Voici trouvé sur le Net une interview du développeur du jeu.
http://www.dysartes.com/editorial/peteha...rview.html
General 40k/4th Ed
Designer comments are always appreciated. They help define the intention of the rules which helps clear up the inevitable ambiguities that crop up. Will 4th edition have plenty of designer comments?
There are some, generally linked to new rules concepts.
In what order are we likely to see the new codices come out in?
Well, given that space marines and tyranids will be in the new boxed set that should be a strong clue.
Is there any chance you can give us some idea which of Orks and Eldar is likely to be released first?
This is still being discussed. My guess would be Orks as the Eldar could be in for a bigger expansion
With 40k3, we saw a very distinct shift in both the overall atmosphere of the game universe, and in the design philosophy. How do you feel about the current overall direction of the game, and in what ways would you like to have 40k4 (both the new rulebook, and future supplements) change that?
40kv4 is a direct progression of v3. It focuses on making the game more dynamic by encouraging movement and splitting combat into three phases (ranged fire, firefight & assault) rather than two phases as present.
When you say combat is being split into three phases, does this mean the game is gaining a new phase, or just how you envisage games being played is going to change? If the former, how is it likely to work?
This is about the way the game is played will change. Getting to close range and shooting is now an equally vlid option to moving forward just to assault.
Have you as a studio thought about the next 40k campaign, its general theme and is there an idea of when it will be held?
There have been a few ideas mooted and I have a pretty good idea what the current favourite is. However if I was to blab that now I would be booked into the ritual disembowelling room for an especially long session.
I'd like to know what general direction 40k will take in the future. What are the points which need improvement in the game according to the current designers?
4th ed addresses all the points we are currently concerned about. Realistically the response to 4th will help to set the agenda for the future.
Will we see a standardization of things like True Grit and Fearlessness in 4th Ed, or a centralized glossary of "Special Rules" (like in Fantasy) for these things?
We have a universal special rules section that covers virtually every rule currently appearing in more than one codex.
How is 40k Version 4 going to affect the Cityfight codex?
Several ideas first piloted in cityfight have found their way into 4th ed. Inevitably there will be some minor issues but when I last scanned through cityfight with my highlighter pen I did not find any show stoppers.
Judging by the 40k timeline we've reached the end of the 41st millennium. Does this mean 4th edition will push on into the 42nd millennium or will you go back and fill out the older fluff?
We have no plans to change the name of the game, we have 10,000 years of imperial history to play with and that should be enough.
What is going to happen with the rumoured "Codex: Deadzone" project, which was believed to be for playing games based in Space Hulks, or in zero-g environments?
It is still on the long term plans but is moving backwards. We need to provide terrain for it, deciding what this should be, how it should be manufactured etc is the real issue. Even then if it involves plastics it will have to wait its turn.
Chaos
Why do the background and the rules for the Word Bearers not fit? The IA mentions hordes of cultists (to the point of a competition with the Alpha Legion) but the rules do not represent this at all.
If I recall correctly in the IA piece the Word Bearers attack in co-ordination with cultists.
The intention was always that players could use the lost and the damned list from codex eye of terror to represent cultists whipped on by a few chaos marines. Codex chaos marines covers forces of chaos marines. I included some options for the Alpha Legion as they had less other tricks up their sleeve and tended to operate well away from the eye of terror. I made sure that their cultists were actually quite elite as well to ensure they did not simply become a meat shield.
What is your opinion of the Thousand Sons list, as many players think it is rather weak? Do you believe they need a boost or a toning down, if anything at all?
The index astartes list was a bit generous. When it got rationalised in codex chaos this caused a general lamentation among players who had got excited by the tough version. I have seen players use the list successfully in tournaments and whilst it is not an easy army to use I know it can be effective. Ultimately an army with 2 wounds each has got plenty going for it.
Many say that, "Whatever marines do, chaos does better." It is true chaos has a lot more options in exchange for ATSKNF and some weapon options, will this be rectified with the new marines list, or do you think this is not a problem?
So chaos has assault terminators, attack bikes, speeders, scouts, vindicators, whirlwinds and crusaders? There are a lot of options in the chaos list but that is for a good reason - it has to cover nine distinct armies. I also think players look at the options and moan, ignoring the fact that it is impossible to fit all the nice stuff in the same army. I referee the UK grand tournaments and know that both loyalist and traitor marines are held in equal regard and enjoy equal success.
Loyalist armies will get some additional options in the new codex but that is driven by the desire to reflect their background more completely than to make them 'tougher'.
It is the view of many gamers that the Iron Warriors list is over-powerful (in terms of advantages compared to disadvantages), and that it is easily open to abuse. What is your view on this, as the person who wrote the list?
It is inevitable that people assume you favour your own army. I try hard not to.
