The Warhammer 40,000 community was rocked by the unexpected announcement of Space Marine 3's development, which came just six months after the release of Space Marine 2. Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive made the announcement in mid-March, amid concerns about the ongoing support for the recently released game.
In a new blog post, both companies addressed these concerns head-on. They reassured fans that the development of Space Marine 3 does not signal the end of Space Marine 2. "Mid-March, we announced that Space Marine 3 had begun development and we’re excited to see your enthusiasm, although we hear those of you who fear for Space Marine 2 and its future support," the statement read. They emphasized that no teams were shifting focus from Space Marine 2 and that their commitment to delivering new content remains strong.
The companies outlined their plans for Space Marine 2, including the release of Patch 7 in mid-April and a year one roadmap that includes a new class, new PvE operations, and new melee weapons. They hinted at additional surprises that even dataminers haven't discovered yet, creating a buzz of excitement among fans.
The announcement of Space Marine 3 marks the beginning of a new project that is years away from release. The developers expressed gratitude for the community's support and excitement, which fuels their motivation. "Many of you were very excited for this project and this makes us incredibly happy and motivated. Thank you for the unwavering support," they stated.
The big reveal for Space Marine 2 includes a new class, with many fans speculating it could be the Apothecary or the Librarian, the latter of which would introduce warp-powered space magic to the game. Additionally, a new melee weapon is on the horizon, with fans expressing a desire for the axe featured in Secret Level’s Warhammer 40,000 animated episode.
The decision to move forward with Space Marine 3 was influenced by the success of Space Marine 2. In an interview with IGN shortly after Space Marine 2's launch, Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits hinted at the potential for story DLC and shared that ideas for Space Marine 3 were already being discussed. The game's director, Dmitry Grigorenko, had proposed story ideas that could lead to either DLC or a sequel, suggesting a rich narrative landscape with various factions and chapters to explore.
This development has sparked discussions about which enemy faction fans would like to see in Space Marine 3, with options ranging from Necrons to the T'au Empire, showcasing the community's deep engagement and anticipation for the future of the franchise.