The First 40k | Making of Warhammer: 40,000 Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader was the first edition of the science fantasy wargame that would literally upend an industry and change pop culture forever. And this is the history of how it happened.
Written by Rick Priestley, the same man who had co-created Warhammer Fantasy, this miniatures wargame would take liberal inspiration from not just Priestley's earlier work, but the films, books, television, and comics that surrounded it's creation. Frank Herbet's Dune, 2000 AD and Judge Dredd, Blakes 7, Dr Who, and even Star Wars, they all played a role.
But it was thanks to Priestley, and an incredible team at Citadel, that WH40K would be crafted in its uniquely radical, punk, satirical, grim dark style. A style that would utterly alter the fate of Games Workshop and the lives of gamers the world over.
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References, Sources, and Links:
[Rick Priestley Interview - Jordan Sorcery]
• Inventing Warhammer | ...
[Alan Merrett Interview - Jordan Sorcery]
• Talking Warhammer with...
[Chaz Elliott Interview - Jordan Sorcery]
• Origins of 40k Graphic...
[Rick Priestley Interview - Tales from the Maelstrom Blog]
talesfromthema...
[Talking Miniatures - Amazon Affiliate Link]
amzn.to/4dMMWrK
[Combat 3000 - A Life in Miniature]
life-in-miniat...
[Martin McKenna’s Staff Portaits - Nurgle.Stelio]
nurgle.stelio....
[Realm of Chaos 80s Blog]
realmofchaos80...
[H Interview - Rogue Trader Technical Diagrams]
roebeast.blogs...
[The Stuff of Legends - Rogue Trader Miniatures Archive]
solegends.com/c...
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Jordan Sorcery Theme by Joylin Music
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Jordan Sorcery Heraldry and Theme copyright @jordansorcery

[@MrTonyhough]

Thanks for pronouncing my surname correctly!! You've no idea how rarely that happens!!

[@jordansorcery]

I was very keen to get it right; now I know you watched the video too, I’m especially glad I did!

[@WanderlustZero]

Don't hassle the Hough!

[@JamesMartin-bc8xq]

The newer version now just seems so structured and too serious.. this version is just brilliant I love the feel of anything goes and even though the subject matter is dark, it just seems more fun. I love the art of that time. Thanks for the video

[@huwtindall7096]

Putting on the kettle for this one

[@LokkesBoerlin]

Cementing yourself as best channel in the hobby!

[@ravenRedwake]

That picture of Obiwan Sherlock Clouseu goes *hard*

[@DamBrooks]

2nd edition of 40k was my first entry into the market of the Games Workshop deletion of my money, I have just taken delivery of my Troll Hag so I haven’t learned my lesson yet…

[@RolandoRatas]

I was thinking about getting that troll hag but it's £60 !!! also it's in the Arcane Journal supplement instead of the main 'Evil dudes' Army book so I wondered about the longevity of the miniature in the rules and in the online shop. It seems like a powerful unit though.

[@DamBrooks]

@@RolandoRatas this is my worst fear really, especially when watching the most recent episode of Discourse Miniatures where she is discussing how GW has unceremoniously deleted parts of the miniature ranges of various games that are now no longer available in 40k and the worry is that it is next in line for deletion is the as yet unreleased factions in the rebranded Fantasy Battle (now) Old World, and yes £60 for a single plastic toy is truly unrealistic in the same way as it is unreasonable. I am hoping that the fact it was previously unavailable and then I received an email from GW saying that it was back in stock is a good sign, now I actually just want to complete my army so I have one that is of a significant size that I can take to the battlefield and do all the heroic stuff such as rolling dice 🎲 🎲 fall back in good order before then fleeing the battlefield 🏃 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 👀 but doing that with an Orc Shaman casting spells 🪄 I didn’t know anyone else who played WHFB back in the 90s because everyone else played 40k, thus I ended up in the 41st millennium and at least I got to briefly have fun in the world of Gorkamorka before that was dropped like an unloved child, I don’t want to be bitten once and forgotten about the importance of being twice shy.🙈

[@patriarch7237]

WD93 got me fully into this hobby, I was instantly hooked. My Dad took me to get my copy of Rogue Trader on my birthday, which is now behind me as I type this. I'd never have thought that some 37 years later I would be modelling a Land Raider whilst listening to the story of 40k! And the best picture was the black and white one you showed of the Emperor plugged into his throne...

[@zakuworks000]

2nd edition is really where 40k became 40k. I’d love to see the same treatment for it. This is an amazing prehistory of the franchise.

