Changing Tides in Warhammer RPGs
Cubicle 7 has made waves in the tabletop role-playing sphere, and their decision regarding the upcoming Warhammer: The Old World RPG raises some eyebrows. With players already deeply invested in Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play (WFRP), it’s natural to wonder: why not just add some supplements to the existing game instead of launching a separate entity?
The Historical Disconnect
In an insightful interview, Cubicle 7’s CEO, Dominic McDowall, shed light on this topic. The RPG world is rooted in a rich, multi-layered history, but the reality is, the timelines of WFRP and The Old World tabletop wargame differ significantly. While WFRP explores the year 2512, The Old World wargame takes us back hundreds of years to a time of transformed landscapes and decimated civilizations. When asked about potential expansions, McDowall candidly explained that the cataclysmic events across the empire and Bretonnia rendered cross-referencing practically impossible.
Geographical and Cultural Shifts
McDowall humorously articulated, “Certainly in the empire and Bretonnia, any human city has burnt down, what, 17 times?” This quip highlights a critical aspect: the geography has entirely shifted, meaning there wouldn’t be much correlation between the two games. As a result, developers would basically have to design two books rather than one, which simply complicates the creative process.
Therefore, rather than trying to stretch the existing frameworks, Cubicle 7 is choosing to embrace the distinctiveness of The Old World RPG. Players can expect a fresh and unique experience that will honor the Warhammer legacy while standing firmly on its own.