My one regret is that I allowed the Iron Warriors to be the only chaos army that emphasised firepower. Anyone looking for a shooting chaos army will pick them so we see quite a few (the easy colour scheme accentuates this).
In the last UK GT final though one iron warrior army snuck into the top 20 and their were plenty of others languishing at the wrong end of the hall. If there was any truth to such comments we would see them dominating the top tables.
Finally, and excuse me for the cynicism, but I have never heard of a player who lost a game and claimed the enemy army was understrength. Many armies have been the flavour of the month. When 3rd edition first came out the UKGT was won by Blood Angels, then the massed razorback option was discovered and it won. The trend is cyclical. The armies on the top row at tournaments change each year but the players remain very familiar.
Space Marines
Is there going to be a marines doctrine system, if so, is it going to be like the guard one or something else completely?
There will be a chapter trait system, it will be less far-ranging than doctrines because the book covers chapters that conform to the codex astartes. The options will therefore be more flavour driven. It is essential that the best marine army that can be derived from the book does not use traits at all.
As a general thing, is the main change to the Marines going to be the doctrine system, or will there be new units showing up or old ones being removed?
Several of the list entries are being modified to have more exciting options.
When will the Vindicator/ Whirlwind be released?
The whirlwind is in production, no vindicator as yet though. Plastics schedules are the problem, we can only do so many things in plastic and every army starts with a huge list of requirements.
Also, are any special characters going to be removed from the book?
There will be five special characters, all with figures
Rumours have been heard of a change to the Ultramarines image and colour scheme - are they true, and if so in what way will changes be made?
There is some truth to it. All we are really doing is clearing a bit off space for players to be creative when choosing how to paint the Ultramarines.
In the Blood Angels army, will changes be made to how death company units are formed?
Blood angels is in the future. I have worked out the points break on the death company though and it does seem excessive.
With the decision to remove the tank from general sale, will the Space Wolves still be able to field a Leman Russ Exterminator?
Again the codex is a long way off. If I had to bet I would say it would disappear. I would try to ensure the stats were available somewhere though for existing players.
Until the new sub-codices are released, will Space Marine subchapters receiving a new full Codex be using the 3rd or 4th Edition Space Marine Codex for their "core" units that don't differ in the sub-list?
They will use the 4th edition codex initially. I have just been working out the implications and it should not be too difficult to deal with. Long term the chapter specific codex's will not cross-reference to codex space marines and will have a complete list in their book.
I would like to know what plans are in store for the Salamander space marine chapter. As I see it, they have been shafted for a first founding chapter. They seem to be ignored. Will there be any background, novels, and especially rule changes to coincide with the 4th edition rules for the Salamanders?
The Salamanders will be covered by the 4th edition Codex: Space Marines as their differences are minimal and can be addressed through Chapter Traits. They will therefore be initiative 4.
I can't speak for black library, send in synopsis' involving the salamanders is the message there.
When are the new terminators due to be released?
2005 - probably.
Are the rumours about a space marine command sprue true? If so, will there be chapter specific elements on the sprue?
Its true and it is generic.
Will there be any other official variants of the land raider?
I have none planned and haven't heard of any. Can't speak for forgeworld though.
Orks
Any chance we will see more multipart plastics figs for the Orks? Maybe 'Ardboys, Skarboys, Kommandos or even Cyborks? If so, will they (hopefully) be compatible with previous plastics?
Any new Ork plastics will be compatible. The range plan for the Orks will be drawn up early in the Ork project, until then there is no way of knowing. The 'big plan' which has been discussed is an Ork vehicle kit where different wheels, hulls and weapons can be assembled in different ways to produce kustom vehicles. This will be complex to do though and the details have yet to be finalised.
Are there any plans to release either plastic Gretchin, the Shock Attack Gun or a new set of vehicle/bike kits when Codex: Orks is released for 4th Ed?
See above.
Eldar (all kinds)
Will the Dark Eldar ever make a comeback from the classic range?
They are not really in the classic range. Some models have simply been made mail order only as their popularity did not merit shelf space in stores.
Is there any chance harlequins, exodites or eldar pirates are going to make it into the new eldar codex?
Its possible. The further a book is from being started the more ambitious the plans tend to be. When it gets down to detailed planning - specifically how many new figure codes are possible some recalculation always occurs. Personally I would like to see Harlequins back and would put them ahead of Exodites.
Is there any chance Eldar will get new aspects?
There is a chance and some proposals have been made. I would not favour this myself though as there are plenty already, many of which are used only infrequently. My preference would be to see all the current flavours made into equally worthwhile choices.
Is there any chance of a firm release date for the Wave Serpent? It would only be a guess. Plastics scheduling is an arcane art and I am not a disciple of the dark path. All I can say with confidence is that it has been designed and is therefore on the production line - exactly where it is and when it will plop off the end is another matter.