[@ObjectiveMedia]

Same. We need to get back to the pre-8th edition era imo.

[@christopherdoherty675]

Ive been a 40k nerd since 3rd ed. That John Blanche Black Templar cover hooked me in. Still playing templar to this day

[@dr3dg352]

Very nice! 😊 Given that I'm a descendant of a Knight Templar, I'm really wanting to get a box of Black Templar Crusaders for Kill Team. 💜

[@jimmyzimms]

Watching this trip down memory lane makes me want to say, "I was there, Gandalf, 3000 years ago"

[@invictarussuzerain]

36:07 confirmation that the worlds were linked! This was all the justification I needed to have the Chaos Dwarves fight a very confused Imperial Guard regiment.

[@gringotom242]

Love how the cat keeps teleporting around between cuts 😂

[@WanderlustZero]

I actually did a battle against my friend's Dark Elves once, with my Imperial Guard. I managed to annihilate a whole regiment with a single flamer and a frag grenade, but those repeating crossbows were no joke!

[@ironbomb6753]

Oh heck YES more early 40K content. This Rogue Trader book was my gateway into this incredible hobby. ❤ Simply awesome. 😊

[@nick_hansolo]

Finished watching. What a fabulously well made , detailed and considered video. The master interviews with key talent add an extra dimension to this. Awesome & thanks for posting

[@jordansorcery]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

The Daleks/Cybermen plastic set, I remember someone mounted them on Subbuteo bases to run a game of "soccer" at a Sci-Fi Con. There was also a conversion of space marine plastics involving 'model railway flock' and small beads for noses, yes, someone made space wombles!

[@vzgg1973]

Wonderful episode - can’t but recommend Jordan’s excellent docu style chats. Always informative & entertaining. I’m keen to see more on 40k Lore especially 3rd edition rules.

[@richpaintsminis]

Love this Jordan. Moved from playing epic scale to 40K in about 1990/91 when a lad at school brought in some Space Marines he’d painted up as Legion of the Damned!!

[@ChrisKCook]

A history of Epic would be a great future project for Jordan

[@matthewconstantine5015]

I love that danged book. My brother got me into playing sometime around 1989 or 90, and I fell in love with the universe. We played on the floor of his apartment, using college text books and whatnot as scenery. I created my own "Green Peace" chapter of Marines. Their color scheme was super bright green & yellow, with lots of tie-die and flower emblems. What can I say? I was maybe 13 or 14. As time went on, I fell out of love with the game, but that original book (and a few expansions of the era) still hold a place on my shelves. I love the more DIY vibe of that original book. As far as my favorite illustrations, take your pick of page 224 through 227, but probably the one with the two Marines hassling the punk. I think the reason Necromunda was the hold-out game for me, the one I played even after I'd quit all the others, was that 2000AD vibe Rogue Trader had. I like the more grounded, slice of life feel. Some of my favorite parts in the novels I've read were the bits that focused on how normal people live in such an insane universe. The art on 224-227 is sort of doing that, too.

[@davidagcole]

You've brought back so many memories of my youth. I especially remember all the art so well! I need to look in my loft, I think I've still got my copy of Rogue Trader up there in a box somewhere.

[@jacobturnerart]

Thank you - I'm just reading the Siege of Terra books and I hadn't realised that Leetu was a nod to a specific miniature!

[@ObjectiveMedia]

As a lifelong GW/Citadel fan I’ve always enjoyed your documentation of this misunderstood game, but this was episode was truly EXCEPTIONAL. As someone who got into the hobby in 2nd edition, I completely missed out on the RT era, and this breakdown was the definitive guide I’ve been looking for all these years (and I didn’t even know it haha). Thanks Jordan ❤

[@mysteriousoul]

Been eagerly anticipating your treatment of the fascinating beginnings of what would evolve into the monolith that is WH40k, and you’ve smashed it out of the park! Great job Jordan!! 🤘🏼

[@MiniatureRealms]

Fantastic Jordan, really enjoyed this, and yes you should absolutely do many more in this series.

[@jordansorcery]

Cheers Stu!

[@Killus2]

I think all of your content is amazingly well done but I think you doing these warhammer history type vids, first with the Warhammer Fantasy editions and now this one: I think this is your way to stand out. I cannot seem to find anyone on youtube producing what you are with these history vids. Can’t wait for you to finish up fantasy with the 8th edition, and then you should do 40k, sigmar and old world too. I would certainly watch them all! Anyway, wishing you all the best with the channel mate 😎

[@BeastWreck]

Excellent. And, yes, please more content like this, please.

