The announcement of the development of Space Marine 3 sent ripples of excitement and concern through the Warhammer 40,000 community. Just six months after the release of Space Marine 2, publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive revealed their plans for a new installment in mid-March. This news sparked worries about the ongoing support for Space Marine 2, given the relatively short time frame since its launch.
In response to these concerns, both companies issued a reassuring statement in a new blog post. They emphasized their commitment to continuing the development and support of Space Marine 2. "Mid-March, we announced that Space Marine 3 had begun development and we’re excited to see your enthusiasm, although we hear those of you who fear for Space Marine 2 and its future support," the statement acknowledged. It went on to clarify, "So let us set the record straight: Space Marine 3 does not mean the end of Space Marine 2's development. Far from it. No teams are shifting over, no one is abandoning the game, and our plans to bring more awesome content to Space Marine 2 remain."
The companies also teased what's on the horizon for Space Marine 2, confirming the continuation of its year one roadmap. Patch 7 is slated for release in mid-April, with promises of a new class, additional PvE operations, and new melee weapons in the coming months. The statement playfully hinted at surprises that even dataminers haven't uncovered yet, adding an element of mystery and anticipation.
Addressing the new project, the blog post described the announcement of Space Marine 3 as the "genesis of a new project, years away from release," and expressed gratitude for the community's excitement and support. "Many of you were very excited for this project and this makes us incredibly happy and motivated. Thank you for the unwavering support," it read, while also reaffirming their dedication to Space Marine 2.
The highlight of the announcement was the revelation of a new class for Space Marine 2, with speculation among fans centering on the possibility of an Apothecary or a Librarian class. The former would bring a medic-like role to the game, while the latter could introduce warp-powered abilities. Additionally, the mention of a new melee weapon has stirred excitement, with fans hoping to see the iconic axe from Secret Level's Warhammer 40,000 animated episode.
The decision to move forward with Space Marine 3 aligns with the success of Space Marine 2. In an interview with IGN following the launch of Space Marine 2, Saber Interactive Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits hinted at the potential for story DLC and shared that ideas for Space Marine 3 were already in discussion. Without revealing too much, Willits mentioned, "Our game director Dmitry Grigorenko, he has proposed some story ideas that could either be DLC or a sequel," and teased the involvement of various factions and chapters in future narratives.
This comprehensive approach to both current and future projects underscores the commitment of Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive to the Warhammer 40,000 universe and its dedicated fanbase.
