'We Don't Nickel-and-Dime People to Death' — Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Isn't a Live Service Game, Tim Willits Says, It's Something Else

IGN

by Wesley Yin-Poole

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer of Saber Interactive, has clarified that *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is not a live service game despite its regular updates and sustained player engagement. In an interview with IGN, Willits emphasized that the term "live service" often carries negative connotations due to aggressive microtransactions, which Saber avoids. Instead, the studio focuses on supporting its games through free updates, meaningful content, and paid DLCs without overloading players with in-game purchases. This approach aims to balance player satisfaction with monetization. *Space Marine 2* launched in September 2024 and has remained popular thanks to frequent updates like the recent introduction of the Techmarine class and a new PvE map, both available for free. While the game offers paid DLCs, such as cosmetic packs and a season pass, these do not impact gameplay. However, Saber’s recent release of a $4.99 voice pack sparked backlash from players who felt it leaned too heavily into live service territory, with some accusing false advertising. This incident may serve as a learning experience for Saber to refine their approach to additional content. Willits also addressed concerns about the future support for *Space Marine 2* amid the announcement of *Space Marine 3*. He reiterated that both projects are being developed concurrently, with the team actively supporting *Space Marine 2* while preparing for its sequel. The success of *Space Marine 2*, which recently ranked fourth on sales charts, ensures it remains a priority for Saber, maintaining its status as a thriving title in the gaming landscape. This situation highlights the delicate balance game developers must strike between sustained support and aggressive monetization. For players, it underscores the importance of transparent communication about updates, DLCs, and future plans to maintain trust and engagement. As *Space Marine 2* continues to evolve, its approach to

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Originally published on IGN on 3/3/2026