Spanish game publisher Devir Games has announced a deal with Games Workshop to produce Gretchinz, a wacky racing card game set in the world of Warhammer 40,000.  The game is expected to release in Q4.

Much more light-hearted than the usual “grimdark” fare that makes up Warhammer 40,000, Gretchinz imagines high-speed races between green-skinned Gretchin (smaller versions of the iconic “space orks”).  Each player joins a “Klan” to get unique special abilities, then mounts up on an insane and unlikely racing machine.

The game uses double-sided tarot-sized cards.  Each player can see the attack side of their cards, while their opponents can see the hazards on the card backs, with the cards forming the race track as they are played. 

Gretchinz was created by Roberto Fraga and Yohan Lemonnier, the team behind the hit Captain Sonar, and features illustrations by the Eisner-nominated comic artist Albert Monteys.  It is intended for 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up, and takes about 20 minutes to play.  The MSRP has not been announced.

Devir is planning a big splash in the U.S. this year, with five other games planned (see “Spanish Publisher Devir Invades U.S.”).