The developers and publishers of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have firmly stated that they are not aiming to transform the game into a "full live service" model following a backlash over community events that sparked concerns about "FOMO," or the fear of missing out. FOMO is a tactic frequently employed by live service game developers and publishers to drive quick engagement and spending on limited-time virtual items. The implication with these events is that if players don't grab the items while they're available, they'll miss out permanently.
This approach has been criticized for fostering an unhealthy relationship between video games and their communities. In 2021, new research commissioned by the UK’s GambleAware charity highlighted how many games use a "psychological nudge" to encourage purchases of loot boxes, such as the fear of missing out on limited-time items or special deals. Although Space Marine 2 does not include loot boxes, it does feature community events designed to unlock exclusive cosmetics, which have led to the recent backlash and the application of the "live service" label by some fans.
AnswerSee ResultsIn response to the complaints, Space Marine 2's publisher, Focus Entertainment, and developer, Saber Interactive, acknowledged the "cold feedback" received since introducing the community events, with many players citing the FOMO generated by these events. In a reassuring statement, the companies clarified that all items made available during these events will be accessible again later for everyone. They emphasized that their goal is to allow dedicated players to unlock items early through community events, not to create frustration and stress.
We have noted that the Community Events have received cold feedback since we introduced them as an additional way to unlock cosmetic items. We saw that many of you mentioned FOMO generated by the events. Rest assured, we are not looking to transform Space Marine 2 into a full live service game. The items available through events WILL be available later, for everyone. We want Community Events to be a way to unlock the items in advance, for the most dedicated players, and not to be a source of frustration and stress for everyone.
However, that means we must provide a smooth experience in unlocking said items, which has not been the case so far. We deeply apologize for the trouble, and are currently working on a simplified process to unlock the items, to make the experience less constraining.
As a gesture of goodwill, Focus Entertainment is offering the highly sought-after emblem-less Mk VIII Errant Helmet for free to all players who link their PROS account (Focus Entertainment’s account system) to Space Marine 2. This helmet was part of the Imperial Vigil community event, which ends on March 3, and was previously only attainable by achieving a victory with each of the six classes in Operations Mode by the deadline.
Currently, Space Marine 2 players are eagerly anticipating the 7.0 update, which promises to introduce a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks. Last month, Focus and Saber addressed the community's growing frustration over a lack of content and outlined their plans for Space Marine 2's future updates.
Space Marine 2 achieved a record-breaking launch late last year, selling 5 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling Warhammer video game to date.
