It had to happen a some time, and that time is now. Jervis Johnson is leaving Games Workshop, after several decades’ work designing games.
I will remember him most as the author of Blood Bowl third edition, which really kicked the whole game off on the trajectory that it is still on today. A global games with thriving leagues across many countries, which spend many years surviving without any official support from its parent company. Blood Bowl is truly a classic of the tabletop, and the digital versions aren’t bad either.
As he takes his bow, White Dwarf magazine will be running a series of flashback and tribute articles. I am sure to pick up a copy.
One such article covers the Gathering of Might, a truly epic Warhammer Fantasy battle report that involved most of the available studio miniatures of the time, plus some of the participants’ armies too. There were follow up games to this one, but this battle stuck with me over the years.
Warhammer Community has more previews of the White Dwarf issue. If you’ll excuse me I’m off to read the Blood Bowl rulebook some more…
A total legend. Blood Bowl for me was the pinnacle of his games for me. A truly solid ruleset that survived with minimal changes from the 3rd edition. I’m not normally mindful of the online trolls but did notice a lot of hate directed towards him after the announcement. I was really taken aback by it. It should be noted that his daughter is currently employed by GW and is working on the Old World. I wonder how much she’ll follow in his footsteps
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I had no idea about his daughter! That is cool. As you say, that Blood Bowl third edition has survived with just a few tweaks, mainly to league structures.
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To be fair Holly is employed as a graphic designer (rather than a games designer) and her and Louise Sugden are credited with the amazing new maps being released of the old world.
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I knew Louise was partly responsible for those great Old World maps, I’m guessing Holly deserves some of that credit too!
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I hope Jervis gets to do whatever he loves best now. He definitely gave us a great game in Blood Bowl!
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Yes, regardless of what happens I will always be grateful for Blood Bowl.
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