Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach is promising to be an amazing tactical Warhammer 40,000 experience on PC. The game is being released on January 19th, and we decided to interview the developers from Straylight. We asked them about the game: we hope you'll enjoy the read!
Warhammer 40,000 has an enormous range of background materials - what made you select 'Sanctus Reach' as the setting for your game?
We were given permission by Games Workshop to choose any source from the Black Library. We spent a solid month researching the different materials. We documented the different armies, what enemies there were and what the general plots were. Generally we found most of the stories progressed in literal “Grim Dark” fashion before finally clinching a victory at the end (though sometimes not...), which we felt might not be the right feeling we wanted from our game. Then we found Sanctus Reach and it had pretty much everything we were looking for. Epic battles, legendary heroes and some brand new characters recently introduced to the Space Wolves and Orks. We simply could not pass up the opportunity to have the major leaders of the Space Wolves in our game - and the challenge of creating them!
What has been the driving idea behind the game design for this game?
It boils down to wanting to make a game that we would have loved to have as 14 year olds 'back in the day'. We wanted to replicate some of the “feelings” one might get from the tabletop experience., so we put a lot of effort into the unit roles and their weapons personalities while giving players a new way to experience 40k. The art style was inspired by Duncan Rhodes.. he’s our hero. (do you want to take a look at some Sanctus Reach Space Wolves models? Look no further!)
Sanctus Reach has been designed to appeal to both long standing fans and new players, what was the most challenging aspect of this from a game design point of view?
The most challenging thing was definitely just trying to find a balance between these two audiences. To a new player the 40k universe can seem a bit overwhelming. Games Workshop has been developing and changing the universe for longer than some of our team members have been alive. There’s so many different units with different roles that it can easily be confusing if we didn’t present the information correctly. The 40k veterans on the other hand know all the units like the back of their hand and have certain expectations. At one point our Gretchen were a bit overpowered and taking out half a squad of Grey Hunters in a round of firing, to a new player this wouldn’t mean anything but to a veteran this is pure heresy. This is why we chose to keep the unit roles familiar but produce the experience in a new way that both new and veteran players could learn and enjoy together.
There are a lot of very impressive unit models in Sanctus Reach - which one was the most challenging to get into the game - and which one is your favourite?
They were all uniquely challenging in their own way, but the most challenging units by far were the Imperial Knights and the Gorkanaut. Literal blood sweat and tears went into those guys. They have so many parts to model and they were so time consuming that there was no room for error. The Knights model on it’s own was pretty bare so the trims, vents, studs and decals were all added on in texture later by hand and baked before painting. All of the vehicles were done in this way, but I think the Gorkanaut has the most studs, it was quite painful but definitely worth the effort!
Sanctus Reach uses the new Archon engine - how did you find using it?
The Archon Engine is brilliant. For anyone starting out and wanting to make a strategy game we would highly recommend it. It’s easy to use and has great support. It’s been ideal really.
Do you play the tabletop game? What is your favourite army and unit?
Most of us have played the tabletop in the past and remain firmly attached to our original armies. Gordon and Mark prefer Eldar, me (Kim) and Alex are heretics and both enjoy Chaos.
How would this game differ from other 40k games in your opinion?
The vast majority of 40k games offer very unique experiences that are not turn based. I think there are a lot of people out there (ourselves included) that crave more turn based games which have a lot of content and depth. I feel like we’ve covered that.
Did you choose a turn-based system instead of real time to be closer to the tabletop experience?
Yes and no. We wanted to replicate a familiar feeling to the tabletop without duplicating the experience directly and we as a team just prefer turn based strategy games in general. We wanted to make an immersive game that you can really sit and contemplate what you’re going to do without the need for rushing or stressing, I think we all have enough of that in our lives!
Are there any previous games that influenced you in developing Sanctus Reach?
Chaos Gate and X-Com are probably the biggest influencers. Gordon and Mark played a lot of Chaos Gate back in the day.
Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach - Developer Interview!
