to expand WFRP. |
| Accessibility | Designed to be more accessible than WFRP’s complex fourth edition while remaining lethal. |
| Game Mechanics | Uses a dice pool of d10s; players sustain specific injuries instead of abstract hit points. |
| Character Features | Characters come with lore packets and contacts to assist in starting adventures. |
| Rule Structure | Rules are divided into a player’s guide and a GM’s guide for tailored information. |
| Coexistence with WFRP | The new RPG will coexist with WFRP, allowing exploration of different Warhammer aspects. |
Why Warhammer: The Old World is a Separate Game
Cubicle 7 has decided to create a new role-playing game (RPG) called Warhammer: The Old World instead of simply adding to the existing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play (WFRP). This decision comes from the realization that the two time periods, the current Imperial Calendar and the earlier Old World, are vastly different. Major changes in geography and city populations mean that players would find it hard to connect the two settings, making it necessary to develop a completely new game.
Dominic McDowall, the CEO of Cubicle 7, explained that many cities in the Empire and Bretonnia have experienced destruction over the centuries. Because of this, there are no shared inhabitants across time, leading to a need for separate books and rules. This thoughtful approach ensures that each game captures its unique essence, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the rich lore and details of the Warhammer universe.
Making the New RPG More Accessible
In creating Warhammer: The Old World, Cubicle 7 aims to make the game easier for new players while maintaining an exciting experience. Senior producer Pádraig Murphy highlighted that the new RPG will be simpler than the complex fourth edition of WFRP, which can be intimidating for newcomers. Despite being more accessible, the game will not shy away from its lethal nature, ensuring that players still face significant challenges during their adventures.
The new system will use a dice pool of d10s and focus on specific injuries rather than just abstract hit points. This enhancement adds depth to the combat experience, making it more engaging and narrative-driven. Players can expect lore packets with their characters, providing helpful insights into the Old World and making it easier to jump right into the action, even if they are unfamiliar with the game’s backstory.
Understanding Game Structure and Guides
The structure of Warhammer: The Old World has been carefully designed to cater to both players and Game Masters (GMs). The rules will be divided into two separate books: a player’s guide and a GM’s guide. This approach ensures that players receive tailored information suited to their roles, while GMs can access more in-depth details, including complex themes like Chaos corruption, which can enrich the storytelling experience.
By providing distinct guides, Cubicle 7 enhances the gameplay for everyone involved. New players can feel more confident while seasoned GMs can delve into advanced mechanics and lore, creating a smoother and more enjoyable game experience. This thoughtful organization reflects Cubicle 7’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive RPG that honors the Warhammer legacy while inviting new players to explore its thrilling world.
Understanding the Need for a Separate RPG
Cubicle 7’s decision to create a separate RPG for Warhammer: The Old World stems from the realization that the lore and geography of this setting are vastly different from the current Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play. The CEO, Dominic McDowall, highlighted that the extensive changes over centuries, such as the destruction of cities and shifts in demographics, make it impractical to blend the two timelines into one game. This understanding led to the conclusion that players would benefit from a dedicated system that respects the unique history of the Old World.
By launching a standalone RPG, Cubicle 7 aims to offer a richer experience that immerses players in the grim and glorious era of the Old World without the convoluted complexity of the existing WFRP. This approach ensures that both new players and seasoned veterans can engage with the setting on their terms, providing a clear narrative and gameplay experience that can stand alone. It also allows for a deeper exploration of the lore, enhancing players’ connections to the world they are inhabiting.
Streamlined Gameplay for New and Veteran Players
Cubicle 7 is committed to making the new Old World RPG more accessible than its predecessor, Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play, which has been criticized for its complexity. Senior producer Pádraig Murphy emphasized that although the new game will be easier to grasp, it will not compromise on the lethal nature that players expect from a Warhammer RPG. This balance aims to attract new players while still satisfying the hardcore fans who appreciate the challenge and depth of gameplay.
The introduction of a dice pool system using d10s is one way Cubicle 7 plans to simplify mechanics while enhancing the narrative aspects of combat. Players will be able to track specific injuries, creating a more immersive experience rather than relying solely on abstract hit points. This shift not only makes gameplay more intuitive but also encourages players to think strategically about their characters’ fates, adding an exciting layer to the storytelling.
Rich Character Development Through Lore Packets
In an effort to ensure that new players can easily dive into the Old World RPG, Cubicle 7 is incorporating lore packets for each character. These packets will provide essential background information and context about the setting, making it easier for players unfamiliar with the Warhammer universe to engage with the game. This thoughtful addition aims to bridge the gap between lore and gameplay, allowing players to quickly understand their characters’ places in the world.
Moreover, each character will come with contacts that facilitate the initiation of adventures, promoting a seamless entry point into the game. This feature not only enhances character development but also encourages teamwork and collaboration from the very beginning. By ensuring that players have the tools they need to start their journey, Cubicle 7 is fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes both newcomers and long-time fans of the Warhammer franchise.
A Dual-Book Structure for Enhanced Clarity
The new Old World RPG will adopt a dual-book structure consisting of a player’s guide and a GM’s guide. This organization is designed to provide tailored information, allowing players to access the rules and lore relevant to their roles while giving Game Masters the comprehensive details they need to craft engaging narratives. This clear division not only streamlines gameplay but also empowers GMs to introduce players to the rich tapestry of the Old World effectively.
The GM’s guide will delve deeper into the mechanics of the game, including intricate details concerning Chaos corruptions and other thematic elements that are fundamental to the Warhammer setting. By separating the guides, Cubicle 7 ensures that players can focus on their experience without being overwhelmed by the complexities that GMs need to manage. This thoughtful approach enhances the overall gameplay experience, creating a balanced and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cubicle 7 making a new RPG for Warhammer: The Old World?
Cubicle 7 wants to create a **separate game** for Warhammer: The Old World because the **geography** and **demographics** have changed a lot over time, making it hard to combine with the existing game.
What makes the new Warhammer RPG different from the old one?
The new Warhammer RPG will use a **dice pool** of d10s and allow players to have **specific injuries** instead of just hit points, making the game more **narrative** and exciting.
How accessible will the new RPG be for beginners?
The new RPG aims to be more **accessible** than the fourth edition of WFRP, with **lore packets** for characters that help new players understand the game’s background easily.
What are the two books in the new RPG about?
The new RPG will have a **Player’s Guide** and a **GM’s Guide**. The Player’s Guide is for players, while the GM’s Guide has detailed rules and story elements for the Game Masters.
Will the new Old World RPG replace the existing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play?
No, the new Old World RPG will **coexist** with WFRP. This means players can enjoy different stories and settings without losing the original game’s charm.
How will characters in the new RPG start their adventures?
Characters will come with **contacts** and **lore packets** that help them get into the game quickly, making it easier for new players to **begin their adventures**.
Is the new Warhammer RPG still dangerous for players?
Yes! The new RPG is called **grim and glorious**, meaning it will still be **lethal** for characters, likely even more than the previous editions, keeping the excitement high.
Summary
Cubicle 7 announced that its new fantasy RPG based on Warhammer: The Old World will be an independent game rather than an expansion of the existing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play (WFRP). CEO Dominic McDowall explained that differences in geography and demographics between the two time periods made it impractical to merge them. The new RPG aims to be more accessible while maintaining lethal gameplay. It will utilize a dice pool system and allow players to experience specific injuries, enhancing narrative depth. The game will feature tailored guides for players and Game Masters, ensuring compatibility with the existing WFRP while exploring new aspects of the Warhammer universe.
