"Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Dev Rejects Live Service Model Amid '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 a backlash from the community regarding events that were perceived as promoting "FOMO," or the fear of missing out. FOMO is a common strategy used by live service game developers to drive quick engagement and spending on time-limited virtual items, suggesting that missing out on these items means losing the opportunity forever.

This approach is often criticized for fostering an unhealthy relationship between a game and its community. A 2021 study commissioned by the UK's GambleAware charity highlighted that many games employ "psychological nudges" to encourage purchases of loot boxes, including the fear of missing out on limited-time items or special deals. Although Space Marine 2 does not feature loot boxes, the introduction of community events aimed at unlocking exclusive cosmetics has sparked controversy, leading some to label the game as a live service title.

In response to the community's feedback, Space Marine 2's publisher, Focus Entertainment, and developer, Saber Interactive, acknowledged the "cold feedback" received since the introduction of these events. They emphasized that the items available during these events will be accessible to all players at a later date, stating:

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.

To address the concerns, 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 was part of the Imperial Vigil community event, which ends on March 3 and was previously only obtainable by achieving a victory with each of the six classes in Operations Mode by the deadline.

Currently, Space Marine 2 players are eagerly awaiting the 7.0 update, which promises to introduce a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks. Last month, Focus and Saber addressed the community's growing frustration over a lack of content and outlined their plans for the game's future updates.

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