Get all the latest news on Slitherine.
Moderator: Slitherine Core
Return to “News & Announcements”
Jump to
- Announcements & General Discussion
- ↳ News & Announcements
- ↳ General Discussion
- ↳ Game Ideas
- ↳ Archive
- ↳ Slitherine/Matrix Press Event 2012 - The Home of Wargamers
- ↳ Blogs
- ↳ Deadliest Warrior on Spike TV
- ↳ Military Art
- ↳ Shenandoah General Discussion Forum
- ↳ Shenandoah Studio Website
- ↳ Gettysburg: The Tide Turns
- ↳ Gettysburg: The Tide Turns - Technical Support
- ↳ Gettysburg: The Tide Turns - After Action Reports (AAR)
- ↳ Battle of the Bulge
- ↳ Battle of the Bulge: Tech Support
- ↳ Drive On Moscow
- ↳ Drive on Moscow iPad
- ↳ Desert Fox: The Battle of El Alamein
- Regional
- ↳ Español
- Coming Soon
- ↳ Headquarters World War II
- ↳ Field of Glory: Kingdoms
- ↳ ICBM: Escalation
- ↳ ICBM: Escalation Tech Support
- ↳ Ancient Arenas: Chariots
- ↳ Scramble: Battle of Britain
- ↳ Broken Arrow
- Latest Releases
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2: Tech Support
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2 Scenario Design
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2: Multiplayer & Tournaments
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2 AARs
- ↳ Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance
- ↳ Stargate: Timekeepers
- ↳ Stargate: Timekeepers - Tech Support
- ↳ Starship Troopers - Terran Command
- ↳ Master of Magic
- ↳ Field of Glory II
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Tech Support
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Scenario Design
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Modding
- ↳ Field of Glory II: After Action Reports
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Field of Glory II Digital League
- ↳ Knock-out Tournament
- ↳ Field of Glory II: The Divisional Championships
- ↳ FOG II World Team Championship
- ↳ Archive
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Frequently Asked Questions
- ↳ The FOGII Beta Archives
- ↳ Field of Glory II 1.5.15 Public Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II 1.5.20 Public Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II 1.5.22 Public Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - 1.5.24 Open Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - 1.5.26 Open Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - 1.5.27 Open Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - 1.5.29 Open Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - 1.5.31 Open Beta
- ↳ Field of Glory II - Open Beta 1.5.33
- ↳ Field of Glory II - Open Beta 1.5.37
- ↳ Field of Glory II Open Beta v.1.5.39
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
- ↳ Planetary Supremacy
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War: Tech Support
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War: Modding
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War: Suggestions
- ↳ Master of Magic Classic
- ↳ Master of Magic: Tech Support
- ↳ Caster of Magic
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval Tech Support
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Scenario Design
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Modding
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - After Action Reports
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Frequently Asked Questions
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval Beta Archives
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Open Beta v.1.5.7
- ↳ Field of Glory II: Medieval - Open Beta
- ↳ Order of Battle Series
- ↳ Order of Battle : World War II - Tech Support
- ↳ Order of Battle Bug Submissions
- ↳ Order of Battle : World War II - AAR
- ↳ Order of Battle : World War II - Scenario Design
- ↳ Order of Battle : World War II - Multiplayer
- ↳ Multiplayer Beta
- ↳ Fantasy General II - Invasion
- ↳ Fantasy General II - Invasion: Tech Support
- ↳ Content Editor
- ↳ Fantasy General II - Beta Archive
- ↳ ICBM
- ↳ ICBM:Tech Support
- ↳ ICBM:Features you would like to see
- ↳ Stirring Abyss
- ↳ Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
- ↳ Battlestar Galactica Deadlock: Tech Support
- ↳ Shadow Empire
- ↳ Field of Glory: Empires
- ↳ Dev Diaries
- ↳ Field of Glory: Empires - Tech Support
- ↳ MOD
- ↳ AAR
- ↳ Field of Glory: Empires Beta Archive
- ↳ FOG Empires Open Beta v.1.3.5
- ↳ Diplomacy Open Beta
- ↳ Command: Modern Operations
- ↳ Astra Exodus
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Afghanistan '11
- ↳ Afghanistan '11: Tech Support
- ↳ Strategic Command WWI
- ↳ Armored Brigade
- ↳ WarPlan
- ↳ Close Combat: The Bloody First
- ↳ Empires Apart
- ↳ Empires Apart PBEM
- ↳ Strategic Command WWII: World at War
- ↳ Aggressors: Ancient Rome
- ↳ Aggressors: Tech Support
- ↳ Aggressors Modding
- ↳ Aggressors AARs
- ↳ Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach
- ↳ Sanctus Reach After Action Reports (AAR)
- ↳ Sanctus Reach Mods and Scenario Design
- ↳ Sanctus Reach Opponents Wanted
- ↳ Sanctus Reach Tech Support
- ↳ March to Glory
- ↳ Tech Support: March to Glory
- ↳ The Operational Art of War IV
- ↳ Check Your 6!
