Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 Devs Deny Live Service Rumors Amid 'FOMO' 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 a backlash from the community regarding events that were perceived to promote "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). FOMO is a strategy commonly employed by live service games to encourage players to engage quickly and spend on limited-time virtual items, creating a sense that missing out on these items now means losing the opportunity forever.

This approach is often criticized for fostering an unhealthy dynamic between games and their players. Research from 2021, commissioned by the UK's GambleAware charity, highlighted how many games utilize psychological nudges, such as FOMO, to prompt purchases of loot boxes. Although Space Marine 2 does not include loot boxes, its recent introduction of community events aimed at unlocking exclusive cosmetics sparked controversy, leading some to label the game as a "live service" title.

In response to the community's feedback, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive acknowledged the negative reception to these events and the concerns about FOMO. They reassured players that all items introduced during these events would be available again in the future for everyone. Their statement emphasized:

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 without emblems for free to all players who link their PROS account to Space Marine 2. This helmet was part of the Imperial Vigil community event, which concludes on March 3 and was initially available only to those who achieved victories with each of the six classes in Operations Mode by that deadline.

Currently, Space Marine 2 players are anticipating the 7.0 update, which will introduce a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks. Last month, Focus and Saber addressed the community's growing frustration over content scarcity and outlined what players can expect in the coming months.

Space Marine 2 achieved a record-breaking launch towards the end of last year, selling 5 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling Warhammer video game ever.