The History of Warhammer with James Wallis

Since they were first created forty years ago, the Warhammer games have gone from a cult hobby to a global cultural force, with their immersive fantasy universes, stunning artwork, beautifully sculpted miniatures, and engrossing gameplay. But what is the secret formula that turned these games into an international phenomenon with millions of players? Where did Warhammer come from, and what made it so successful? Join us to discover the intricacies of Warhammer’s journey to becoming the cultural phenomenon it is today.

In this talk, James Wallis will expertly guide us through the cultural influences that give the Warhammer worlds their unique tone, from heavy metal and Victorian science-fiction writers to the political landscape of the 1980s, and how a scrappy band of Nottingham-based game designers and toy-soldier makers turned their obsession into one of the UK's most successful companies. Whether you’re new to Warhammer or a lifelong fan, this talk will shine a new light on the game, illuminating the lesser-known facts and context about its creation. Followed by Q&A.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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James Wallis is a game designer, publisher, historian and critic who began his career writing for White Dwarf magazine in the 1980s. He's lectured in game design at three universities, worked closely with Games Workshop since the 1990s and has written 19 books, including Board Games In 100 Moves with Sir Ian Livingstone, and three Warhammer novels. His most recent book is Everybody Wins, on the rise of modern board games over the last half century.

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