Summary
According to developer Saber Interactive, the approval process put in place for the development ofWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2was 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 inSpace Marine 2before the game would be approved for release.
As the parent company behindWarhammerandWarhammer 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, asWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2is rapidly smashing sales milestonesand garnering praise for its depiction of the Adeptus Astartes, the most recognizable faction in theWarhammer 40,000setting.
Of course, no one said that meeting the standards being enforced by Games Workshop would be easy or simple.In a new interview withIGN, 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 theWarhammer 40,000brand. The company worked closely with Saber Interactive duringSpace 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 oflore details inWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2that are easy to miss, but can delight dedicatedWarhammerfans 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 ofSpace 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 onSpace Marine 2, and recognizes the game’s potential as a standard-bearer forWarhammer 40,000titles. With luck, that hands-on approach to keeping the game steeped in40Klore thatfutureSpace Marine 2armor and cosmetic optionswill be up to the same standard as that of the base game.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
WHERE TO PLAY
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!
