Soon Among Us: Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf

It seems like MOBAs have a rival for in the race to be the current wrong-headed obsession of the industry. Games Workshop have announced that, like everyone else, they're making a free-to-play collectible card game. It's called Warhammer 40k: Space Wolf, it's out next Spring, and there's a brief, underwhelming trailer below.

Do I sound more dismissive than usual? That's because Games Workshop's recent track record hasn't been great, through Space Hulk, past Dungeonbowl, and... Did anyone even bother playing Chainsaw Warrior?

Part of my frustration is that these aren't even games you can completely ignore. They're taking beloved concepts, smart mechanics, and locking them away behind low-budget, buggy experiences.

Ach, I'm a downer. Maybe it'll be different this time. "Complete missions and challenges to get new powerful cards, upgrade them at the Iron Priest's Forge and make your enemies tremble in fear." That might be fun. Play that Chainsword card. "Attack: 70x2. Hit: 90%," it says on it. In the grim darkness of the far future there is a 90% chance of war. In the grim darkness of the far future there is only microtransactional collectible card games.

Shit, no, sorry, there I go again. I like turn-based strategy games! I was never a Warhammer kid, but I get the appeal. Come on in. Buy some figurines, paint 'em up real nice. Play with your friends round a table. A shop just for you. Maybe you can re-visit that feeling next spring, in your house, at your computer, alone, by giving more of your money over to this thing.

Shit, shit! Sorry, no. Seriously, let's reserve judgement. There are probably people working on this who are passionate and just want to make a great thing. Let's give them the chance.

Sorry! Sorry!