Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was a juggernaut. With over 4.5 million copies sold within a month of launch, it’s no wonder Games Workshop (GW) is hunting for its next big video game win. The company’s latest financial report reveals licensing revenue shot up from £12.1 million to £30.1 million in 2023/2024, largely driven by Space Marine 2. With 98% of that income coming from PC and console games, GW’s appetite for digital success is clearer than ever.
The Grimdark Gamble
Space Marine 2’s impact went beyond raw sales figures. It breathed new life into the Warhammer 40K brand, drawing fresh blood into its gothic, skull-laden worlds. It’s not often you see a 40K game break into the mainstream, but with the likes of Saber Interactive at the helm, lightning struck hard. Now, GW wants more of the same—only bigger.
But let’s not pretend success is guaranteed. The Warhammer gaming scene has seen more than its fair share of disappointments. For every Space Marine 2, there’s a Fire Warrior lurking in the shadows. GW’s scattergun approach to licensing – handing out its IP to any developer with a pulse – has led to a long history of uneven quality. Yet, if the tighter control seen in partnerships like Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer series is a sign of things to come, then there’s reason for hope.
Beyond the Bolter
Games Workshop isn’t putting all its eggs in the video game basket. It has its eyes set on the big and small screens too, with a partnership with Amazon to bring Warhammer to film and TV. The collaboration with Amazon Studios is a clear sign of Warhammer’s rising popularity, showing that the franchise’s grimdark allure has moved beyond niche hobbyists and into mainstream appeal. But translating 40K’s dense lore and grimdark vibe to mainstream audiences is no small feat. The universe is a labyrinthine mix of gothic horror, militaristic dystopia, and tongue-in-cheek absurdity. Pulling that off on screen will require more than just Henry Cavill in a suit of power armor.
Still, it’s video games where the most immediate potential lies. Saber Interactive’s success with Space Marine 2 sets a strong precedent, and whispers of a Warhammer 40K Total War title from Creative Assembly could finally give fans the grand strategy experience they’ve craved. Meanwhile, Bulwark Studios’ Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II promises a more cerebral take on the universe, potentially drawing in the tactically inclined.
The Road Ahead
For Games Workshop, the next step is crucial. The company must choose its partners wisely, fostering deeper collaboration and keeping a tighter grip on its licenses. A return to the chaotic, anything-goes approach of the past would risk undoing the gains made by Space Marine 2. With luck – and a bit of grimdark sorcery – GW could cement Warhammer as not just a beloved tabletop universe but a gaming powerhouse too.
In a world where the strong devour the weak, only the worthy endure. Games Workshop’s next move will show whether it’s a true champion of the digital age or just another body on the heap.