[@ModernSynthesist]

Ok, so this was a great fleshing out of a history I knew only hazily, but the point that got my Like was the fact that you spoke to Chaz Elliott! I never knew who the graphic designer for Rogue Trader was, and it's so lovely for you to give him his due!

[@marsindustries]

A nice little Friday morning treat! Great work as always!

[@duesexistat5016]

Helsreach, by Aaron Bowden was my intro into 40k. I remember reading it and feeling like the space marines were exactly what I envisioned when I saw the art - they were super masculine, highly deadly, and downright bad to the bone. Goosebumps formed as I read Grimaldus’s address to the crestfallen humans as the chaplain invigorated them with his words and stood before them as a symbol of strength and resolve. Ever since that book I’ve read many a 40k novel and have become a deep fan. Thanks for the content!

[@angelicdespot2735]

Great video. I'd love to see a follow-up about the supplements. I'm glad I got into the hobby when I did and have some of them. Sorry I missed some of the others! Second Edition 40K could have been created specifically for me - or who I was at the time. It cleared things up, made it much easier for me to understand both the rules and the setting, and ironed out or glossed over some of the ethical murkiness I wasn't so keen on in Rogue Trader. Stuff that now I'm much more interested in!

[@fredrik241]

Great watch collecting much info from your previous interviews and other material that youv'e sourced! One thing I'd be interested in hearing more about is how actual history has inspired and guided various designs in the WH universe. Beaky helmets, Space Marine chapters, medieval gothic design, battle tank designs etc etc. I believe many of the original people had history or archeology schooling? (don't remember where I would have read that) Clearly for example the Perry twins are very history driven. Another thing, but which might be hard to tease out, is the influence of the creative leadership of John Blanche. I am getting the feeling he's not keen to be a talking head and prefers to express himself through his art and also his acts of curating and mentor ship. Of course the other artist themselves where also great in their own right but I still get the feeling that Blanche's particular sensibilities got to shape and infuse the setting a whole lot. (as far as I can make out) Interestingly I think Jes Goodwins designs are also very excellent and core to Warhammer. The Terminators, Aspect Warriors and many others. Curiously hes got a pretty opposing style to Blanche. Much more controlled, balanced and carefully measured (if you get what I mean). Maybe the Yin and the Yang of Warhammer design? That friction would be interesting to hear about. Basically just the Art of Warhammer would be amazing to dig deeper into? To me all that side was a huge reason to Love 40K and other GW worlds.

[@OmegaLittleBob]

My favorite piece of art in the book Page 95. The Imperial Guardswoman in the leopard print pants, who seemingly used to be part of a Necromunda esq gang or a feral world, holding a guy's head aloft as she unloads her gun into the air. Pure 80's sci-fi violent camp at its finest.

[@Maulyr]

How funny, Al & I just covered Rogue Trader on our Grumpy Grognards Gaming channel! Haha! I need to check this out as your work is usually of a high standard. Looking forward to this!

[@staffakartherma]

Absolutely brilliant. My first entry into the 40K universe was via Space Hulk in 1989. I loved the game so much that I when I learned that there was a much larger universe for the game setting, I bought the Rogue Trader book. Wow! Such good stuff, I was hooked.

[@iantellam9970]

Excellent video. I first came to 40k right at the tail end of 1e, but mostly got into it in 2e. It wasn't until I looked back I realised how much of the more recognisable 2e setting was actually worked out through the supplements to RT, and then 'tidied up' for 2e. I think a look at the supplements and things like Adeptus Titanicus would be welcome as that's the place it seems to me that 40k as we know it really began to take shape. The Realm of Chaos books alone set up so much about the 40k setting, Horus Heresy etc., and the way Space Marines were evolved in general over this time was pretty breakneck in hindsight.

[@PerfectionHunter]

How dare you upload such a fine video in only 720p?! Do i need to send you money tog get a better camera and computer or somnething? Do make the upcoming Rogue Trader video at least 2K for god sake, you put so much effort into this fantastic serie that the videos deserve higher resolutions.

[@Rhewbarb]

Please do a 2nd edition video! Great video too, always look forward to your vids!

[@davidwasilewski]

I still own my original 40k hardback book, bought when I was at high school!

[@meiketorkelson4437]

More more more. Your material is always great, but this was fantastic.

[@AlexPaus]

I've been waiting for you to do this one for a while. This channel is your true calling Jordan. Please don't stop and let us know how the Marianberg army is coming along.