- ↳ Check Your 6!: Tech Support
- ↳ Polaris Sector
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Modders Corner
- ↳ Mare Nostrvm
- ↳ Gettysburg: The Tide Turns
- ↳ Warhammer® 40,000® Armageddon™
- ↳ Warhammer AAR
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Mods and Scenario Design
- ↳ Warhammer Open Beta
- ↳ Carrier Deck
- ↳ Carrier Deck: Tech Support
- ↳ Panzer Corps
- ↳ Panzer Corps Open Beta
- ↳ Panzer Corps Mac Open Beta
- ↳ Panzer Corps : Tech Support
- ↳ Panzer Corps : AAR's
- ↳ Panzer Corps : Scenario Design
- ↳ Panzer Corps 2
- ↳ Close Combat Series
- ↳ Close Combat : Tech Support
- ↳ Close Combat - Gateway to Caen
- ↳ Close Combat - Gateway to Caen : Tech Support
- ↳ Close Combat - Gateway to Caen - Match Making Forum
- ↳ Close Combat - Panthers in the Fog
- ↳ Close Combat - Match Making Forum
- ↳ Close Combat - Panthers in the Fog: Tech Support
- Classic Games A-Z
- ↳ Airstrike Eagles of WWII
- ↳ Airstrike : Tech Support
- ↳ Alea Jacta Est Series
- ↳ Alea Jacta Est Series : Tech Support
- ↳ Battle Academy
- ↳ Battle Academy : Open Beta
- ↳ Battle Academy : Tech Support
- ↳ Battle Academy : Modders Corner
- ↳ Battle of the Scheldt Beta
- ↳ Battle Academy : Scenario Design
- ↳ Battle Academy : Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Battle Academy 2 – Eastern Front
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Battle Academy 2: Modders Corner
- ↳ Battle Academy 2: Scenario Design
- ↳ Battle Academy 2: Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Battle Academy 2: AAR
- ↳ Battle of the Bulge
- ↳ Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
- ↳ Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager : Tech Support
- ↳ Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager : Early Access Beta Forum
- ↳ Campaign Series: Middle East 1948 - 1985
- ↳ Chariots of War
- ↳ Civil War II
- ↳ Civil War II : Tech Support
- ↳ Civil War II : AAR's
- ↳ Command - Modern Air/Naval Operations
- ↳ Commander - Napoleon at War
- ↳ Commander - Napoleon at War : Tech Support
- ↳ Commander - The Great War
- ↳ Commander - The Great War: Tech Support
- ↳ Commander The Great War AAR's
- ↳ Commander the Great War : Mods & Scenario Design
- ↳ Commander the Great War : Opponent Finder
- ↳ Conflict of Heroes
- ↳ Conflict of Heroes : Tech Support
- ↳ Conflict of Heroes : AAR's
- ↳ Match making forum
- ↳ Conquest!
