by in
Warhammer. It’s more than just a game—it’s a sprawling universe of dark, twisted lore where epic battles, chaos, and the occasional heresy make for an unforgettable experience. Now, for fans of both the tabletop and digital realms, there’s big news on the horizon: a new Warhammer MMO is in development, promising to bring the grimdark magic to life like never before.
Jackalyptic Games, a newly rebranded studio with industry veterans at the helm, has announced their plans to develop this Warhammer MMO. With an experienced team and the backing of major players, this project is more than just a concept. While the game is still in its early stages, the excitement is real—and here’s everything we know so far.
Jackalyptic Games – A Fresh Start with a Big Vision
The foundation of this new Warhammer MMO started in May 2023, when Jackalope Games announced a rebrand, emerging as Jackalyptic Games. While rebrands are often just cosmetic, this one hinted at bigger plans, especially when it was coupled with the announcement of a brand-new Warhammer MMO project.
So, who are Jackalyptic Games, and what makes them so exciting for this project? This isn’t just a small indie studio making an ambitious attempt at an MMO. Jackalyptic is backed by NetEase, a major player in the gaming industry, which brings the funding and resources necessary for a massive, complex online world. Leading the charge is Jack Emmert, a name that resonates in MMO circles. Emmert has been a pivotal figure in several well-known MMOs, including City of Heroes, Neverwinter, and Star Trek Online.
Emmert’s track record shows that he’s adept at building expansive, engaging worlds. While his games may not have reached World of Warcraft levels of success, each title has carved out its niche, attracting dedicated communities and loyal players. His leadership, coupled with NetEase’s resources, puts Jackalyptic Games in a strong position to tackle the massive task of creating an MMO that does justice to the Warhammer universe.
Warhammer Fantasy or 40K? Speculations on the Setting
One of the most intriguing aspects of this new MMO is the setting. The Warhammer universe is vast, spanning multiple universes: the dark, dystopian sci-fi of Warhammer 40,000 and the gritty, medieval realms of Warhammer Fantasy, including the recently revived Old World.
So far, Jackalyptic Games hasn’t revealed which setting they’ll be using, but clues point towards a focus on Warhammer Fantasy. Here’s why. First, the team has hinted at melee combat being a core part of the game—something that aligns naturally with the brutal, hand-to-hand style of the Old World. Swinging a massive warhammer or wielding enchanted swords screams Warhammer Fantasy, and it’s hard to imagine anything else capturing that same visceral, close-combat energy.
Moreover, Games Workshop’s recent revival of the Old World on tabletop has drawn renewed interest, and a new MMO set in this universe could build on that momentum. Total War: Warhammer has shown that there’s a huge appetite for Old World content, making it a smart choice for an online world.
That said, the potential for a Warhammer 40K setting shouldn’t be ignored. Imagine charging into battle as a Space Marine, clad in iconic power armor, or facing down a swarm of Tyranids with only your faith and a bolter to protect you. The brutal, war-torn world of 40K is ripe for an MMO, and it’s easy to see why fans would be equally excited for this universe. Ultimately, both settings have the potential for a rich, immersive experience—it’s just a matter of which one Jackalyptic chooses to bring to life.
The Development Team – Why Experience Matters
The excitement around this MMO doesn’t just stem from the Warhammer IP; it’s also about the people making it. Jack Emmert is a seasoned veteran in MMO development, with titles like City of Heroes, Neverwinter, and Star Trek Online under his belt. While these games weren’t necessarily the largest in the MMO world, they each offered unique experiences and cultivated loyal fanbases—a testament to Emmert’s ability to create immersive, community-focused worlds.
The team at Jackalyptic Games has been steadily expanding, with a reported 130% increase in staff in recent months. They’re recruiting talent across the board, from senior animators to sound designers, a sign that the development process is moving forward at a strong pace. Interestingly, they’re already working on sound design—a stage typically reached later in game development—which could mean that core aspects of the game are already well-established. For fans, this is a promising sign that Jackalyptic is committed to building a polished, immersive world.
PvE Over PvP: A Surprising Focus?
In a Warhammer MMO, it might seem natural to focus on PvP battles, with players squaring off in epic clashes reminiscent of the tabletop game. However, Jack Emmert has stated that PvE will take precedence in this MMO. While PvP will still be present, it won’t be the primary focus of the game.
A PvE-focused approach opens up opportunities for players to engage more deeply with the Warhammer lore. The Warhammer universe is filled with intricate stories, legendary quests, and rich lore, which could be better explored in a PvE environment. Players can dive into story-driven quests, face down legendary bosses, and immerse themselves in the world without the constant pressure of PvP. PvP elements will likely still be available for those who crave the thrill of player-versus-player combat, but the primary emphasis will be on narrative and cooperative play.
This choice aligns well with successful PvE-focused MMOs like Star Wars: The Old Republic, which proved that a strong story-driven approach can keep players engaged in a universe steeped in lore. A Warhammer MMO with a PvE focus could provide a similarly rich experience, giving fans a chance to fully explore and engage with the Warhammer world.
The Business Model: What to Expect?
Monetization in modern MMOs is always a critical point. While Jack Emmert has been tight-lipped about the specific business model, he has hinted at a potential battle pass system, which could be similar to games like Fortnite. This raises some questions about what kind of monetization we’ll see—will it be free-to-play with optional purchases, buy-to-play, or a subscription model?
Ideally, fans are hoping for a buy-to-play model that avoids excessive monetization tactics. Heavy monetization, especially in the form of “pay-to-win” mechanics, could be a major turnoff for players. However, if Jackalyptic chooses to implement optional cosmetic purchases—such as skins, armor styles, or decorative items—it could offer a balanced way to support the game without impacting gameplay. The goal is to create an immersive, enjoyable experience without alienating players through aggressive monetization.
The Long Road Ahead: When Can We Expect This Game?
As exciting as the prospect of a Warhammer MMO is, fans should be prepared for a long wait. According to industry standards, this type of project could easily take five to six years to reach completion. Although this timeline might seem daunting, it’s essential to create a game that fully realizes the potential of the Warhammer universe.
In the meantime, Jackalyptic Games’ active hiring and early development work show that progress is being made. We can expect incremental updates over the next few years, with possible sneak peeks into the game’s development, world-building, and character design. The long development cycle also means they have the time to do justice to Warhammer’s complex lore and create a game that stands the test of time.
Final Thoughts
A new Warhammer MMO, especially one with a focus on PvE and rich storytelling, holds enormous potential. Whether it’s set in the Old World of Warhammer Fantasy or the grim, futuristic battlefields of Warhammer 40K, the project is in capable hands with Jack Emmert and the team at Jackalyptic Games. The combination of NetEase’s resources, Emmert’s experience, and the studio’s passionate team means that fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what’s in store.
So, which Warhammer setting would you prefer—swinging swords and casting spells in the Old World, or donning power armor and purging heretics in 40K? Share your thoughts, stay tuned for updates, and prepare for what could be the next big thing in the MMO world. Warhammer fans have a lot to look forward to, even if the wait will be a long one.
