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, following backlash from the community over events perceived as promoting "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). FOMO is a common strategy employed by live service games to spur players into quick engagement and expenditure on time-limited virtual items, suggesting that missing the opportunity to obtain these items could result in permanent loss.

This approach has often been criticized for fostering an unhealthy dynamic between games and their player base. A 2021 study commissioned by the UK's GambleAware charity highlighted how some games leverage psychological tactics, such as the fear of missing out on exclusive items or deals, to encourage purchases of loot boxes. Although Space Marine 2 does not include loot boxes, the introduction of community events aimed at unlocking exclusive cosmetics has sparked controversy and led some to label the game as adopting live service elements.

In response to the feedback, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive, the game's publisher and developer, acknowledged the negative reception to the community events. They confirmed that items available during these events would be made accessible to all players at a later date, emphasizing that the intention was to offer dedicated players early access rather than create a source of stress and frustration.

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 Mk VIII Errant Helmet, previously exclusive to the Imperial Vigil community event, free to all players who link their PROS account to Space Marine 2. This event, ending on March 3, originally required players to win with each of the six classes in Operations Mode to unlock the helmet.

Meanwhile, Space Marine 2 players are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 7.0 update, which will introduce a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks. Last month, Focus and Saber addressed community concerns about content scarcity and outlined future plans for the game.

Following its launch late last year, Space Marine 2 achieved a record-breaking sales milestone, selling 5 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling Warhammer video game to date.