Katarzyna Petru
The Total War series returns to its most iconic roots. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the series, Creative Assembly announced Total War: Medieval III – a project that aims to be not only a continuation but also a complete redefinition of how the historical editions of the series look.
Announcement made record early to showcase "the entire game creation process"
The first video material is more of a manifesto of ambitions than a full-fledged trailer – it does not contain a second of gameplay. During the broadcast, the creators only showed simple concept art, revealing the atmosphere of medieval locations. The reason? Medieval III is just entering early pre-production. Creative Assembly states plainly: for now, the "foundations" of the game have been laid, and this early announcement is meant to allow the team to regularly share progress and respond to player feedback from the earliest stages of production. This is a completely new approach compared to previous installments.
“The Definitive Experience of Total War in the Medieval Era”
The ambitions of the studio are exceptionally high. Medieval III is not only to recreate known events but also to allow players to conduct history in a completely new way. Decisions made during the campaign are meant to influence, among other things:
the consequences of the fall of the Byzantine Empire,
the fate of Rome after its expansion,
key political and military points of the late Middle Ages.
The creators promise that this is to be the most extensive and historically aware Total War – based on extensive sources and collaboration with experts.
Action in the 12th–15th Centuries, but the Exact Starting Point is Still in Planning
Medieval III will be set in the late Middle Ages – approximately between the 12th and 15th centuries. The exact start date for the campaign has not yet been determined, but Creative Assembly emphasises that they are considering moments that will allow for dynamic geopolitical changes and significant opportunities for alternative historical trajectories.
In the coming months, we are set to learn about a series of dev-blogs, in which the studio will gradually present the next elements of the game, leading up to the full reveal of the mechanics. If promises are kept, Medieval III could become the most important historical installment since Shogun 2.
