Space Marine 2 Modders to Add Tau, Necrons, and More; Fishing Mini-Game First

Fans of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 are celebrating a significant development as the game's developers have empowered modders by releasing their internal editor. This move has sparked enthusiasm within the community, with hopes that the game could experience longevity akin to Skyrim through user-generated content.

Dmitry Grigorenko, the game director, announced this milestone on the Space Marine 2 modding Discord, describing it as their most substantial step yet in supporting the modding community. Saber Interactive, the developer, has made the official Integration Studio available for public use. This editor, used internally for gameplay development, now enables modders to modify everything from level scenarios and game modes to AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, user interface, and HUD elements, significantly streamlining the modding process.

Grigorenko emphasized their commitment to the modding scene, expressing excitement and humility at the community's creativity and potential. To kickstart the modding endeavors, he shared humorous concept art for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, which is now technically feasible with the new tools. Marneus Calgar, the leader of the Ultramarines, is the star of this playful concept.

To delve into the community's plans, I spoke with Tom, known as Warhammer Workshop, the creator of Space Marine 2’s Astartes Overhaul. Having recently released a mod enabling 12-player co-op, Tom now has access to all scripting tools that control mission dynamics and game components like weapons and abilities. This opens up possibilities for innovative mods such as a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife and progressively face tougher enemies, potentially earning weapons like a Heavy Bolter upon defeating a Carnifex.

While a new cinematic campaign, specifically a Chaos campaign, is feasible, Tom noted that creating cutscenes remains challenging due to limited access to animation tools. However, he's planning to introduce new factions like the Tau and Necrons, utilizing available rigs. Meanwhile, the community is racing to create the Fishing With Daddy Calgar mini-game as challenged by Grigorenko.

The reaction from Space Marine 2 fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite the game's success and status as one of the best-selling Warhammer video games, it initially offered only three factions: Space Marines, Chaos, and the Tyrannids. With modding tools now available, fans can expand the faction roster themselves, especially after the campaign teased the Necrons.

Redditor Mortwight commented, "This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim," reflecting the community's optimism. This development comes at an interesting time as Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment have announced Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in development. While some fans worry about the future of Space Marine 2's DLC, both Saber and Focus have reassured that they are not abandoning the game. With modders now empowered, Space Marine 2 is poised for a vibrant future.