Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Dev Stamps Out Live Service Game Talk Amid Backlash to 'FOMO' Community Events

The developers of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have addressed community concerns regarding recent in-game events, clarifying their intentions regarding the game's future. A backlash arose from events perceived as promoting "fear of missing out" (FOMO), a tactic often used in live-service games to incentivize spending on time-limited virtual items. While Space Marine 2 doesn't feature loot boxes, these events offered cosmetic rewards, sparking worries about the game transitioning into a full live-service model.

This concern is valid, given research highlighting the psychological manipulation employed by some games to encourage loot box purchases, often leveraging FOMO. However, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive have assured players that all items currently available through these limited-time events will be made available to everyone later. They acknowledged the negative feedback, stating that their intention is to offer dedicated players early access to cosmetics, not to create frustration. The companies are working to simplify the process of unlocking these items.

As a gesture of goodwill, the emblem-less Mk VIII Errant Helmet, previously only obtainable through the Imperial Vigil community event (ending March 3rd), is now being given away for free to all players who link their Focus Entertainment PROS account to Space Marine 2.

The upcoming 7.0 update will introduce a new weapon, map (for Operations mode), and PvE Prestige Ranks. This follows earlier communication addressing player concerns about content, outlining a roadmap for future updates. Space Marine 2's successful launch, selling over 5 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling Warhammer game ever, sets a high bar for continued development.