The world's first academic conference dedicated to all things Warhammer
Material games are bigger than ever, be that in retail, media or academia. The latter field has paid particular attention to the way in which the “story engines” (Arnaudo 2018) behind games like Warhammer 40,000 combine textual elements (like codices and novels) with ludic elements (like datasheets and stratagems) to immerse players in unique storytelling …
“Inefficiency is a slope whereupon one slides ever downwards, by degrees, until one reaches the nadir unknowing.” — Canticles Borealis 6.15, Adeptus Mechanicus Efficiency is a core tenet of the Cult Mechanicus, enshrined in sacred scripture and invoked in every calibration. However, when examining the interface design of machines developed and maintained by the Imperium …
The Emperor demonstrates a complex blend of transformational and strategic leadership styles, characterized by: (1) Transformational Leadership – evidenced by his ability to inspire devotion through grand visionary goals for humanity’s ascension, as reflected in his statement “In the beginning, I sought only the survival of mankind. Now I seek his ascension”; (2) Strategic Long-term …
As the setting of Warhammer 40, 000 has matured it has presented the threat from within as its most insidious threat. Cross-media stories have been told about the Inquisitions work against such threats. Given the quasi-religious setting the insurgencies that are featured in the game and lore are primarily based around cults, either ‘chaos’ or …
Abstract “Everything is Canon” or so goes the meme which exploded through the Warhammer 40,000 online community in mid April 2024. In reaction to the ostensibly new revelation of female Custodes in the 10th Edition a proportion of 40K fans declared this news as “heretical” and a betrayal of the fandom. In response Games Workshop …
Abstract Within Warhammer 40,000 (40K), the Emperor of Man sought unity, a single truth, and eradication of alternative beliefs . After his entombment, the Imperial Cult proclaimed him God-Emperor and became increasingly rigid and stagnant over time. Diversity and understanding eroded under a single edict maintained under eternal warfare. Despite the diverse influences evident in …