- ↳ Conquest! : Tech Support
- ↳ Decisive Campaigns Series
- ↳ Distant Worlds Series
- ↳ Drive on Moscow
- ↳ Drums of War
- ↳ Drums of War : Tech Support
- ↳ Egypt - Engineering an Empire
- ↳ Egypt - Engineering an Empire : Tech Support
- ↳ España: 1936
- ↳ Fantasy Kommander – Eukarion Wars
- ↳ Fantasy Kommander – Eukarion Wars : Tech Support
- ↳ Field of Glory Digital
- ↳ Field of Glory : Tech Support
- ↳ Field of Glory : Scenario Design
- ↳ Field of Glory : Leagues & Tournaments & Seeking Opponents
- ↳ The FOG Digital League
- ↳ The Slitherine Trophy
- ↳ Field of Glory: League of Extraordinary Gentleman
- ↳ Field of Glory : AAR's
- ↳ FoG PC Beta
- ↳ Old Beta Test
- ↳ Bug Reports
- ↳ Field of Glory Campaigns
- ↳ Flashpoint campaigns: Red Storm
- ↳ Frontline Series
- ↳ Frontline Road to Moscow
- ↳ Frontline: Road to Moscow Tech Support
- ↳ Frontline: Road to Moscow Beta
- ↳ PC Beta
- ↳ Android Beta
- ↳ iOS Beta
- ↳ Frontline: The Longest Day
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Gary Grigsby's War in the East
- ↳ Gary Grigsby's War in the East : Tech Support
- ↳ Gary Grigsby’s War in the West
- ↳ Germany at War: Barbarossa 1941
- ↳ Germany at War: Barbarossa 1941 : Tech Support
- ↳ Germany at War: Barbarossa 1941 : AAR's
- ↳ Hannibal: Rome and Carthage
- ↳ Hannibal: Rome and Carthage - Tech Support
- ↳ Hell
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Heroes of Normandie
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Mods and Scenario Design
- ↳ HISTORY™ Great Battles Medieval
- ↳ HISTORY™ Great Battles Medieval : Tech Support
- ↳ HISTORY™ Great Battles Medieval : Modding
- ↳ HISTORY®: Legends of War
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Last Days of Old Earth
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Legion & Legion Gold
- ↳ Legion and Legion Gold: Tech Support
- ↳ Legion Arena & CoM
- ↳ Legions of Steel
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Lock 'n Load: Heroes of Stalingrad
- ↳ Lock 'n Load: Heroes of Stalingrad - Tech Support
- ↳ Magnifico - Da Vinci’s Art of War
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ MILITARY HISTORY™ Commander - Europe at War : General Discussion
- ↳ Commander - Europe at War : Tech Support
- ↳ Commander - Europe at War : Modders Corner
- ↳ Commander Europe at War : AAR's
- ↳ Commander Europe at War : Opponent Finder
- ↳ Commander Europe at War : GS Open Beta
- ↳ Napoleon's Campaigns
- ↳ Pandora - First Contact
- ↳ Pandora : Public Beta
- ↳ Pandora : Tech Support
- ↳ Pandora : Modders Corner
- ↳ Pike & Shot
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Scenario Design
- ↳ After Action Reports
- ↳ Modders Corner
- ↳ Opponents Wanted
- ↳ Pike & Shot : Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Piercing Fortress Europa
- ↳ Pride of Nations
- ↳ QVADRIGA
- ↳ QVADRIGA : Tech Support
- ↳ Ravenmark: Scourge of Estellion
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Revolution Under Siege Gold
- ↳ Rise of Prussia Gold
- ↳ Sengoku Jidai: Shadow of the Shogun
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Scenario Design
- ↳ Modders Corner
- ↳ After Action Reports
