Is it true that Warcraft started out as a Warhammer ripoff?

The Origins of Warcraft and Warhammer

As someone who loves delving into the histories and origins of popular games, I've found a curious connection between two of the most renowned fantasy franchises: Warcraft and Warhammer. Now, I'm sure that most gamers, regardless of their preferred genre, have heard of these two powerhouses. But did you know there's a tale that Warcraft started as a Warhammer ripoff? Let's explore the roots of these games and shed some light on this fascinating subject.

The Birth of Warhammer

Firstly, let's travel back to 1983, when the world was introduced to Warhammer Fantasy Battle. It was a tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop, a British firm known for its miniature wargames. Warhammer quickly gained popularity due to its intricate lore, detailed miniatures, and complex gameplay. It was a universe filled with various races, magic, and epic battles, which lured in countless fans who were excited to be a part of this fantastical world.

Warcraft Enters the Scene

Fast forward to 1994, when a small gaming company known as Blizzard Entertainment released Warcraft: Orcs & Humans. It was a real-time strategy game that brought players into a rich fantasy world, where they controlled armies of either humans or orcs in a battle for control over the land of Azeroth. The game was a hit and marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.

The Rumored Connection

Given the similarities between the two franchises, it's not surprising that many have speculated that Warcraft was initially intended to be a Warhammer game. The two share a similar high fantasy setting, with distinct races, magic, and melee combat. They also both emphasize the conflict between humans and a 'monstrous' other, whether it be orcs or Chaos forces.

Blizzard's Attempt at a Warhammer Game

The rumors of Warcraft being a Warhammer ripoff stem from the fact that Blizzard initially approached Games Workshop, seeking a license to create a Warhammer game. Now, this is where the story gets interesting because Games Workshop, for reasons known only to them, turned Blizzard down. Blizzard didn't let this setback stop them though, and they went on to create their own game - Warcraft.

Warcraft: A Unique Entity

While it's true that Warcraft might have started with a desire to create a Warhammer game, it's also important to note that Warcraft has evolved into something entirely unique. The intricate lore, immersive gameplay, and memorable characters created by Blizzard have allowed Warcraft to stand on its own. It may have been influenced by Warhammer, but it certainly isn't a copy.

Final Thoughts

So, is it true that Warcraft started as a Warhammer ripoff? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that Blizzard initially wanted to create a Warhammer game, but no in the sense that Warcraft has since grown into its own entity. The influences are there, but Warcraft has carved its own path in the gaming world, just as Warhammer has in the realm of tabletop gaming.