Total War Medieval 3 is gradually taking shape, with developer Creative Assembly actively engaging the community during its early production phases. At the forefront of this dialogue is Creative Director Leif Walter, who has been a consistent presence in forums, sharing insights on the game’s development and addressing various aspects central to the strategy game series.
Community Engagement and Development Insights
In a recent discussion regarding the potential inclusion of skill trees—similar to those found in Total War: Three Kingdoms, Shogun 2, or Attila—Walter clarified that the team is intentionally avoiding this feature. He expressed concerns about the repetitiveness that skill trees can introduce, particularly in games with multiple characters. “We currently have no plans for skill trees in Medieval 3,” Walter stated. He elaborated on the drawbacks, noting that as character rosters expand, the initial intrigue of skill trees can devolve into mere busywork.
Instead, the development team aims to embrace emergent gameplay elements, such as traits and ancillaries that foster character development. This approach draws inspiration from earlier titles like Medieval 2 and the original Rome Total War. “There will still be choices around ancillaries, heirlooms, and other transferrable items,” Walter remarked, emphasizing that the game will not follow the skill tree model seen in previous installments.
Dynastic Progression and Character Continuity
Walter further elaborated on the vision for character progression within the game, suggesting that the focus will shift towards dynasties rather than individual characters. “You will be playing through a very long time span, and while characters will come and go, the powerful dynasties within your realm will stick around,” he explained. This long-term perspective allows players to cultivate distinct identities for their dynasties, such as transforming the Welf dynasty into an independent and proud entity while positioning the Hohenstaufen as strategic administrators.
“Characters from these houses will generally follow these traits and inherit some of these qualities,” Walter noted, highlighting the importance of continuity in character development. He envisions a system where the accomplishments of a great general could be passed down to their descendants, enriching the narrative depth of the campaign.
Inspirations from Modding Community
Walter also acknowledged the influence of mods on the ongoing development of Total War Medieval 3. He praised the modding community for their ability to create nuanced experiences that reflect player choices. “One element that mods have gotten ‘more right’ in the past is what we call the ‘window to the world,’” he remarked, appreciating how mods can enhance the player experience.
Among the mods that have inspired the team, Walter mentioned Europa Barbarorum 2, noting its intriguing handling of government types and cultural dynamics, despite being set in a different historical period. He also referenced the Stainless Steel megapack and the Medieval Kingdoms 1212 AD mod as significant influences, stating, “We certainly look at those mods to reflect on the choices you made and see what we can learn from it for Medieval 3.”
Balancing Accessibility and Depth
While excited about the potential for depth in Total War Medieval 3, Walter remains cautious about overwhelming less experienced players. “Total War games have to tread the middle ground between ‘accessible history’ and ‘nuanced realness,’” he noted, acknowledging the challenge of balancing these elements. He emphasized that while mods can delve deeper into historical intricacies, the core game must maintain a level of accessibility.
“This isn’t just about historical authenticity,” Walter concluded. “It’s about ensuring that the world responds to your actions, which adds to the authenticity of the experience and creates more compelling stories.”
