Creative Assembly’s Medieval 3 Development Insights
As the gaming community buzzes with excitement over Creative Assembly’s latest venture into the Warhammer 40,000 universe, it’s essential to remember that the traditional Total War series is also making significant strides. The development of Medieval 3, a return to one of the franchise’s most beloved settings, is underway, albeit in its early stages.
Creative Assembly has embraced transparency, frequently engaging with fans through preproduction livestreams that showcase the game’s progress. In a recent initiative, the studio has sought player input on which factions should be included in Medieval 3. Fans are invited to participate in a survey, providing their preferences for various nations, dynasties, and city-states they wish to command.
According to Leif Walter, the creative director, the decision-making process for faction inclusion revolves around three key factors: the faction’s recognition, the uniqueness of its starting situation, and the potential for distinctive gameplay mechanics. This thoughtful approach aims to ensure a rich and varied gaming experience.
While certain factions are considered “locked in” by Creative Assembly—such as England, France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the Sultanate of Rum—the studio is particularly interested in feedback regarding the smaller factions of the Middle Ages. Players are encouraged to express their enthusiasm for factions like the Italian city-states of Venice and Milan, the kingdoms of Scandinavia, or notable Muslim nations like the Almohad Caliphate and the Fatimid Empire.
In addition to the potential factions being considered, Creative Assembly has also outlined some that will not be included, such as the Russian Principalities, the Mongol Empire, and the Papal States. The latter, while highly desired by fans, has been deemed too unique in playstyle, potentially diverting focus from the overall development of the game.
As anticipation builds for both Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and Medieval 3, Creative Assembly continues to foster a collaborative relationship with its community, ensuring that the voices of players are heard in shaping the future of the franchise.