[@RolandoRatas]

Rogue Trader was created as a skirmish / roleplaying game, an ironic setting devised by a few early 80s punks. A great creative idea, as ludicrous as it sounds, it just worked. I advise any of you to watch 'Leaky Cheese' videos on 'What Made Warhammer 40K'. It's a 3 part series and quite insightful,

[@neilcrompton9676]

This was great. I jumped on in 87. Went to Chester to pick up Dark Future walked out with RT and 2 free plastic marines. Still collect and am invested fully in the hobby.

[@ernestgraves4401]

Another very interesting video!

[@nick_hansolo]

Awesome mate. Just finished work and saw this pop up and got excited to watch it

[@ernestoa.jimenez3206]

My favorite image is the gallery of mutants. Excellent if you are looking for an Avatar portrait. Most diverse group in the galaxy!

[@SlurpeeE]

Great video. I am fascinated by the early history of tabletop games.

[@chipboy3108]

This is BRILLIANT.. thankyou...all the work.. and research.... Brilliant..Just Brilliant.. THANKYOU.. ;-)

[@JamesHodden-rk6ks]

I'm glad that you're doing a video on the Rogue Trader supplements. What's fascinating in this period is the way that the road to second edition runs through all these other games, Space Hulk, Adeptus Titanicus, Space Marine and Space Crusade. And yes, it's pretty wild just how new 40k was when Crusade took it mainstream.

[@jordansorcery]

It’s an incredible period, and I agree, the way in which 40k was really ‘discovered’ through all those other games and releases is just fascinating

[@Bapa_nada]

Thank you Jordan for that video and for dominating NBA in 90s

[@AliDoganSayiner]

Thank you! it was a great video. Hoping to see more about early Rogue Trader and 40K

[@jordansorcery]

Thanks so much for your support, I really appreciate it! I’m looking forward to spending more time with Rogue Trader soon!

[@manofaction1807]

What a game... Still holds up after all these years.

[@Jackalblade9]

Even if I've never got into Warhammer 40K beyond the Fantasy Flight Games RPGs, I've always enjoyed the universe from afar and loved talking about it with friends.Without ever having played the game, it's been incredibly inspirational for me in my own projects in the gaming space. I loved this video, Jordan, and I'd love to see more!

[@Case909]

Tremendous work! I love that you’ve contacted the primary sources behind the game and spoke with them about the development. A+ journalism. I’d love to see the “Evolution of Games Workshop Retail” with lots of photos from Europe and North America of the stores over the years.

[@mcashed]

One of the most immersive rulebooks ever written!

[@Darkaran1]

i am here for this. Yes, very here, very for this

[@joehill6916]

Chef kiss at the booster rocket analogy 😙

[@PurpleStuart]

Great trip down memory lane. Still have my 1st edition book which I was lucky enough to get for free (along with a T Shirt I still have) after being at the front of the queue waiting all night outside the GW Oxford Street shop grand opening in London, IIRC '87. its in a ring binder now as it didn't take long for the pages to all fall out which proves that although my group had moved on to other games before 2nd ed came out it did get a lot of plays! Still have a copy of Laserburn too as well as a fair few of the miniatures that appeared in your video

[@Leptospirosi]

I had that Rogue trader book in 1990, but it wasn't until the second edition THAT I started playing Warhammer 40K

[@rodgertoner5705]

Can't get enough of your videos......brilliant!!!

[@Riddler_von]

Brother any time someone mentions Michael Moorcock is always welcome The way HP Lovecraft is everywhere now.

[@MidnightSkyGames]

Great video about how it all started, Jordan!

[@NickD2112]

Thanks for another great Video! I would be very interested in more 40k content! I remember discovering Rogue Trader at my local game store. I was primarily a D&D player, but as I was looking at the books on the shelf I was taken in by that incredible cover! I bought the book right away and must have read it 100 times. It has so much cool setting info, it blew my mind.

[@nithzen1]

Another master piece of documentary, thanks for work Jordan Sorcery 👏🏅

[@Drakenholm]

Came for the history, stayed for the KITTY!

[@andrewjamieson7178]

Tremendous video, fascinating stuff. Really looking forward to the deep dive into the supplements.

[@LeddingtonGuitars]

Have you thought about releasing the audio of your videos as a podcast? Especially the inverviews.

[@nightfire734]

I find Foundation series by Isaac Asimov is something that often gets overlooked for 40k influence. And A Canticle for Leibowitz if you want to get really obscure for the Mechanicum.

