Summary

  • Games Workshop's approval process for Warhammer 40,000 games is very strict, down to specific details like ankle armor.
  • The attention to detail in the development of Space Marine 2 has paid off in sales and fan satisfaction.
  • Saber Interactive had to make alterations to the game based on Games Workshop's feedback to ensure accuracy.

According to developer Saber Interactive, the approval process put in place for the development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was so stringent that it didn't even spare the Space Marines' ankle armor. The studio was asked to make alterations to the design of ankle armor worn by the Astartes in Space Marine 2 before the game would be approved for release.

As the parent company behind Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, Games Workshop manages some of the most iconic franchises in the world. As such, it's no surprise that the company might have a process in place that makes sure game adaptations of its franchises meet certain standards. That process seems to have paid off, as Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is rapidly smashing sales milestones and garnering praise for its depiction of the Adeptus Astartes, the most recognizable faction in the Warhammer 40,000 setting.

Warhammer 40k Dawn of War 2 Space Marine Concept Art Cropped (1)
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Of course, no one said that meeting the standards being enforced by Games Workshop would be easy or simple. In a new interview with IGN, Saber Interactive Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits mentioned that Games Workshop even went so far as to ding the studio on getting the design of the Space Marines' ankle armor wrong. Saber Interactive had to redesign the part for its inclusion in-game.

Games Workshop Initially Rejected Space Marine 2 Designs Over Ankle Armor Mistakes

Willits brought up the ankle armor "incident" to illustrate the protective nature of Games Workshop's stewardship of the Warhammer 40,000 brand. The company worked closely with Saber Interactive during Space Marine 2's development to ensure the game's visuals and depictions of items, technology, and even individual creatures were properly "lore accurate." The result was a number of lore details in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 that are easy to miss, but can delight dedicated Warhammer fans for their faithfulness to the setting.

Another example cited by Willits included Games Workshop offering feedback on things like the individual attack animations of certain Tyranid creatures, or the abilities of the Chaos Marines encountered in the course of the story. Though Willits did mention the way Games Workshop helped "steer" the development of Space Marine 2, he was understanding of its protectiveness of the brand, acknowledging how "embarrassing" it would be if the studio were to make mistakes that tarnished a setting beloved by millions of fans all over the world.

The level of attention Willits described indicates that Games Workshop is keeping a close eye on Space Marine 2, and recognizes the game's potential as a standard-bearer for Warhammer 40,000 titles. With luck, that hands-on approach to keeping the game steeped in 40K lore that future Space Marine 2 armor and cosmetic options will be up to the same standard as that of the base game.

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
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Third-Person Shooter
Hack and Slash
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 86%
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Released
September 9, 2024
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Developer(s)
Saber Interactive
Publisher(s)
Focus Entertainment
Engine
Swarm Engine
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Your Craft is Death.

Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperor’s warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.

Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.

Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.
Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.
Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.
Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction!

Franchise
Warhammer 40K
Number of Players
1-6
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Hack and Slash