- ↳ Opponents Wanted
- ↳ Sengoku Jidai: Tournaments & Leagues
- ↳ Scourge of War Gettysburg
- ↳ Scourge of War Series : Tech Support
- ↳ Scourge of War: Waterloo
- ↳ Sovereignty
- ↳ Sovereignty: Tech Support
- ↳ Sovereignty: AAR
- ↳ Sovereignty: Modders Corner
- ↳ Spartan & Gates of Troy
- ↳ Star Hammer
- ↳ Star Hammer: Tech Support
- ↳ Star Hammer: Scenario Design
- ↳ Strategic Command: WWII War in Europe
- ↳ Strategic War in Europe
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Team Assault
- ↳ Match making forum
- ↳ Team Assault : Tech Support
- ↳ THE HISTORY CHANNEL™ Great Battles of Rome
- ↳ THE HISTORY CHANNEL Great Battles of Rome : Tech Support
- ↳ Thirty Years' War
- ↳ Tigers on the Hunt
- ↳ Time of Fury
- ↳ Time of Fury AAR's
- ↳ Time of Fury : Tech Support
- ↳ Time of Fury : Scenario Design & Modding
- ↳ Time of Fury : Open Beta
- ↳ To End All Wars
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Unity of Command
- ↳ Victory and Glory
- ↳ Vietnam '65
- ↳ Vietnam '65 - Tech Support
- ↳ Wars of Napoleon
- Online Ordering & Support
- ↳ Online Ordering & Support
- ↳ Site Feedback
- ↳ Invitation system support
- Tabletop Wargaming
- ↳ Field of Glory : Ancient & Medieval Era 3000 BC-1500 AD : General Discussion
- ↳ Rules Questions
- ↳ Scenarios, AAR's, Lists, Modelling and more
- ↳ Historical Scenarios
- ↳ Field of Glory AAR's
- ↳ Army Design
- ↳ Modelling
- ↳ Player Designed Lists
- ↳ Tournaments & Opponents
- ↳ Tournaments
- ↳ Opponent Finder
- ↳ Foreign Language Forums
- ↳ French Speaking Forum
- ↳ Spanish Speaking Forum
- ↳ Italian Speaking Forum
- ↳ German Speaking Forum
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ Field of Glory 3.0 Beta
- ↳ Marketplace
- ↳ Field of Glory : Napoleonic Era 1792-1815 : General Discussion
- ↳ Rules Questions
- ↳ Campaigns
- ↳ Scenarios, AAR's, Lists, Modelling and more
- ↳ Historical Scenarios, Maps, and Orders of Battle (OOB)
- ↳ FoGN After Action Reports (AAR)
- ↳ Army Design
- ↳ Player Designed Lists and Adaptions
- ↳ Modelling/Gallery/Uniforms Questions
- ↳ Tournaments, Demos & Opponents
- ↳ FoGN Community: Opponent Finder, Clubs, Blogs, etc.
- ↳ Foreign Language Forums
- ↳ French Speaking Forum
- ↳ Spanish Speaking Forum
- ↳ Italian Speaking Forum
- ↳ German Speaking Forum
- ↳ Marketplace
- ↳ Field of Glory : Renaissance Wars : General Discussion
- ↳ Historical Scenarios
- ↳ Rules Questions
- ↳ After Action Reports (AAR's)
- ↳ Tournaments
- ↳ Army Design
- ↳ Player Designed Lists
- ↳ Modelling
- ↳ Campaigns
- ↳ Opponent Finder
- ↳ FOGR Update
- ↳ Marketplace
- ↳ Field of Glory : Swords & Sorcery : General Discussion
- ↳ Marketplace
- ↳ Flashpoint campaigns: Red Storm : Tech Support
- ↳ HISTORY™ Ice Road Truckers
- ↳ HISTORY™ Great Empires: Rome
- ↳ HORRIBLE HISTORIES™ Ruthless Romans
- ↳ The Tudors
- ↳ Command - Modern Air/Naval Operations : AAR's
- ↳ Command - Modern Air/Naval Operations : Tech Support
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ España: 1936 : Tech Support
- ↳ Piercing Fortress Europa: Tech Support
- ↳ Tech Support
- ↳ FoGR Lists
- Archive
- ↳ Gary Grisby’s World at War iPad