“We used these big NFL Football pads”: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Used the Most Ingenious Trick to Get the Movement Right

This is why Relic Entertainment is the best gaming studio.

Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2

SUMMARY

  • Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is an upcoming game from Relic Entertainment.
  • Relic has used the latest in-game development technologies and plans to add another layer of immersion to the game.
  • The development has even used unorthodox techniques, such as NFL pads, to get the perfect cinematics.
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Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 was initially teased during The Game Awards in 2021, eliciting excitement from the fans of the iconic series. This sequel to the 2011 cult-classic title is all set to take players back into its characteristic grimdark universe, where they control Titus, a lieutenant of the Ultramarines Chapter.

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Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2’s motion capturing | Steam

Space Marine 2 is bound to be a success when it eventually releases, as it brings tons of exciting features, lore, and complex characters. Relic Entertainment has made use of the latest advancements in game development technology alongside some orthodox techniques to bring the next level of immersion into Space Marine 2!

Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 Uses NFL To Nail Moton Capture For Cinematics

Space Marine 2 used NFL pads for motion capturing | Steam

It’s a known fact that motion capturing can prove to be a make or break for any game. It’s crucial for delivering quality cinematic as motion capturing allows for realistic and nuanced character animals. This allows developers to create lifelike interactions and expressions that bring the entire storytelling and character development to the next level.

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Often, many gaming studios don’t pay attention to this crucial aspect of developing games. However, we’re talking about Relic Entertainment; they’ll go to any lengths to ensure a quality experience.

GamerReactor got the chance to sit down with Space Marine 2‘s creative director, Oliver Hollis-Leick, and talk about various aspects of the upcoming title. Leick gave us tons of juicy tidbits regarding the game’s development, and also explained Relic’s way of nailing down motion capture for all cinematics of the game.

We also, when we did the motion capture for all of the cinematics, we used these big NFL football pads. Because it restricts the arms, because the Space Marine armor, it doesn’t have a full range of movement

Lieck explains that while doing motion capturing for the cinematics of the game, Relic decided to use NFL football pads as they restrict the actor’s arms. The Space Marine armor in the game doesn’t have a full range of movement. Alongside the NFL gear, actors also had to wear giant military boots and carry heavy weapons.

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It’s clear that Relic has gone a step above its competitors to get the cinematics of Space Marine 2 right. By using unconventional techniques, they’ve been able to fully maximize the potential of motion capturing for the cinematics.

When is Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 Coming Out?

Space Marine 2 release date | Steam

Space Marine 2 takes place in the fictional universe of Warhammer 40,000, a dark and brutal future in which humanity is at war with multiple alien threats. The game is set to bring fast-paced action gameplay combined with new deadly weapons and powerful abilities.

Space Marine 2 has a confirmed release date of September 9, 2024. While there has been a major delay since the late 2023 release window, it’s quite a surprise to see that developers are being given time to polish the game perfectly, unlike some other studios.

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The third-person shooter is set to be released on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. However, if you can’t wait to jump into the action, there’s a beta program with its own sign-up page that might be worth checking out. Keep in mind that it’s a beta; it will have tons of glitches and bugs, which makes waiting for the final build a better option.

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Written by Dhruv Bhatnagar

Articles Published: 134

Dhruv has been an avid gamer all his life, with an emphasis on multiplayer titles. After switching to PC, he has dabbled in the world of GTA Online ever since its release. He aims to spread his passion for gaming through his writing.