Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar: A Brief History

The Warhammer universe, created by Games Workshop, is a vast and intricate setting that spans multiple genres, including science fiction and fantasy. The most popular and enduring franchise within the Warhammer universe is Warhammer 40,000 (40K), a grim dark sci-fi setting that has captivated fans for decades.

Early History of Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000 was first introduced in 1987 by Bryan Ansell, Rick Priestley, and Richard Halliwell. The game was designed as a science fiction counterpart to the fantasy-based Warhammer Age of Sigmar (Warhammer Fantasy), which had been launched earlier that same year.

The initial concept for Warhammer 40,000 was heavily influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, George Lucas's Star Wars trilogy, and classic sci-fi authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. The setting is characterized by a grim, dark future where humanity teeters on the brink of collapse.

Key Elements of Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000 is set in a distant future where the Imperium of Man, a vast interstellar empire, is beset on all sides by threats. The Imperium is led by the immortal Emperor of Mankind, who has been sustained through extensive cryonic preservation.

The setting features numerous factions vying for power, including:

• Space Marines: genetically engineered super-soldiers who serve as the Imperium's elite warriors.
• Imperial Guard: regular human soldiers who make up the bulk of the Imperium's military.
• Eldar: an ancient and technologically advanced alien species that are locked in a bitter conflict with humanity.
• Orks: brutal, green-skinned aliens who love nothing more than waging war.
• Tyranids: vast, insectoid creatures that consume entire planets.

Setting and Lore

Warhammer 40,000 is characterized by its grimdark setting, which emphasizes the darkness and despair of a civilization on the brink of collapse. The Imperium is beset on all sides by threats, including rival powers, alien species, and internal strife.

Key events in the Warhammer 40,000 universe include:

• The Horus Heresy: a civil war within the Imperium that was sparked by the rebellion of the Space Marines against their Emperor.
• The Fall of Terra: the capital planet of the Imperium, which is beset by constant threats from within and without.

Age of Sigmar: A New Era for Warhammer Fantasy

In 2015, Games Workshop announced a new chapter in the Warhammer universe, Age of Sigmar. This setting replaces the original Warhammer Fantasy universe, which had been in existence since its introduction in 1983.

Age of Sigmar introduces several key changes to the setting, including:

• A New World: a post-apocalyptic world that has emerged from the ashes of the old Warhammer Fantasy.
• New Factions: new factions have been introduced, including the Stormcast Eternals and the Orruk Warclans.

Warhammer 40,000 in Popular Culture

Warhammer 40,000 has appeared in numerous forms of media, including:

• Video Games: several games set within the Warhammer 40,000 universe have been released, including Dawn of War, Space Marine, and Battlefleet Gothic.
• Literature: novels and short stories set within the Warhammer 40,000 universe have been published by various authors.
• Film and Television: several adaptations of Warhammer 40,000 have been proposed or announced, although none have yet come to fruition.

Conclusion

Warhammer 40,000 is a grim dark science fiction setting that has captivated fans for decades. With its rich history, complex lore, and diverse factions, the universe offers something for every type of fan. Whether you're interested in the latest video games, novels, or tabletop battles, Warhammer 40,000 is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Future Developments

Games Workshop has announced several key developments for the Warhammer universe, including:

• New Games: new games set within the Warhammer 40,000 universe are expected to be released in the near future.
• Animated Series: an animated series based on the Warhammer 40,000 setting is currently in production.
• Virtual Reality Experiences: virtual reality experiences set within the Warhammer 40,000 universe are also planned for release.