One rumour we keep hearing is that all forms of Eldar will be in the same book for 4th Edition. Would you personally like this to happen, or would you prefer that Eldar and Dark Eldar stay as seperate books?
It would be a big book. Personally though I prefer to give lots of options so one book would be great as long as we can provide the right amount of support in terms of new models and so on.
Also, are there any plans for Altansar that you can tell us about?
Phil Kelly is always laying plans for Altansar. I'm sure it will reappear in due course. Its not as important as expanding the Eldar as a race though. More craftworlds can easily get to be like more marine chapters. New colour scheme and a few new options is all well and good but different races should be developed in different ways. In the existing eldar and dark eldar lists there are about half a dozen perfectly good unit types that don't see use because the figures and/or rules do not inspire. By the simple expedient of making these types worthwhile a whole range of new army combinations become possible. Saim Hann anyone?
'Nids
What direction will the 'Nids be taken in?
They evolve based on experience. Each successive hive fleet will therefore include new species and new options.
Have you got any specific plans for new species, and if so what role do you see them performing?
There are several possibilities but none set in stone yet. You are determined to encourage me to flirt with a visit to the sound-proof chamber with the novelty surgical implements aren't you?
Will the warp field power be an invulnerable save in the next tyranid codex?
Don't know yet. Personal view is that it shouldn't be as lack of invulnerable saves is a feature of the army.
Imperial Guard
When are the Griffon and Exterminator rules going to appear in White Dwarf as promised?
The Armoured Company list has been submitted to a pool of articles available for White Dwarf publication. It includes exterminator and griffon stats.
According to the fluff plasma weaponry is very, very rare. Why are there no restrictions on them within the IG?
There never has been any restriction. I am of the view that its rarity is the reason every squad member can't have a plasma gun.
There have been suggestions of the IG getting some new tanks to replace the ones they lost in the new codex. Any idea on what the new tanks may be like/ can you clarify that rumour?
Its possible. By making some space in the range there is some scope. Nothing has been set in stone though.
Why no Elysian Drop Troops / Praetorians in Codex IG v2?
We want to make more of a fuss about the Elysians so we used the Harakoni as a sample drop regiment that could be done using cadian miniatures and held the Elysians back for when we can get some miniatures for them.
The Praetorians are not a good regiment, historical miniatures with lasguns replacing martini-henry rifles is not something we want to perpetuate. I see them as a novelty that got out of control.
If more of a fuss is being made of the Elysians, can you give a rough idea about when more will be heard about this - say, to the nearest 6 months?
Not in the next 6 months thats for sure. Games Workshop isn't going away and we'll get to them as soon as we can. One thing I have learned is that it is the way a good idea is developed that determines whether it works out or not. Hurrying things through to satisfy curiousity is no substitute for a measured development.
The Forces of the Inquisition
Why do assassins now require an inquisitor lord to be fielded, especially when it goes directly against the background and the previous incarnations of assassins?
It doesn't go against the background. When the assassins book was written no-one knew that the Inquisition would be covered.
Practically an Imperial Guard colonel wouldn't even know they existed so it is far better that they are tools of the inquisition.
One of the great things about the inquisition books is that they give a home to imperial agents that previously were without one. I heard a lot of people crying 'cheese' and 'beardy' when an army included an assassin. In an Inquisition army they can be included without any shame.
Where are Alien hunters in terms of the design process?
We have some outline proposals and thats about it. Practically I have a good idea of what the army will include and Inquisition lists have many common elements.
Are the rumoured Deathwatch Terminators part of your plans, or are they an idea that didn't make it?
I would like to see them in. Until we do the start of project range review it is impossible to know for sure.
When will the Zealots rules actually make it into White Dwarf?
The article has been written and submitted to White Dwarf. Just so people understand what happens. All the material we write for WD gets put into a pool of articles. The editors can then pick up the articles they want, when they want. Thus something may appear in the US magazine and not in the UK magazine or appear in different months.
Necrons
When I interviewed Jervis, he said that Fanatic will have to collaborate with the Studio when it comes to Necron War Machines and/or Flyers. What would you think we could see as Necron War Engines and flyers?
At the current stage of their awakening Necrons are still predominantly raiders so vast amounts of heavy kit is inappropriate. Also bear in mind that the devices necrons use at present are not really weapons (at least as far as they are concerned), rather they are tools for harvesting life force. After all to use weaponry is to imply their victims are worthy adversaries.
A larger tomb spyder capable of building entire tomb complexes would be interesting.
Something that acts as a focus for worship/homage would certainly appeal to the C'tan - a flying 'ferry across the Styx' style funeral barge perhaps?
I have been following the developments in Epic with interest. Epic Armageddon is a great game and I am very keen to help fanatic cover the full range of 40K armies for the system.
Tau
Are there any more Tau allies planned which will appear in their list (ala Kroot)?
