Creative Assembly has officially announced the development of Total War: Medieval 3, marking a significant return to the Middle Ages two decades after the release of Total War: Medieval 2. This revelation came during a recent 25th anniversary showcase by Sega and Creative Assembly, igniting excitement among fans of the franchise.
Anticipation Builds for a Classic Revival
For many, the original Rome installment solidified Total War’s reputation as a leader in the realm of massive strategy games. However, it was Medieval 2 that truly sparked a passion for the series, captivating players with its stunning visuals and dynamic battlefield experiences. The sight of distinct armies clashing across the European landscape remains a cherished memory for enthusiasts.
While details about the upcoming sequel remain sparse, Creative Assembly describes it as both a tribute to its predecessors and a bold evolution for the franchise. The studio promises a blend of historical authenticity with unprecedented player agency, inviting gamers to “rewrite history” while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of the Middle Ages.
Currently in pre-production, the announcement comes earlier than usual for the studio, which has typically been more reserved in its promotional efforts. Creative Assembly emphasizes that this project transcends the notion of a mere sequel, heralding it as the “rebirth of historical Total War.” This sentiment resonates strongly, especially considering the mixed reception of previous titles in the series.
Creative Assembly’s last major release, Total War: Three Kingdoms, was met with acclaim but suffered from a lack of ongoing support, leading to a premature cessation of development. Speculation suggests that a sequel to Three Kingdoms may have been among the unannounced projects that were shelved following recent layoffs at the studio. In contrast, Total War: Pharaoh, developed by Creative Assembly Sofia, received a lukewarm response, only gaining traction through a free expansion that drew inspiration from the Warhammer series.
Speaking of Warhammer, Creative Assembly continues to capitalize on this successful franchise. The upcoming DLC for Total War: Warhammer 3, titled Lords of the End Times, is set to introduce four new legendary lords to the Immortal Empires campaign, including the iconic necromancer Nagash. This DLC, scheduled for release next summer, will coincide with a free update that promises to transform the campaign experience with new apocalyptic events and scenarios.
As if that weren’t enough, Creative Assembly has hinted at yet another announcement, set to be unveiled during The Game Awards on December 11. This forthcoming title is touted as one of the most ambitious projects in the franchise’s history, signaling the dawn of an exhilarating new era for Total War enthusiasts.