Development
Initially revealed to the public in February 2007, the Warhammer 40k MMO has recently been given the subtitle Dark Millennium Online. Publisher THQ had entrusted Vigil Games (developers of the Darksiders franchise) with the development of the game. In a contract with Games Workshop, the company responsible for the fictional universes of Warhammer and Warhammer 40k dating back to 1983, the game was scheduled for live release in Q1 2013. However, publisher THQ recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and many of its assets were auctioned off on January 23, 2013. Publishers participating in the auction did not bid for Vigil Games or the Darksiders franchise. Consequently, the fate of Dark Millennium is currently unclear.
When asked about the financial aspect of the game and how many players would be needed in order to produce a profitable title, THQ CEO Brian Farrell let it be known that if they were to reach a million subscribers, they would be making "a lot of money." Although he would not give an exact number, well under a million players would make the game profitable. The budget of the game was stated to be that of a high-end, non MMO triple-A retail title, and features a low initial investment cost due to relying on a small development team and utilization of preexisting technology. Dark Millennium is being built on a modified version of the same engine Vigil used for Darksiders.
With huge, immersive battlegrounds, combat looks to take a turn from the more intimate action seen in most other MMOs. Coming from a universe where, “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war” the encounters in the game are going to be a new experience for everyone looking to partake in the game. With plans for suppressive fire, flanking maneuvers, and cover implementation, firefights will be on a larger scale than the MMO set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Players will be given the ability to form groups, allowing for localized coordination within a larger encounter. Vehicles of all types are also planned to play an important role, from small space marine bikes to massive Titan warmachines.
All of the races important to the lore and were planned to be at least seen, if not played within the game. As befitting the universe, all classes were going to be involved in some type of combat. Regarding characters, Joe Madureira (former Marvel artist) said:
“It wouldn’t be Warhammer 40,000 without tons of stuff hanging off your character, including weapons, scrolls, chains, books, medals, and what have you! … I feel like we are going to have the coolest looking characters of any MMO, ever. Of course that isn’t all that hard to achieve being that everything in Warhammer 40,000 is over-the-top badass! Once we begin releasing images, feel free to call me on that remark.”
On March 29th 2012, THQ made the choice to refocus the game and its development, switching from an MMO format to an "immersive single player and online multiplayer experience."
No further word on the game's development was heard of before THQ filed for bankruptcy.
Storyline
Concept render for a Space MarineDark Millennium Online was to take place within the contemporary storyline of Warhammer 40,000, well after the Horus Heresey. A teaser released at E3 2010 identified the game's location as the Sargos Sector and would feature a conflict between the forces of Order and Destruction over control of the area.
Vigil planned to slowly release more information on Dark Millennium Online throughout the years leading up to the game's launch in 2013. But, that never happened.
Confirmed Races and Classes
Order
Disorder
Space Marine
The Adeptus Astartes or Space Marines are the elite of the Imperium's fighting force, being resilient and fearsome warriors they are a force to be reckoned with. Most Space Marines are armed with the holy Bolter (an automatic rifle) and close combat weapons, although some favour heavier weapons. They also wear thick power armour, making them resilient to most attacks.
Inquisitor
The most senior ranking members of the Imperial Inquisition, Inquisitors fill the roll of secret police for the Imperium, forcefully maintaining stability within the realm. They are the first line of defense against the taint of Chaos, making sure that humanity will never cease being the domineering intelligent species throughout the Warp.
Psyker
Those with the mental capacity and ability to use Psychic Powers by tapping the Warp. With such constant mental intimacy with the Warp, Psykers are extremely prone to Mental Instability and are subject to the taint of Chaos. Their powers are represented many ways - from predicting enemy movements, to hurling pure psychic energy in bolt form on the battlefield, to aiding the troops around them.
Imperial Guard
The Imperial Guard are the backbone of the Imperium, they are numerous, well disciplined and trained for combat. Favouring the Lasgun as their primary weapon a number of Imperial Guardsmen can provide a challenging fight, providing a hail of lasfire. Something that would slow the most determined of assaults to a stop.
Techpriest
Techpriests are part of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a technological cult. They are there to support their brothers in battle, and being formidable engineers they are very proficient at repairing vehicles and machinery. Their servo-harness makes them much more effective in combat situations, whilst also improving their ability to repair.
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