I have introduced a subject race called the Nicassar that form part of the Tau fleet in BFG.
Are the Nicassar likely to stay as only being in BFG, in a similar vein to the Demiurg, or do you have plans to introduce them in 40k?
Only BFG, they do not react well to gravity
Other Races
What exactly are the Demiurg and what are the studios plans for them?
The Demiurg are miners and traders whose ships feature in Battlefleet Gothic. There are no 40K plans for them. Just because something exists in the 40K universe doesn't mean it gets a codex. it might exist for a black library novel, to provide a spaceship, to make an interesting inquisitor character and so on. 40K will focus on those bits of the background that have a clear battlefield role.
General, but GW-related
If I have some nice features for a codex, where can I send them?
Chapter Approved. Be aware though that by the time word gets out that a codex is being done conceptual design will be complete.
Ignoring production schedules and corporate stuff, what would you as a game developer like to see in the next several years?
I'd like to see a new alien race introduced along with more battlezone and campaign codex's.
If you were to introduce a new race, what area would they focus on? Many players would say that most possible areas are covered already.....
There are a couple of army dynamics that I would like to explore and several science fiction classic themes to look at. We haven't touched time paradox for example.
Is there one piece of work (an article, an army list, even a rule) of which he's especially proud and why?
I was very pleased with the doctrine rules as they provided an option for players wishing to design something distinctive without undermining the core guard list.
On the other hand, is there something he'd really like to undo or change?
I would like to have divided up chaos into multiple books.
Why does the UK get things like 40k Annual 2004 while the rest of the world gets Chapter Approved 2004, Iron Father miniatures and all the rest of the things which never get UK releases?
Materials from the design studio are supplied on a global basis. Whether they are supplied locally is down to the local sales companies. They have to work out what is likely to be popular in each market. If you think about it its no different to car suppliers selling different models in different countries.
Would standardisation of these releases make the Studio's job easier?
I suspect the decision process (what is to be standard and what order should it be done in) would dig into our project timescales. As it is now we can get on with things, make them available to the global business and let them decide when and where they want to release them.
Completely General, and Slightly Random
How many times a week/month do you get to play a game? And which game system do you prefer?
Leaving aside playtesting I play at least one game during lunch hours each week and try to get in two additional games away from the studio. 40K dominates but I also play Warhammer, BFG, Warmaster, Epic and many, many different periods of historical game.
What's happening with the Harbringers?
Waiting for the new terminators to get released so they can enjoy a major revamp. They are however doing very well in Epic Armageddon.
What is an average day like for a games developer in the studio?
Its like any other office work really. A cycle of planning, writing and tracking. I used to work in the IT industry and it is very similar although playtesting is far more enjoyable than system testing.
Where do you stand on so called "Cheese"? Do you believe that if it is legal, it is alright to use it (3 wraith lords- legal, therefore no shame in using them etc.) or do you believe that is bad sportsmanship to deny a fun game to your opponent in that manner?
Bottom line - if it wasn't OK it shouldn't be an option. I tend to agree this sort of stuff in advance with my regular opponents. One of Jervis' sayings that I absolutely agree with goes along the lines ' a game is a contract between 2 people to have fun'. I want my opponents to be entertained as well as challenged. If however I am helping someone prepare for a tournament I will use the hardest army I have that I can use well.
What's the question you most hate to hear in an interview?
Its the inevitable squat question.
That aside its more the way the question is asked. Many times a question is asked that is clearly rhetorical and has been asked for the pleasure of asking it rather than actually to get an answer. Also I don't like heated questions. There are many things in life worth getting heated about but toy soldiers isn't one of them.
OK, I'm not going to ask the typical Squat question ("When are the Squats coming back?") but I will ask if you agreed with how they were treated when they were removed - ie, the only mention about them being destroyed being in the introduction to a Black Library book, with their destruction occuring allegedly at the hands of the Tyranids within 50 years.....
People assume there was some great plan. Instead as time went by it went from an assumption that the Squats would get a Codex, to a realisation that they would have to change, to an understanding that there was better things to do and then finally a certainty that they were better forgotten. The decision grew in increments which probably explained the way it was handled. If we had given them a glorious ending though it would probably have ensured an even greater demand for their return.
What hobbies does you do other than miniature gaming?
I used to be a battle re-enactor and rugby player. Now I have got far too lazy and enjoy movies, reading and (watching) sports.
What was the first model you ever bought?
An airfix Spitfire kit. Wargames wise I think the first metal miniature I bought was a British napoleonic officer made by a tiny (now vanished) company called Kirk miniatures.
What is your position in the on-going debate of slippers vs loafers?
I am a moccasin man myself
At this point I'd like to thank Pete Haines for taking the time to answer these questions, and Pete Bradley, webmaster at Retribution, for getting me in touch with Pete and setting up this interview.
http://www.dysartes.com/editorial/peteha...rview.html
General 40k/4th Ed
Designer comments are always appreciated. They help define the intention of the rules which helps clear up the inevitable ambiguities that crop up. Will 4th edition have plenty of designer comments?
