Space Marine 2 Developers Revamp Ankle Armor Design

Saber Interactive, the developer behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, revealed that the rigorous approval process for the game was so meticulous that even the design of the Space Marines' ankle armor faced scrutiny. Before the game could receive the green light for release, the studio was required to modify the ankle armor worn by the Astartes.

As the parent company of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, Games Workshop oversees some of the most revered franchises in gaming. It's only natural that they would implement a thorough process to ensure that game adaptations meet specific standards. This approach appears to be paying off, as Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is quickly achieving impressive sales figures and earning accolades for its portrayal of the Adeptus Astartes, the most iconic faction in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

However, adhering to Games Workshop’s standards is no easy feat. In a recent interview with IGN, Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, discussed how the studio faced a setback when Games Workshop pointed out inaccuracies in the ankle armor design. As a result, Saber Interactive was tasked with redesigning this crucial element for the game.

Games Workshop's Scrutiny Leads to Design Changes in Space Marine 2

Willits referenced the ankle armor "incident" to highlight Games Workshop's dedication to maintaining the integrity of the Warhammer 40,000 brand. Throughout the development of Space Marine 2, the company collaborated closely with Saber Interactive to ensure that the game’s visuals, technology, and even individual creatures were accurately aligned with the lore. This commitment has resulted in numerous subtle details within Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 that may go unnoticed, yet offer joy to devoted fans for their authenticity to the universe.

Additionally, Willits noted that Games Workshop provided feedback on various aspects, such as the attack animations of specific Tyranid creatures and the abilities of Chaos Marines encountered in the narrative. He acknowledged that while Games Workshop's guidance was instrumental in steering the game's development, he understood their protectiveness over the brand, recognizing how "embarrassing" it would be for the studio to make missteps that could damage a cherished setting loved by millions worldwide.

The level of scrutiny Willits described suggests that Games Workshop is closely monitoring Space Marine 2, aware of its potential to set a high standard for future Warhammer 40,000 titles. With this hands-on approach, it is hoped that upcoming armor and cosmetic options in Space Marine 2 will continue to reflect the same high standards established in the base game.