The highly anticipated Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 comes out on September 9, 2024, ending a 13-year wait since the original game. But did you know the game’s development almost went a completely different way?
According to Oliver Hollis-Leick, Creative Director at Saber Interactive, the direction of the game was significantly influenced by Games Workshop’s input. This new entry will not just feature new graphics and gameplay mechanics, but also a story that stays true to 40k’s rich lore.
Saber Interactive Worked Closely With Games Workshop For The Story of Space Marine 2
In an interview with Prankster, Hollis-Leick talked about some of the processes that went into the game’s development.
He said he and the team, including the game director and art director, had some ideas from meticulously going through the source material.
When it came to choosing the story we wanted to tell, there was a group of us… The game director, the art director, me… We then had to start looking at the source material and go through as much of it as possible.
But it seems Games Workshop had a different idea to what they wanted with the next Warhammer entry as Hollis-Leick mentioned the feedback they got regarding the game’s plot points.
And I would say, “oh, I really like this aspect. I want to do this with it”, and Games Workshop would say, “well, that’s not really where we’re going with it now. Can you try and…”, and we just sort of worked together until we found our heading.
He mentioned that the team was passionate about creating a sequel that stayed true to the essence of the first game while pushing the boundaries with new technology and expanded storylines.
This collaborative effort was essential to ensuring that the game met both the fans’ and Games Workshop’s high expectations.
The creative process for Space Marine 2 involved a delicate balance between the development team’s vision and the constraints that they had to follow in development.
The Next Warhammer Adventure is Almost Upon Us
Despite the intense pressure and high expectations, the development team at Saber Interactive remained enthusiastic and dedicated throughout the project.
This “courtship,” as Hollis-Leick describes it, included numerous meetings and demonstrations, ultimately leading to a strong collaborative relationship that shaped the game’s final direction.
The way to earn the franchise creator’s trust involved demonstrating their capabilities and passion for the Warhammer universe.
Despite the high pressure and expectations, Hollis-Leick and his team’s dedication to the project is evident. And as the game nears its release, fans are only getting more excited for this new adventure.
Will you join players worldwide in the next journey as a Space Marine? Let us know in the comments below!