There are some, generally linked to new rules concepts.
In what order are we likely to see the new codices come out in?
Well, given that space marines and tyranids will be in the new boxed set that should be a strong clue.
Is there any chance you can give us some idea which of Orks and Eldar is likely to be released first?
This is still being discussed. My guess would be Orks as the Eldar could be in for a bigger expansion
With 40k3, we saw a very distinct shift in both the overall atmosphere of the game universe, and in the design philosophy. How do you feel about the current overall direction of the game, and in what ways would you like to have 40k4 (both the new rulebook, and future supplements) change that?
40kv4 is a direct progression of v3. It focuses on making the game more dynamic by encouraging movement and splitting combat into three phases (ranged fire, firefight & assault) rather than two phases as present.
When you say combat is being split into three phases, does this mean the game is gaining a new phase, or just how you envisage games being played is going to change? If the former, how is it likely to work?
This is about the way the game is played will change. Getting to close range and shooting is now an equally vlid option to moving forward just to assault.
Have you as a studio thought about the next 40k campaign, its general theme and is there an idea of when it will be held?
There have been a few ideas mooted and I have a pretty good idea what the current favourite is. However if I was to blab that now I would be booked into the ritual disembowelling room for an especially long session.
I'd like to know what general direction 40k will take in the future. What are the points which need improvement in the game according to the current designers?
4th ed addresses all the points we are currently concerned about. Realistically the response to 4th will help to set the agenda for the future.
Will we see a standardization of things like True Grit and Fearlessness in 4th Ed, or a centralized glossary of "Special Rules" (like in Fantasy) for these things?
We have a universal special rules section that covers virtually every rule currently appearing in more than one codex.
How is 40k Version 4 going to affect the Cityfight codex?
Several ideas first piloted in cityfight have found their way into 4th ed. Inevitably there will be some minor issues but when I last scanned through cityfight with my highlighter pen I did not find any show stoppers.
Judging by the 40k timeline we've reached the end of the 41st millennium. Does this mean 4th edition will push on into the 42nd millennium or will you go back and fill out the older fluff?
We have no plans to change the name of the game, we have 10,000 years of imperial history to play with and that should be enough.
What is going to happen with the rumoured "Codex: Deadzone" project, which was believed to be for playing games based in Space Hulks, or in zero-g environments?
It is still on the long term plans but is moving backwards. We need to provide terrain for it, deciding what this should be, how it should be manufactured etc is the real issue. Even then if it involves plastics it will have to wait its turn.
Chaos
Why do the background and the rules for the Word Bearers not fit? The IA mentions hordes of cultists (to the point of a competition with the Alpha Legion) but the rules do not represent this at all.
If I recall correctly in the IA piece the Word Bearers attack in co-ordination with cultists.
The intention was always that players could use the lost and the damned list from codex eye of terror to represent cultists whipped on by a few chaos marines. Codex chaos marines covers forces of chaos marines. I included some options for the Alpha Legion as they had less other tricks up their sleeve and tended to operate well away from the eye of terror. I made sure that their cultists were actually quite elite as well to ensure they did not simply become a meat shield.
What is your opinion of the Thousand Sons list, as many players think it is rather weak? Do you believe they need a boost or a toning down, if anything at all?
The index astartes list was a bit generous. When it got rationalised in codex chaos this caused a general lamentation among players who had got excited by the tough version. I have seen players use the list successfully in tournaments and whilst it is not an easy army to use I know it can be effective. Ultimately an army with 2 wounds each has got plenty going for it.
Many say that, "Whatever marines do, chaos does better." It is true chaos has a lot more options in exchange for ATSKNF and some weapon options, will this be rectified with the new marines list, or do you think this is not a problem?
So chaos has assault terminators, attack bikes, speeders, scouts, vindicators, whirlwinds and crusaders? There are a lot of options in the chaos list but that is for a good reason - it has to cover nine distinct armies. I also think players look at the options and moan, ignoring the fact that it is impossible to fit all the nice stuff in the same army. I referee the UK grand tournaments and know that both loyalist and traitor marines are held in equal regard and enjoy equal success.
Loyalist armies will get some additional options in the new codex but that is driven by the desire to reflect their background more completely than to make them 'tougher'.
It is the view of many gamers that the Iron Warriors list is over-powerful (in terms of advantages compared to disadvantages), and that it is easily open to abuse. What is your view on this, as the person who wrote the list?
It is inevitable that people assume you favour your own army. I try hard not to.
My one regret is that I allowed the Iron Warriors to be the only chaos army that emphasised firepower. Anyone looking for a shooting chaos army will pick them so we see quite a few (the easy colour scheme accentuates this).
