Re: Cathay might be a possibility based on Total War Three Kingdoms
Every speculation about the addition of any faction necessarily needs to be based on the data-mined map. Obviously, this map and the subsequent release plan is subject to change, but anything more than a slight modification is out of question. As Daruwing explained, the inclusion of Cathay (not to mention Nippon and the Kingdoms of Ind) requires the complete overhaul of the original, four initial factions, as well as the introduction of a huge landmass, something which Creative Assembly has been very reluctant to do since Empire, because it demands way too many resources, which must be spent to guarantee an acceptable quality of the design, the environment, the new units, path-finding and even beta-testing. So far, the only changes were much more modest and specifically destined to restore the relationship with potential customers, which had been harmed by the low rate of DLCs and the controversy surrounding the pre-order bonus for Warhammer I. By the way, the fact that CA planned from the beginning to feature the 4 Chaos deities for Warhammer III doubtlessly proves that the theme of 2 good versus 2 bad guys never really existed and was nothing but a random coincidence for the first two titles.
To sum up, there is zero chance that CA will adopt such a radical stance to unify the 4 different factions to one and replace them with 3 other substitutes. It will increase the expenses too much, while the profits will not be affected in a proportional manner, which is why that even if a developper was actually positively disposed towards the idea, the administration would never give the green light. In my opinion, one more faction for Warhammer II (at the earliest, it will be announced around autumn) is the maximum we can expect. For Warhammer III, I will eat my hat, if the 4 original factions are not the 4 different Chaos deities, with the pre-order DLC being either Araby or, most probably, Kislev. Then, Chaos Dwarfs (presumably the shiniest and most sophisticated one) and Ogres will be the two DLCs. Given that the trilogy will end with these guys, there is no reason for Creative Assembly to prolong the DLC circle, because there is no gap to fill between the next title, to appease their "insatiable fans". Regarding the argument of lure the Chinese market, I believe that the role of Cathay is exaggerated. It's like claiming that Brettonia or the lizzards riding dinosaurs will attract the French and Mexicans, respectively. There far cheaper and more efficient methods to expand your brand on the lucrative field of the Chinese middle class than an otherwise obscure and hardly relatable kingdom at the edge of the Warhammer world.