Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Dev Stamps Out Live Service Game Talk Amid Backlash to 'FOMO' Community Events

The developers and publishers of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* have firmly stated that they are not aiming to transform the game into a "full live service" model. This clarification comes in response to a backlash from the community regarding recent events designed to unlock exclusive cosmetics, which some players felt were promoting "FOMO" or the fear of missing out.

FOMO is a strategy often employed by live service games to drive immediate player engagement and expenditure on time-limited virtual items. The implication is that if players miss out on these items during the event, they will lose the opportunity forever. This approach has been criticized for fostering an unhealthy dynamic between games and their communities. In 2021, research funded by the UK's GambleAware charity highlighted that many games utilize psychological tactics, including the fear of missing out, to encourage purchases of loot boxes.

Although *Space Marine 2* does not feature loot boxes, the introduction of community events aimed at unlocking exclusive cosmetics has sparked controversy, leading some to label the game as adopting a live service model. In response, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive acknowledged the negative feedback and the concerns about FOMO. They reassured the community that all items from these events will be available again in the future for all players, emphasizing that the events are intended to provide early access to dedicated players rather than cause frustration.

Focus Entertainment is also taking steps to address the issues by offering the Mk VIII Errant Helmet without emblems for free to all players who link their PROS account to *Space Marine 2*. This helmet was previously part of the Imperial Vigil community event, which required players to achieve a victory with each of the six classes in Operations Mode before the event's end on March 3.

As the community awaits the 7.0 update, which will introduce a new weapon, a new Operations map, and PvE Prestige Ranks, Focus and Saber have outlined plans to address the ongoing concerns about content updates. Following a record-breaking launch that saw *Space Marine 2* sell 5 million copies and become the fastest-selling Warhammer video game to date, the developers remain committed to improving the player experience.