In the last UK GT final though one iron warrior army snuck into the top 20 and their were plenty of others languishing at the wrong end of the hall. If there was any truth to such comments we would see them dominating the top tables.
Finally, and excuse me for the cynicism, but I have never heard of a player who lost a game and claimed the enemy army was understrength. Many armies have been the flavour of the month. When 3rd edition first came out the UKGT was won by Blood Angels, then the massed razorback option was discovered and it won. The trend is cyclical. The armies on the top row at tournaments change each year but the players remain very familiar.
Space Marines
Is there going to be a marines doctrine system, if so, is it going to be like the guard one or something else completely?
There will be a chapter trait system, it will be less far-ranging than doctrines because the book covers chapters that conform to the codex astartes. The options will therefore be more flavour driven. It is essential that the best marine army that can be derived from the book does not use traits at all.
As a general thing, is the main change to the Marines going to be the doctrine system, or will there be new units showing up or old ones being removed?
Several of the list entries are being modified to have more exciting options.
When will the Vindicator/ Whirlwind be released?
The whirlwind is in production, no vindicator as yet though. Plastics schedules are the problem, we can only do so many things in plastic and every army starts with a huge list of requirements.
Also, are any special characters going to be removed from the book?
There will be five special characters, all with figures
Rumours have been heard of a change to the Ultramarines image and colour scheme - are they true, and if so in what way will changes be made?
There is some truth to it. All we are really doing is clearing a bit off space for players to be creative when choosing how to paint the Ultramarines.
In the Blood Angels army, will changes be made to how death company units are formed?
Blood angels is in the future. I have worked out the points break on the death company though and it does seem excessive.
With the decision to remove the tank from general sale, will the Space Wolves still be able to field a Leman Russ Exterminator?
Again the codex is a long way off. If I had to bet I would say it would disappear. I would try to ensure the stats were available somewhere though for existing players.
Until the new sub-codices are released, will Space Marine subchapters receiving a new full Codex be using the 3rd or 4th Edition Space Marine Codex for their "core" units that don't differ in the sub-list?
They will use the 4th edition codex initially. I have just been working out the implications and it should not be too difficult to deal with. Long term the chapter specific codex's will not cross-reference to codex space marines and will have a complete list in their book.
I would like to know what plans are in store for the Salamander space marine chapter. As I see it, they have been shafted for a first founding chapter. They seem to be ignored. Will there be any background, novels, and especially rule changes to coincide with the 4th edition rules for the Salamanders?
The Salamanders will be covered by the 4th edition Codex: Space Marines as their differences are minimal and can be addressed through Chapter Traits. They will therefore be initiative 4.
I can't speak for black library, send in synopsis' involving the salamanders is the message there.
When are the new terminators due to be released?
2005 - probably.
Are the rumours about a space marine command sprue true? If so, will there be chapter specific elements on the sprue?
Its true and it is generic.
Will there be any other official variants of the land raider?
I have none planned and haven't heard of any. Can't speak for forgeworld though.
Orks
Any chance we will see more multipart plastics figs for the Orks? Maybe 'Ardboys, Skarboys, Kommandos or even Cyborks? If so, will they (hopefully) be compatible with previous plastics?
Any new Ork plastics will be compatible. The range plan for the Orks will be drawn up early in the Ork project, until then there is no way of knowing. The 'big plan' which has been discussed is an Ork vehicle kit where different wheels, hulls and weapons can be assembled in different ways to produce kustom vehicles. This will be complex to do though and the details have yet to be finalised.
Are there any plans to release either plastic Gretchin, the Shock Attack Gun or a new set of vehicle/bike kits when Codex: Orks is released for 4th Ed?
See above.
Eldar (all kinds)
Will the Dark Eldar ever make a comeback from the classic range?
They are not really in the classic range. Some models have simply been made mail order only as their popularity did not merit shelf space in stores.
Is there any chance harlequins, exodites or eldar pirates are going to make it into the new eldar codex?
Its possible. The further a book is from being started the more ambitious the plans tend to be. When it gets down to detailed planning - specifically how many new figure codes are possible some recalculation always occurs. Personally I would like to see Harlequins back and would put them ahead of Exodites.
Is there any chance Eldar will get new aspects?
There is a chance and some proposals have been made. I would not favour this myself though as there are plenty already, many of which are used only infrequently. My preference would be to see all the current flavours made into equally worthwhile choices.
Is there any chance of a firm release date for the Wave Serpent? It would only be a guess. Plastics scheduling is an arcane art and I am not a disciple of the dark path. All I can say with confidence is that it has been designed and is therefore on the production line - exactly where it is and when it will plop off the end is another matter.
One rumour we keep hearing is that all forms of Eldar will be in the same book for 4th Edition. Would you personally like this to happen, or would you prefer that Eldar and Dark Eldar stay as seperate books?
