Tag: Warhammer 40K

  • Warhammer 40k RTS Series Returns with New Installment at Gamescom

    Warhammer 40k RTS Series Returns with New Installment at Gamescom

    Key Takeaways

    1. Warhammer 40k is a grim science-fantasy universe that began as a tabletop game and grew into a successful franchise, partly due to video game adaptations.

    2. The first major video game, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War, was released in 2004 and led to several expansions, becoming a significant introduction to the franchise for many fans.

    3. Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II, released in 2009, shifted the gameplay focus from base-building to action-oriented mechanics, while Dawn of War III in 2017 attempted to combine both styles but faced challenges.

    4. Relic Entertainment stepped back from the series after launching a remastered version of the original game, allowing for new developers to take on future projects.

    5. Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War IV is currently in development by King ART games, set to return to base-building RTS gameplay with four playable races, and is expected to launch in 2026.

    Warhammer 40k is recognized as one of the most grim science-fantasy universes, which is a big part of its charm. Beginning as a tabletop game from Games Workshop, it has developed into a thriving franchise. One of the key elements that boosted the rapid growth of Warhammer 40k is the video game adaptations. Recently, Space Marine 2 made quite an impression, but the first notable success in the gaming world was Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War.

    A Classic Introduction

    Launched over two decades ago in 2004, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War was many fans’ first encounter with the franchise. This Real Time Strategy (RTS) game was released by the now-defunct THQ and created by Relic. It was so well-received that it led to three standalone expansions: Winter Assault (2005), Dark Crusade (2006), and Soulstorm (2008).

    Changes and Innovations

    After four years, the 2004 engine began to show its age, leading to the release of Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II in 2009. The second game was successful too, but it moved away from the base-building style of the first game in favor of more action-oriented gameplay. Relic attempted to merge both styles in Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War III (2017), but the latest installment struggled and was quickly abandoned by the developers after its launch.

    New Beginnings Ahead

    Evidently, Relic decided to step back from the series, even after launching a remastered version of the iconic first game. At Gamescom 2025, it was announced that Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War IV is in development by the German studio King ART games. The new title was introduced with a trailer that showcases a return to the base-building RTS gameplay reminiscent of the original, featuring four playable races: Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and for the very first time in Dawn of War, the Adeptus Mechanicus.

    Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War IV doesn’t have an exact release date yet, but series enthusiasts can already add the game to their wishlist on Steam, with a planned launch in 2026.

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  • Space Marine Dev Offers Full Steam Refunds for Master Crafted Edition

    Space Marine Dev Offers Full Steam Refunds for Master Crafted Edition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Issues: The remastered Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition, released on June 10, 2025, has faced significant criticism and poor reception from gamers.

    2. High Price and Limited Upgrades: The game is priced at $40 for direct purchase, which many players deem too high given the minimal improvements and numerous bugs.

    3. Negative User Feedback: The game has received a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam, with an average score of 36.48% and a peak of only 128 concurrent players.

    4. Refund Policy: In response to backlash, developers have allowed refunds until July 10, 2025, and provided a 50% discount for owners of the 2021 Anniversary Edition.

    5. Commitment to Improvements: Developers have pledged to release patches to fix bugs and improve the game experience in the coming weeks, while noting the success of Space Marine 2 as a contrasting example.

    Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition was launched on June 10, 2025, as a remastered version of the beloved seventh-generation game. Unfortunately, its release has not gone well.

    Visual and Technical Improvements?

    The edition promised enhanced visuals and technical improvements, as well as better audio, modern controls, and a refreshed user interface. However, it hasn’t captivated gamers eager to return to the Warhammer 40K world.

    Pricing and Reception

    For Game Pass subscribers, the game is available at no charge, but it costs a steep $40 for those wanting to buy it directly. This, along with user dissatisfaction over minimal upgrades and numerous bugs, has led to a significant number of downvotes on platforms like Steam.

    SteamDB reports that since its launch, Space Marine: Master Crafted Edition peaked at only 128 concurrent players. User feedback has been “Mostly Negative,” with an average score of 36.48% from 103 reviews.

    Criticism and Refunds

    A lot of the negative feedback is due to the perceived high price, especially for those who already owned the original game. Players have also pointed out the clunky AI squad mechanics and the developers’ failure to add features that were removed from the original. Notably, some criticism comes from those who owned the 2021 anniversary edition and expected a free upgrade.

    In response to the backlash, Sneakybox and SEGA have allowed users to request a full refund, which is available until July 10, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Steam Summer Sale. Additionally, owners of the 2021 Anniversary Edition can enjoy a 50% discount during this time.

    Future Updates and Comparisons

    To address the issues, the developers have committed to releasing a series of patches aimed at fixing bugs and improving the overall experience in the upcoming weeks.

    Focus Entertainment noted that Space Marine 2 was released in September 2024 and achieved 4.5 million sales in its first month, reaching 7 million within a year. The positive reception has already initiated plans for a third game in the series.

    While Space Marine 2 has become a significant success for the franchise in terms of both excitement and sales, the Master Crafted Edition struggles to prove its worth or provide any real value for gamers wishing to experience the classic in a refreshed way.

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  • Get 25% Off Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 on Steam Now!

    Get 25% Off Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 on Steam Now!

    Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is currently on sale with a 25% discount on Steam until January 27th. The game, which was released last year, has received a great response from its players and managed to sell 4.5 million copies in just the first month after its launch.

    Record-Breaking Popularity

    This title has become the most popular Warhammer game across all genres on Steam. Time Willits, the Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, mentioned in an interview with IGN last year that this game “Changes everything” for their company.

    Revenue from the game has brought in significant profits for Games Workshop, the holder of the Warhammer license, contributing a large portion of their earnings (according to PC Gamer) for the fiscal year 2023/24. In their half-year report, the company noted that this success has resulted in “more people coming into our Warhammer stores.”

    Looking Ahead

    Games Workshop is aware that “successes like these for Warhammer are not a given in the world of video games.” They are already on the hunt for their next hit, determined to “ensure Warhammer’s place as one of the top fantasy IPs globally.”

    Last year, Willits shared with IGN that there are already some concepts for Space Marine 3.

    “I can confidently say that we will not disappoint our Warhammer fans in the future. It’s too big of a success! I know that’s an obvious thing to say, but hopefully we’ll be working on Space Marine content for a long time,” expressed Willits.

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