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So I was reading the Deathwatch codex and I had a few thoughts about how to predict how the game will evolve in the new "design space" that has emerged, especially with all the rumors of an 8th edition looming.

First thing I noticed was an insistence on using faction keywords, i.e. only units with faction Deathwatch get X. Additionally the deathwatch teleport homer explicitly states that it only works on terminator armor or units with the decurion only "sudden onslaught" rule. More specific and restrictive than previous codexes, especially considering that its the same item used by all the other marines and could have been copy pasted (granted the other ones are only for terminators, but the extra wording seemed quite specific on its use). Or with the beacon angelis which states that its teleport only works on a unit completely comprised of the deathwatch faction. This is a great thing that can help ease off the problems with Imperial Superfriends style lists.

Another thing I noticed which I thought to be very striking is the emphasis on the different formations on being anti-elite/troop/HQ, etc.. In those entries they are labeled as units containing phrases like the "HQ battlefield role". I wonder if the edition will lead to a re-emphasis on the unit types, maybe even a resurgence of the FOC or something similar (I for one would like to see Obsec only obtainable by troops again). I just found it strange that they would use the "battlefield role" when the last dozen or so books have completely thrown out the FOC and all of the battlefield roles in favor formations and decurions. Heck, half the time you wouldnt even know what section they belong in except for the symbol, the codexes dont even have an "elite" section like they used to, just the datasheets. Granted this is the major flavor of the army itself, which is the basis of their mission tactics, but I still find it interesting that they are slamming hard back into the old ways of referring to things.

One last bit I found interesting after the bit of mess that came from the IG decurion in Montka is how the black spear strike force has fairly inexpensive and expansive choice of core units with the auxiliary choice serving as the actual tax in order to open up the special rules.

How do you guys think this codex is showing (or not showing) the future design of 40k?

I think we're talking about interpreting a pattern from a single data point.

If the next codex that comes out has similar traits, we might be able to start making predictions. Right now, all we have is a single highly specialized codex for a single highly specialized army.

I wouldn't read too much into it for design predictions, personally, but I could be wrong. Either way, it'll take more information to reach a reasonable conclusion.

I agree that we need more reference material.

Traitors Hate will be our next chance. Will it be worded as DW or like the older codexes?

"They sidegraded orks and ig, seems that all the codexes will be the same!"
Than necrons and eldar come out.

 koooaei wrote:
"They sidegraded orks and ig, seems that all the codexes will be the same!"
Than necrons and eldar come out.

I admit that for a time it looked pretty nice, granted nothing was really popping or super OP but the run of SW, Orks, DE, BA, and GK all had alternate and flavorful FOCs with good rules, they had a reasonable balance of units and it looked pretty darn sweet for about 15 minutes until those nasty space robots showed up

The Deathwatch codex fails to fit into any pattern that could be drawn from anything else. Given the KT "update", GW still has a hardon for doublecharging people for stuff they already have.

I don't think much will change.