It would be a big book. Personally though I prefer to give lots of options so one book would be great as long as we can provide the right amount of support in terms of new models and so on.
Also, are there any plans for Altansar that you can tell us about?
Phil Kelly is always laying plans for Altansar. I'm sure it will reappear in due course. Its not as important as expanding the Eldar as a race though. More craftworlds can easily get to be like more marine chapters. New colour scheme and a few new options is all well and good but different races should be developed in different ways. In the existing eldar and dark eldar lists there are about half a dozen perfectly good unit types that don't see use because the figures and/or rules do not inspire. By the simple expedient of making these types worthwhile a whole range of new army combinations become possible. Saim Hann anyone?
'Nids
What direction will the 'Nids be taken in?
They evolve based on experience. Each successive hive fleet will therefore include new species and new options.
Have you got any specific plans for new species, and if so what role do you see them performing?
There are several possibilities but none set in stone yet. You are determined to encourage me to flirt with a visit to the sound-proof chamber with the novelty surgical implements aren't you?
Will the warp field power be an invulnerable save in the next tyranid codex?
Don't know yet. Personal view is that it shouldn't be as lack of invulnerable saves is a feature of the army.
Imperial Guard
When are the Griffon and Exterminator rules going to appear in White Dwarf as promised?
The Armoured Company list has been submitted to a pool of articles available for White Dwarf publication. It includes exterminator and griffon stats.
According to the fluff plasma weaponry is very, very rare. Why are there no restrictions on them within the IG?
There never has been any restriction. I am of the view that its rarity is the reason every squad member can't have a plasma gun.
There have been suggestions of the IG getting some new tanks to replace the ones they lost in the new codex. Any idea on what the new tanks may be like/ can you clarify that rumour?
Its possible. By making some space in the range there is some scope. Nothing has been set in stone though.
Why no Elysian Drop Troops / Praetorians in Codex IG v2?
We want to make more of a fuss about the Elysians so we used the Harakoni as a sample drop regiment that could be done using cadian miniatures and held the Elysians back for when we can get some miniatures for them.
The Praetorians are not a good regiment, historical miniatures with lasguns replacing martini-henry rifles is not something we want to perpetuate. I see them as a novelty that got out of control.
If more of a fuss is being made of the Elysians, can you give a rough idea about when more will be heard about this - say, to the nearest 6 months?
Not in the next 6 months thats for sure. Games Workshop isn't going away and we'll get to them as soon as we can. One thing I have learned is that it is the way a good idea is developed that determines whether it works out or not. Hurrying things through to satisfy curiousity is no substitute for a measured development.
The Forces of the Inquisition
Why do assassins now require an inquisitor lord to be fielded, especially when it goes directly against the background and the previous incarnations of assassins?
It doesn't go against the background. When the assassins book was written no-one knew that the Inquisition would be covered.
Practically an Imperial Guard colonel wouldn't even know they existed so it is far better that they are tools of the inquisition.
One of the great things about the inquisition books is that they give a home to imperial agents that previously were without one. I heard a lot of people crying 'cheese' and 'beardy' when an army included an assassin. In an Inquisition army they can be included without any shame.
Where are Alien hunters in terms of the design process?
We have some outline proposals and thats about it. Practically I have a good idea of what the army will include and Inquisition lists have many common elements.
Are the rumoured Deathwatch Terminators part of your plans, or are they an idea that didn't make it?
I would like to see them in. Until we do the start of project range review it is impossible to know for sure.
When will the Zealots rules actually make it into White Dwarf?
The article has been written and submitted to White Dwarf. Just so people understand what happens. All the material we write for WD gets put into a pool of articles. The editors can then pick up the articles they want, when they want. Thus something may appear in the US magazine and not in the UK magazine or appear in different months.
Necrons
When I interviewed Jervis, he said that Fanatic will have to collaborate with the Studio when it comes to Necron War Machines and/or Flyers. What would you think we could see as Necron War Engines and flyers?
At the current stage of their awakening Necrons are still predominantly raiders so vast amounts of heavy kit is inappropriate. Also bear in mind that the devices necrons use at present are not really weapons (at least as far as they are concerned), rather they are tools for harvesting life force. After all to use weaponry is to imply their victims are worthy adversaries.
A larger tomb spyder capable of building entire tomb complexes would be interesting.
Something that acts as a focus for worship/homage would certainly appeal to the C'tan - a flying 'ferry across the Styx' style funeral barge perhaps?
I have been following the developments in Epic with interest. Epic Armageddon is a great game and I am very keen to help fanatic cover the full range of 40K armies for the system.
Tau
Are there any more Tau allies planned which will appear in their list (ala Kroot)?
I have introduced a subject race called the Nicassar that form part of the Tau fleet in BFG.
