The Warhammer 40,000 community was rocked by the unexpected announcement of the development of Space Marine 3, which was revealed just six months after the release of Space Marine 2. The news from publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive in mid-March sparked concerns about the future support for Space Marine 2.
In response to these concerns, both companies issued a statement in a new blog post, reassuring fans that Space Marine 2 would continue to receive robust support. They emphasized that the development of Space Marine 3 would not divert resources from Space Marine 2, and that the team remains committed to delivering new content to keep players engaged.
The companies outlined their plans for Space Marine 2, confirming that the year one roadmap is still in place. Patch 7 is scheduled for release in mid-April, and players can look forward to new additions such as a new class, new PvE operations, and new melee weapons. The statement also hinted at undisclosed surprises, adding an element of excitement for fans.
Addressing the announcement of Space Marine 3, the companies clarified that it represents the beginning of a new project, which is still years away from completion. They expressed gratitude for the community's enthusiasm and reiterated their dedication to Space Marine 2.
The highlight of the announcement for Space Marine 2 is the introduction of a new class, with many fans speculating that it could be the Apothecary, resembling a medic class. However, there's also anticipation for the possibility of the Librarian class, which would bring warp-powered space magic into the game. Additionally, the community is excited about the prospect of a new melee weapon, with some fans hoping to see the iconic axe featured in Secret Level's Warhammer 40,000 animated episode.
The decision to proceed with Space Marine 3 comes as no surprise, given the success of Space Marine 2. In a previous interview with IGN, Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, hinted at the potential for story DLC and floated ideas for Space Marine 3. The narrative of Space Marine 2 sets the stage for a possible continuation, with IGN reporting on the likely enemy faction to be featured in the sequel.