Symbols of the Empire and the Cult of Sigmar signify the pride and strength of the nation. Some of the buildings show embellishments, echoing insignia seen on unit armour. Crooked platforms, spires and towers reach precariously towards the sky, changing and growing organically as parts break or new additions are made whenever usable salvage can be found. The result is cities that are teeming with life, where every square inch is valuable, and where citizens have had to build upwards and on top of each other. The Empire, long having been on a war footing, have had to put town planning to the back of their minds somewhat. Populations have grown, and overcrowding has begun to mould and shape settlements. As such, the cities have become beacons of relative safety where the majority of the EmpireвЂ™s citizens live their lives. Many dangers roam the land outside cities of the Empire and few dare to reside beyond their great walls. Their dilapidated buildings draw influence from 16th Century Germanic architecture with hints of the Gothic, fantastically exaggerated: tall, narrow constructions with steep roofs sprouting smoking chimneys, pin-pricked with spikes. When it comes to the Empire, they are an industrious and hardy people, and are quite advanced for the age.

With that in mind, this is the first time weвЂ™ve been able to create buildings which donвЂ™t have to, for example, adhere to the rules of gravity, allowing for impossible constructions where being visually interesting is more important than being structurally sound. We use concept art and 3D experiments to feel out how we can build on the architectural conventions that are already established within the lore and, working with a Fantasy setting for the first time, we have to remind ourselves to push ideas further, beyond the realm of reality. This offered a great foundation but thereвЂ™s still much more needed to create the full, authentic experience weвЂ™re aiming to deliver in Total War: WARHAMMER. WeвЂ™ve taken inspiration from Games WorkshopвЂ™s fantastic building miniatures for Warhammer Fantasy Battles table top, as well as references in literature and illustration. Whether on the battlefield or on the campaign map, we really want to convey the rich and distinct personalities of each playable Race, including the unique style of their settlements.ДЇor instance, all buildings are designed to reflect their RaceвЂ™s visual style, circumstance and disposition. This is a big opportunity to explore new and exciting possibilities, both in terms of gameplay and art direction. This is a world where the physical laws that govern our own have been twisted. Here youвЂ™ll meet legendary lords, encounter ingenious battle machines and monstrous beasts that soar through the air and shake the ground.

Total War: WARHAMMER takes place in a world unlike any weвЂ™ve ever attempted to create in a Total War game.

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