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The success ofWarhammer 40K: Space Marine 2has caught the gaming industry by surprise, primarily due to its comparatively modest budget. The industry is currently at a crossroads because bloated budgets and over-scoped projects are sinking AAA titles these days. And only a few games have managed to be outliers.
With less than half the budget of id Software’sDoom Eternal,Space Marine 2proves that success lies in managing scope and budget wisely. If you’re able to do this while also giving players a fun time, then that’s the formula. Other studios need to learn from Saber.
Space Marine 2’s Success May Not Be as Surprising as People Think
AAA games often fail due to their overwhelming scope and inflated budgets. Titles likeSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueandFinal Fantasy XVIare prime examples of expensive, overdeveloped projects that launched withhigh expectations but underwhelming sales.
Space Marine 2 is fantastic.A brilliant co-op experience and the best Warhammer game I have ever played!The combat and visuals are spectacular, while the world, story, and attention to detail have also made my 40k nerd heart singIt has quickly shot up my GOTY list.pic.twitter.com/Mli13NNnpD
As these games pile on costly features and lengthy development cycles, they risk losing the essence of what makes gaming enjoyable. Tim Willits, Saber’s Chief Creative Officer talked about this in an interview withIGN.
Space Marine 2 Dev: We Succeeded Because We Focused on “What actually makes the game fun”, Didn’t Resort to One Game-destroying Trend
Willits argues that the industry’s obsession with massive production budgets, especially in North America, has led to unreasonable sales expectations, causing a failure if games don’t sell millions of units.
I miss experiences like this. It’s why Space Marine 2 is such a hit with me.pic.twitter.com/bq7dYm979v
Willits pointed out that the team avoided chasing the latest trends or revolutionary mechanics and instead executed existing features exceptionally well. The result was a game that not only satisfied the Warhammer fanbase but also the entire industry.
Saber’s Success Should Serve As a Lesson To Other Devs
Saber’s success withSpace Marine 2isn’t an isolated case. The studio has also seen considerable success with titles likeWorld War ZandSnowRunner, both of which were created on modest budgets but have been played by millions of gamers.
There are no words to describe the joy we feel seeing you enjoy#SpaceMarine2and take pride in the work we’ve done on the Warhammer 40k license. 💙Your fun is our greatest reward! Keep sending us your feedback, it means the world.With love, for the Emperor! ⭐pic.twitter.com/bI5JnyGOF3
Willits noted that Saber’s studios work on multiple projects simultaneously, often starting small with a handful of developers working on an idea until it’s fully realized. This lean production model prevents the waste of millions of dollars when a project needs to pivot.
Space Marine 2 is Fighting the Lone Battle in AAA Sphere That is Good News for the Future of Alan Wake: ‘They lose focus on the core’
WhatSpace Marine 2and games like it prove is that players are ultimately drawn to games that prioritize fun and quality over scale and spectacle. WithSpace Marine 2, Saber focused on what they do best. And it worked,with the game selling over two million copiesat launch and becoming the most-played Warhammer video game on Steam.
The lesson fromSpace Marine 2is clear. Success in making games doesn’t require massive budgets or big feature sets. Instead, it comes from understanding what makes a game fun and executing those elements well.
What did you think about Space Marine 2? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
