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Erik Mogensen Interview - Page Two of Two

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Ten Ton Hammer: I know very little has been revealed about the High Elves and Dark Elves, do you have any hopes for these races? How do you think they will be brought to life in the game?

Erik: These two races are, I think, one of the bigger challenges facing us.  Elves are tall, thin, pointy-eared folk right?  Easy, right?  Well…not so much.  They are those things of course, but Warhammer Elves have a unique spin on that archetype.  They have an air of mystery about them; an alieness that needs to come across.  My hope is that we’ll do them justice, and that players will have a slight feeling of unease around both races.

In terms of how they’ll be brought to life, they give us an opportunity to really explore the magical and more ‘fantasy’ elements of the Warhammer World.  The Elves are all about magic, and giant eagles and dragons, and elegance (evil elegance in the case of the Dark Elves!).  Like with the other races, I’m really looking forward to seeing people walk around in the Elf lands and to finally see that side of Warhammer Elves.

This is a group you don't want to meet in a dark alley.

Ten Ton Hammer: Not only has EA Mythic worked hard to capture the darkness of the Warhammer world, but they have also added in the wide range of humor that goes along with it. Is there something in the game that you feel best represents the humor of Warhammer?

Erik: I wish I could think of one specific example, but honestly the game is replete with them.   Actually, something that had me laughing the other day isn’t even in the game yet.  I was reading a design document for approval and encountered a very inebriated Halfling NPC singing the ‘Traditional Halfling Drinking Ballad’ She’s a Pint Short, but She’s Alright by Me  It caught me totally off guard, and had my entire department giving me odd looks as I sat at my desk laughing out loud.  There are countless little touches like that in WAR, and I know people are going to enjoy finding them.

Ten Ton Hammer: Fans all know the contract was signed with THQ for the Warhammer 40K MMO game. Have there been any developments over the last two months?

Erik:  It’s still early days, but I can tell you that I’ve been to visit the developer, Vigil Games, to meet the team and discuss initial game concepts.  We had some exciting first meetings and they even had a few pleasant surprises to show me.  I’m really looking forward to working with Vigil, and from what I’ve seen I think the 40K MMO could be something very special.  The guys at Vigil certainly impressed me with both their knowledge of, and their passion for, Warhammer 40,000.  That’s an excellent place to start!

Ten Ton Hammer: What are your hopes for an MMO set in the 40K universe? Do you think it will turn into just another FPS game or will there be more depth?

Erik: Well, first of all, my hopes are that it isn’t ‘just another’ anything.  And who said it was going to be an FPS?  Nice try, Fuller!  I’m on to your mind games, and you’re getting no secrets out of me!

My hope for the Warhammer 40,000 MMO is very similar to what my hope has been for WAR all along.  I want it to be both a great MMO, and a great representation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.  I want it to appeal to those who don’t know an Avatar of Khaine from a Tyranid just as much as it does to someone with thousands of painted miniatures on display in their home.  Ultimately though, I want the game to rock!

Ten Ton Hammer: Games Workshop continues to have a lot planned for the future, are there any updates you’d like to give to the table top gaming crowd about what you are working on?

Erik:  Well, for the old-school out there, we’re releasing a new version of the classic board game ‘Talisman’ in October.  Definitely look out for that!

Ten Ton Hammer: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Erik!

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