Rogue Trader is the common name of the very first edition of Warhammer 40,000(now in it's fourth edition). Released in 1987 the name was accompanied by 'Warhammer 40,000' in order to clearly differentiate it from 2000 a.d.'s Rogue Trooper comic series. The game featured rules that were closely modelled on those of it's older sister Warhammer fantasy battle and even to this day the two rules systems retain similar game mechanics that have remained fairly consistent over the years. Notable differences however included extra stats on a model's profile, Intelligence, Cool and Willpower. The game differed from it's modern day version mostly due to the fact that it was heavily role play oreintated, with great detail placed on weaponry and vehicles and the inlcusion of a third player in battles, the Games master, a role not too different from the Dungeon master of Dungeons and Dragons. A significant majority of gamers still refer back to this edition nostalgically, believing that it is superior to current editions which they see as simplified and more orientated to suit the needs of child gamers. Of significance is the fact that the game contained at this time many races now no longer available or existing in the Warhammer 40K storyline. Such races include the Squats, Zoats and Jokaero. This is the source of much criticism from people who feel that their disocntinuation was because of low sales and that they abandoned many who were appreciative of these races and the models that came with them.
The game is well known to have been available at a time when miniatures were far less expensive, many look back fondly to the days when a boxed set of plastic space marines cost around £12, and even with inflation this can still be considered fair for today's standards. It is known that Games workshop's current management have been reluctant to refer to Rogue Trader or acknowledge it, possibly fearing an upsurge of veteran gamers voicing their complaints. However more recently this reluctance has relaxed and recent isues of White dwarf contain articles in coordination with Games workshop's 30th anniversary as well as the anniversay of White dwarf magazine.