[@simondale2833]

Awesome video Jordan. The single piece of art I love is Sister Slaughter (iirc) which really kind of pinned the humour for me, but the baseline of the book is Ian Miller's art. His bleak, scratchy inks are the static underneath everything for me in this book.

[@GunwitchUK]

Jodan, that was an awesome vid and o e that brought back so many memories

[@Mercat25]

Great video my man! Really interesting to see and hear all the stories that went into making this game that has brought so many of us so much fun and togetherness. Can't wait to see the other videos you plan to make!

[@margaretwood152]

So good, thanks Jordan;-))

[@jimmyzimms]

We really really need to get a review of Book of the Astronomicon next! The forgotten 40k supplement!

[@claytonfitzgerald782]

Hey mate. Just subscribed so I've been working my way through the back catalogue. Love the content. Thank you. Really enjoy finding our what was happening behind the scenes when major changes altered my favorite IPs. I started with Hero Quest in the mid to late 90's so I'm pretty invested.

[@TheRendar]

Excellent episode ! One of my favorites. Keep Up the great work as always!

[@leonatus221]

That Foto of Ansel is so funny😂

[@Fymosis]

Awesome video !

[@NisGaarde]

Great job, Jordan!

[@Dumnonia]

My first exposure to 40k was 2nd edition. However, a friend had an absolutely battered copy of Rogue Trader with about the last quarter missing entirely: I was entranced by it. As impressive as the newer stuff was, the old book seemed to be exploding with ideas and inspiration, and the look of it remains outstanding to behold.

[@billiondollarclownfarm]

great work as always, really love these

[@Bolththrower]

Amazing stuff as always Jordan!

[@leakycheese]

Awesome video, thanks for making this! And in answer to your question, yes please do further explore the supplements to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader 🙂

[@JEKAZOL]

Oh cool! My suggestion manifested, although you'd have done it anyway. Can't wait to watch tonight. Cheers, Badger.

[@blackdenim23]

Great job Jordan!!

[@nigelholloway5127]

I remember seeing the teaser ad in WD92. And then the big release in WD93 and my head melted! I was lucky enough my best friend and I got taken by his Dad to GW in Manchester and I managed to get a copy. Months and months I emerged myself into the madness and loved it. I worked for GW in Preston 1990-92 and had the best time ever playing this and WFB 3rd edition. Amazing time!!

[@LoreFriendlyMusic]

This is great! Can we have a video for every 40k edition as well? (At least until 3rd ed) Like you did fantasy?

[@bobmylan9434]

Awesome research work, thanks a lot

[@crafty_android]

Another great video thanks

[@paultice]

I still have my tatty original copy held together with sticky tape. It's an amazing book. I was the forever GM at high school where we had a lunchtime 40k club and each player would bring a mini of their choice to be the last one standing. My favourite 40k art was all the Will Rees stuff, especially on pages 10, 27, 72, 104, 113, 137, 143, 149, 271 and 272. He made The Imperium look absolutely terrifying.

[@wardisgaea2447]

keep up the good work

[@Newa113]

What a great video!

[@josephyoung2593]

I do so love that opening tirade ("For a hundred centuries..."); it's a great introduction to a great setting. I've actually had a nibble from a publisher who might want me to write a book examining 40K from a fantasy world-building standpoint; if the project goes ahead and that little bit of scene-setting is going to need its own chapter.

[@gwill66000]

I would love to hear some detail as to the first supplement book (Astronomicon?)

[@bograt6452]

Used to love playing spacefarers in the early 80's

[@joadams8022]

32:39 Xenos species 'Gyrinx' sighted.

[@thepavl]

Some time during the 90s I think around 96 I borrowed this book from a friend to see it. I still have it today and I must say that the whole thing is responsible for my interest in miniatures and for my creativity. It is a one of a kind excellent book filled to the brim with ideas and info and everything

[@ArkadiBolschek]

It was the same for me! Someone bought the RT book as a present for a friend thinking it was a role-playing game, which was what we were into at the time. He ended up lending the book to me and it dragged me into it like a black hole ^^

[@thepavl]

@@ArkadiBolschek yep ❤️

[@carlstanford7607]

Great video. Would love to get a copy of this book one day!

[@zarbustibal]

Thanks for making all of these. Looking forward to hear more of it :)

[@peterplayingwithleadbrian5464]

Awesome video. I have been looking forward to this one.

[@chipboy3108]

Yep.. Enjoyed that one sir.. ;-)

[@BringSomeNoise]

The City Scum Marines sound just like Heresy era Night Lords. GW never forgets! Truly the greatest recyclers out there