Are the Nicassar likely to stay as only being in BFG, in a similar vein to the Demiurg, or do you have plans to introduce them in 40k?
Only BFG, they do not react well to gravity
Other Races
What exactly are the Demiurg and what are the studios plans for them?
The Demiurg are miners and traders whose ships feature in Battlefleet Gothic. There are no 40K plans for them. Just because something exists in the 40K universe doesn't mean it gets a codex. it might exist for a black library novel, to provide a spaceship, to make an interesting inquisitor character and so on. 40K will focus on those bits of the background that have a clear battlefield role.
General, but GW-related
If I have some nice features for a codex, where can I send them?
Chapter Approved. Be aware though that by the time word gets out that a codex is being done conceptual design will be complete.
Ignoring production schedules and corporate stuff, what would you as a game developer like to see in the next several years?
I'd like to see a new alien race introduced along with more battlezone and campaign codex's.
If you were to introduce a new race, what area would they focus on? Many players would say that most possible areas are covered already.....
There are a couple of army dynamics that I would like to explore and several science fiction classic themes to look at. We haven't touched time paradox for example.
Is there one piece of work (an article, an army list, even a rule) of which he's especially proud and why?
I was very pleased with the doctrine rules as they provided an option for players wishing to design something distinctive without undermining the core guard list.
On the other hand, is there something he'd really like to undo or change?
I would like to have divided up chaos into multiple books.
Why does the UK get things like 40k Annual 2004 while the rest of the world gets Chapter Approved 2004, Iron Father miniatures and all the rest of the things which never get UK releases?
Materials from the design studio are supplied on a global basis. Whether they are supplied locally is down to the local sales companies. They have to work out what is likely to be popular in each market. If you think about it its no different to car suppliers selling different models in different countries.
Would standardisation of these releases make the Studio's job easier?
I suspect the decision process (what is to be standard and what order should it be done in) would dig into our project timescales. As it is now we can get on with things, make them available to the global business and let them decide when and where they want to release them.
Completely General, and Slightly Random
How many times a week/month do you get to play a game? And which game system do you prefer?
Leaving aside playtesting I play at least one game during lunch hours each week and try to get in two additional games away from the studio. 40K dominates but I also play Warhammer, BFG, Warmaster, Epic and many, many different periods of historical game.
What's happening with the Harbringers?
Waiting for the new terminators to get released so they can enjoy a major revamp. They are however doing very well in Epic Armageddon.
What is an average day like for a games developer in the studio?
Its like any other office work really. A cycle of planning, writing and tracking. I used to work in the IT industry and it is very similar although playtesting is far more enjoyable than system testing.
Where do you stand on so called "Cheese"? Do you believe that if it is legal, it is alright to use it (3 wraith lords- legal, therefore no shame in using them etc.) or do you believe that is bad sportsmanship to deny a fun game to your opponent in that manner?
Bottom line - if it wasn't OK it shouldn't be an option. I tend to agree this sort of stuff in advance with my regular opponents. One of Jervis' sayings that I absolutely agree with goes along the lines ' a game is a contract between 2 people to have fun'. I want my opponents to be entertained as well as challenged. If however I am helping someone prepare for a tournament I will use the hardest army I have that I can use well.
What's the question you most hate to hear in an interview?
Its the inevitable squat question.
That aside its more the way the question is asked. Many times a question is asked that is clearly rhetorical and has been asked for the pleasure of asking it rather than actually to get an answer. Also I don't like heated questions. There are many things in life worth getting heated about but toy soldiers isn't one of them.
OK, I'm not going to ask the typical Squat question ("When are the Squats coming back?") but I will ask if you agreed with how they were treated when they were removed - ie, the only mention about them being destroyed being in the introduction to a Black Library book, with their destruction occuring allegedly at the hands of the Tyranids within 50 years.....
People assume there was some great plan. Instead as time went by it went from an assumption that the Squats would get a Codex, to a realisation that they would have to change, to an understanding that there was better things to do and then finally a certainty that they were better forgotten. The decision grew in increments which probably explained the way it was handled. If we had given them a glorious ending though it would probably have ensured an even greater demand for their return.
What hobbies does you do other than miniature gaming?
I used to be a battle re-enactor and rugby player. Now I have got far too lazy and enjoy movies, reading and (watching) sports.
What was the first model you ever bought?
An airfix Spitfire kit. Wargames wise I think the first metal miniature I bought was a British napoleonic officer made by a tiny (now vanished) company called Kirk miniatures.
What is your position in the on-going debate of slippers vs loafers?
I am a moccasin man myself
At this point I'd like to thank Pete Haines for taking the time to answer these questions, and Pete Bradley, webmaster at Retribution, for getting me in touch with Pete and setting up this interview.
parce que les eldars obligés d'arriver à 12pc des tiranides pour leur tirer dessus alors que ces derniers chargent à 24 pc en 1 tour 
