THQ: Space Marine Sequel Blocked by WH40K MMO

[Greg Tito]

THQ: Space Marine Sequel Blocked by WH40K MMO

With the Dark Millennium MMO on the horizon, THQ isn't sure there's room for a Space Marine sequel.

The first third-person action game set in the Warhammer 40K universe has done pretty well at retail, but Space Marine hasn't been an all-out success. Given that sales have been moderate, THQ spokesperson Danny Bilson isn't sure there is room on the company's calendar to invest in making Space Marine 2. THQ will continue to support the game with DLC, but Bilson thinks that another game so soon would conflict with the planned release of Dark Millenium, another Warhammer 40K MMO, in 2013. Bilson did say that the company extended the license with Games Workshop for many years to come, so fans can expect more games in the setting. We just don't know what kind of game.

Bilson wouldn't give specific sales numbers, but said that Space Marine was "doing okay" and not great. "It's a really good game, it's doing pretty well," said Bilson. "In this world, honestly, you have to do exceptionally well to make any money, because the games are so expensive."

Still, Space Marine 2 may be too similar to Dark Millenium's planned gameplay and use of the setting. "We've already announced the Imperium in the MMO as a class you can play," he said. "If you combine that it's very active, as opposed to the more turn-based stuff. I'm not sure there's room for Space Marine."

That doesn't mean fans of WH40K won't have other games to play from THQ. "We are heavily invested in the 40K universe, so there's more stuff coming in the 40K universe, absolutely. We extended the deal for quite a while," said Bilson.

But if one game will get in the way of the MMO release in 2013, wouldn't another game too? Perhaps the conflict is just in the gameplay, so a Warhammer 40K game in a different genre might be possible before 2013.

I know what you're thinking. I don't see how an MMO and an third person shooter conflict in terms of gameplay either. Oh well, Bilson may just be trying to explain away the fact that Space Marine ain't selling so there's no way in the seven hecks he's going to spend money on a sequel.

Source: Joystiq [http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/thqs-bilson-not-sure-theres-room-for-space-marine-sequel-alo/]

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[Worgen]

Space Marine isnt an fps game, its 3rd person and its mostly melee not shooting. Plus the first fps game set in the 40k universe is a game called fire warrior.

 

[wooty]

Hmmmm, to be honest, an MMO sounds a lot better and deeper than just another Space Marine game. More of the many races can be unveiled and more of the 40k history can be explored through the MMO, maybe it could be wise allocating development money and staff on to one big project and hopefully get it right.

 

[Sonicron]

I see the technical nitpicks are already covered, so I'll skip that.

Since quitting WoW a few years back I vowed not to take up another MMO. Why? Because my soul already belongs to Dark Millennium. If they're shafting Space Marine for the MMO, that's fine. Kinda sad, yes, but still fine.

 

[Ferrious]

Plus the first fps game set in the 40k universe is a game called fire warrior.

It's not polite to bring up that game.

Not a big loss that Space Marine isn't getting a sequel. I'd much rather they went back to creating exceptional RTS games than sub-par 3rd person action games.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

I am interested in the MMO, if only for its proposed combat system. The trailers and previews put me more in the mind of a Borderlands style Shooter/RPG hybrid than a traditional MMO. It seems like a lot more moving and gunning, except with abilities thrown in as well. It could be pretty great.


That said, I'm still hoping that another Space Marine Game is made, preferably showing Titus working with the Death Watch instead of the Ultramarines.

Also, THQ is full of idiots anyways. Relic is who I trust, not spokespeople from the company who declared they were one of the big players after releasing a shoddy three hour long Homefront.

 

[willsham45]

That is a shame, space marine was good with maybe a few small flaws, see to them and it would be great.

 

[megaadair]

nuts. I hope they do make a sequel. I liked it, and i want to know what happens to Titus. I think he'll fight with the Ordo Malleus, alongside the Grey Knights in a proper apocalyptic war against chaos, but first he has to be tested for chaos taint!

 

[Soviet Heavy]

I don't think they'll do anything to break from the mmo mold with Dark Millenium. Wich would be a shame, because for one it's exactly what MMO's need right now. No new mmo can be as good as WoW if they all try to BE it. WoW has been around so long that no large numbers of people will leave it for a new one, especially when so many mmo's copy WoW's formula.

We need a NEW and GOOD MMO that breaks away from the grindy formula. I'd want DMO to be that game, but the chance is small.

I'm optimistic. This trailer shows that they are putting a lot more focus on shooting and driving.

Also, Titans.

 

[Aurgelmir]

As long as I can play a PROPER Space Wolf in Dark Millennium I might consider it.

 

[Jonny49]

There's always the next Gears of War game.

 

[Leftnt Sharpe]

So there is still hope for a BattleFleet Gothic game? A man can dream.............

 

[RejjeN]

I hope you can play as more than a Space Marine if you chose to serve the Emperor, though it would be hard to justify a Imperial Guardsman (even a Colonel or Commissar) being able to go at it evenly with a Space Marine... An interesting mechanic I guess would be to have you control a specialist squad as a IG player?

captcha: linksU tolerance:

 

[ryanthemadman]

i still think an rpg game where you play as an inquisitor would be sick. or one where you play as a commissar

 

[The Wooster]

Space Marine isnt an fps game, its 3rd person and its mostly melee not shooting. Plus the first fps game set in the 40k universe is a game called fire warrior.

That'd be Space Hulk actually.

 

[DracoSuave]

So there is still hope for a BattleFleet Gothic game? A man can dream.............

A Squadron of Aconites and Hemlocks are at the go, ready to defend my Nightshade pirate sailship.

 

[Gluzzbung]

All of this makes my head ache because there's too little market for either game to actually make a profit. I hope, after the MMO fails, that people will veer away from making these dull, gimmicky games for fan boys. I like WH but I don't play these stupid games because all they will be is another Gears of War or another CoD, and those other two can at least take me to somewhere else that I'm not familiar with, even if their story is threadbare and the gameplay is repeptative.