Dawn of War IV Dev Doesn’t See Total War: Warhammer 40,000 as Direct Competition, Reckons Fans Will Play Both Games
Two of the most anticipated Warhammer 40,000 games in development—Dawn of War IV by King Art Games and Total War: Warhammer 40,000 by Creative Assembly—are both PC-focused strategy titles revealed during the Warhammer Skulls showcase. While the games share similar appeal on the surface, their respective developers are confident they serve different audiences and gameplay styles, with both teams expecting fans will play both titles rather than viewing them as direct competition.
The developers remain optimistic about long-term success despite apparent market overlap. Dawn of War IV is generating particular interest for its detailed faction design, exemplified by the constantly moving Adeptus Mechanicus mechanical units. According to creative director Jan Theysen, these units perpetually maintain movement due to Warhammer 40,000 lore: the Adeptus Mechanicus fear that powering down their machines risks rendering them unable to restart. This lore-based design choice reflects the series’ commitment to honoring the IP’s deep universe while creating distinctive visual and gameplay moments.