Space Marine 2 Dev Clarifies No Live Service, Addresses FOMO Event Backlash

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. This clarification comes in response to a backlash from the community over events that were perceived as promoting "FOMO," or the fear of missing out—a tactic often utilized by live service games to drive player engagement and spending on limited-time virtual items.

FOMO is a strategy that can lead to an unhealthy relationship between games and their communities. Research from 2021, commissioned by the UK's GambleAware charity, highlighted how games use "psychological nudges" like FOMO to encourage purchases of loot boxes. While Space Marine 2 does not feature loot boxes, the introduction of community events aimed at unlocking exclusive cosmetics sparked concerns and led some to label the game as a "live service."

In response to the criticism, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive, the game's publisher and developer, respectively, acknowledged the "cold feedback" regarding the community events. They reassured players that all items available during these events would be accessible to everyone at a later date. The statement emphasized that the intention behind these events was to allow dedicated players early access to items, rather than causing frustration or stress.

The companies also apologized for any inconvenience and announced they are working on simplifying the process for unlocking these items to enhance the overall player experience. As a gesture of goodwill, Focus Entertainment is offering the emblem-less Mk VIII Errant Helmet for free to all players who link their PROS account to Space Marine 2. This helmet, part of the Imperial Vigil community event ending on March 3, was previously only attainable by achieving a victory with each of the six classes in Operations Mode by the event's deadline.

Currently, Space Marine 2 players are eagerly anticipating the 7.0 update, which promises a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks. Following a record-breaking launch late last year, where the game sold 5 million copies and became the fastest-selling Warhammer video game ever, Focus and Saber have been addressing community concerns about content and outlining future updates.