GamesThird Person ShooterWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Space Marine 2’s monetization won’t feel “like you’re getting poked” because nobody wants horse armor anymore - “I can say that because I worked at Bethesda"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesThird Person ShooterWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Space Marine 2’s monetization won’t feel “like you’re getting poked” because nobody wants horse armor anymore - “I can say that because I worked at Bethesda"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Focus Entertainment)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is looking better every time we see it, but there remain some concerns over the game’s approach to monetization - after all, if you head over to the game’sSteam pageyou’ll see a spreadsheet’s worth of different editions with various types of DLC included. According to Tim Willits, chief creative officer at developer Saber Interactive, there’s no need for concern.
Willits tellsRock, Paper, Shotgunthat you won’t feel “like you’re getting poked” with Space Marine 2’s monetization. WIllits is the former studio director at id Software - well into the Bethesda years - and that’s informed how he’s addressing this topic. “There are shifts and trends in the industry,” Willits says. “People don’t want to be sold horse armor anymore. I can say that because I worked at Bethesda. Our fans never thought we ripped them off in World War Z.”
If you’re too young to remember what that horse armor reference is about, count yourself lucky. Shortly after the launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion in 2006, Bethesda began to offer small pieces of downloadable content starting with a $2 set of purely cosmetic armor for your horse. It wasn’t the first microstransaction ever offered, but it was the first to kick up a real stir in the mainstream gaming world.
Whatever additional monetization Space Marine 2 features, the devs have been promising for some time that you won’t be nickeledordimed. “There aren’t any microtransactions in Space Marine 2,” according to anofficial FAQ. “No in-game cash shop. All gameplay content and features will be free to all players. Any paid DLCs will be cosmetic only.”
Within 10 minutes of killing Tyranids, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has become my most-anticipated shooter of 2024.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”