Saber Hints Space Marine 2 Was Created to Show What it Means to Stop “Imposing Morals” in Gaming

Saber Interactive’s Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 has been a bold return to the roots of gaming. And the creative team behind the title has been candid about their intentions. The comment, allegedly from Saber Interactive’s CEO Matthew Karch, surfaced in a YouTube video, where he criticized modern games.

Whether the comment was really sent by Karch is unknown but it brings up a good point. While Saber has yet to confirm the authenticity of this comment, it has gotten the community talking. Games yearn for a simpler, action-packed experience free from overt political or social undertones. And Space Marine 2 gave us that.

Space Marine 2 Has Genuinely Been a Breath Of Fresh Air, Regardless of These Comments

In the comment left on an Asmongold YouTube video, Karch or his impersonator praised Space Marine 2 and Black Myth: Wukong as examples of games that return to an “old school” era where fun and immersion were the focus. This stands in contrast to today’s more narrative-driven games, which the commenter claims prioritize moral messaging over gameplay.

The comment also took jabs at modern titles, claiming some games seen at Embracer, where Karch once worked, made him “want to cry” due to their “overblown attempts at messaging.” The statement has since been linked to a larger conversation about the pushback against so-called “woke” culture in the industry.

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Saber Interactive has remained tight-lipped on whether Karch indeed wrote the comment, leaving fans to speculate. While some believe the language in the post doesn’t align with how a seasoned industry leader like Karch would communicate, others feel the refusal to deny it speaks volumes.

Despite the controversy surrounding this comment, Saber Interactive’s success with its new title is undeniable. The game broke records, becoming the most-played Warhammer video game on Steam, with a peak of over 200,000 concurrent players.

TWO MILLION Space Marines have joined the fight to protect the Imperium in #SpaceMarine2. ⚔️

We’re so grateful!!💙 pic.twitter.com/ptHVxRKhWQ

— Focus Entertainment (@Focus_entmt) September 10, 2024

According to Saber’s Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits, the game’s launch has been a record-breaking event, with over two million players at launch. The game’s straightforward action and large-scale battles against alien swarms have struck a chord with players and have made it one of the fastest-selling games in Saber Interactive’s history.

The Devs At Saber Struck Gold, Even If They Didn’t Mean To

For Saber, the success of Space Marine 2 not only validates their back-to-basics approach but also provides a platform for future projects. According to Willits, the studio’s plans now include expansions and even a possible Space Marine 3, after the overwhelming reception of the current title.

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Saber is also considering new missions, modes, and enemy types, as well as free class additions to keep players engaged post-launch. It’s clear that Saber sees the future of the franchise as a long-term commitment, with plenty of content lined up to maintain player interest.

Saber’s emphasis on delivering fun, immersive experiences seems to resonate with many players who feel disconnected from more complex or message-driven games. The studio’s focus on straightforward action over moral ambiguity has proven to be a winning formula for Space Marine 2.

Looking forward, the studio is already thinking big. Willits has also mentioned the team’s desire to “dream bigger” after the success of this title, potentially leading to new storylines, factions, and gameplay mechanics in upcoming installments.

What do you think of this alleged opinion by Saber’s CEO? Let us know in the comments!