Space Marine 2’s Success Spurs Games Workshop to Seek the Next Warhammer Blockbuster
The Warhammer 40,000 universe has achieved a monumental milestone in gaming, with Space Marine 2 exceeding expectations and rewriting what success looks like for Games Workshop's licensing ventures. Saber Interactive's highly anticipated third-person shooter sequel sold a staggering two million units within the first 24 hours of launch and surpassed five million units sold by the end of November 2024.
These sales numbers make Space Marine 2 one of the best-selling games of 2024 and a lucrative venture for its publisher and Games Workshop, the franchise’s license holder. In its half-year financial report, Games Workshop confirmed that licensing revenue saw an astronomical increase of £18 million (or £19.3 million at constant currency rates), driven primarily by royalties from Space Marine 2. The company expressed excitement about the game's performance but also acknowledged the unpredictability of future hits:
"We recognise that successes like these for Warhammer are not a given in the world of video games. Clearly, we are looking for the next one. We remain cautious when forecasting royalty income."
Alongside Space Marine 2, Games Workshop also highlighted the release of Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks, a combat racing game. While it contributed to licensing revenue, its success paled compared to Saber Interactive’s shooter.
The incredible popularity of Space Marine 2 raises the stakes for Games Workshop’s next big gaming project. While the Warhammer franchise boasts an extensive catalog of titles, few have managed to captivate mainstream audiences to this extent. The blend of visceral action, iconic lore, and polished gameplay struck a perfect balance with players, setting a high bar for future Warhammer games.
For fans of Space Marine 2, the adventure is far from over. Saber Interactive has committed to supporting the game with new content throughout 2025, ensuring that players remain engaged with the game’s dynamic world and action-packed gameplay.
What do you think should be Games Workshop’s next big Warhammer game? Would you prefer another action title, or is it time for a new genre to shine in the Warhammer universe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
