Live-Service Warhammer RPG Canceled after three years of development

Daniel Erickson, Chief Creative Officer at Thought Pennies, revealed a major setback for the studio, announcing staff layoffs and the cancellation of an ambitious Warhammer RPG. The game, a co-op PvE action RPG set in the Warhammer universe, was described as a "fantasy live service RPG" built in Unreal Engine 5. The project had garnered praise during development, with Erickson highlighting that the studio had met every milestone, built a passionate team, and cultivated strong partnerships. Despite these achievements, the project was canceled due to a strategic shift from the publisher.

The RPG was poised to offer a fresh take on the Warhammer universe, but, despite its promising concept, it is not to be. Details on whether it would have been based in the Warhammer Fantasy or Age of Sigmar setting remain unclear, but the studio had been focused on delivering a unique action RPG experience. The game would have allowed players to experience the Warhammer world through co-op play with different heroes and combat styles. However, with the publisher pulling funding, the project ultimately couldn't move forward.

While the cancellation of yet another live service game may not come as a huge surprise to many, it's the loss of talent and employment that has left a mark. Erickson's statement underlined the unfortunate impact on the team's livelihood due to a change in strategic direction. Although it's been suggested that Games Workshop pulled the funding, the reality is that it's the publisher's responsibility to fund such projects. In a market that has seen numerous live service games struggle, it's easy to understand why the publisher would reassess its approach. Regardless, it's a tough blow for the developers and fans alike who were hoping for a new Warhammer RPG experience.