**Warhammer 40K Franchise Inspires Saber Interactive’s Space Marine 2: An Interview with Tim Willits**
*Saber Interactive, the game developer and publisher, has been making waves with its highly anticipated game, Space Marine 2. In an interview with Tim Willits, the chief creative officer at Saber Interactive, he shares insights about the game’s development, the influence of the Warhammer franchise, and the company’s newfound independence. Willits also discusses the challenges of breaking out of the mold he was in at id Software and the future of the game industry.*
## The Influence of the Warhammer Franchise
The Warhammer 40K franchise has been a longstanding inspiration for many video games, and Space Marine 2 is no exception. Willits emphasizes the passion and knowledge of the franchise displayed by the team at Saber Interactive. He highlights the meticulous attention to detail, with Games Workshop ensuring that every aspect of the game aligns with the lore and expectations of the fanbase. This collaboration between Saber Interactive and Games Workshop has resulted in a game that captures the essence and authenticity of the Warhammer universe.
## Space Marine 2: A Fresh Start
Space Marine 2 serves as a sequel to the original game, released in 2011. Willits acknowledges that while the first game was well-received, it may be challenging for new players to access it since it is only available on PC. With Space Marine 2, Saber Interactive aims to provide a clear and engaging entry point into the franchise. Willits assures players that prior knowledge of the first game is not necessary, as the sequel offers a new story and introduces players to the Warhammer universe through informative videos. Clive Standen, the actor who portrayed Titus in the original game, has been involved in creating these videos to provide players with a deeper understanding of the game world.
## Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Independence
Willits joined Saber Interactive in 2019, shortly before the company’s acquisition by Embracer Group. However, due to financial difficulties, Saber Interactive spun out on its own, regaining its independence. Willits expresses his excitement at working on a variety of games, including Space Marine 2, Jurassic Park, A Quiet Place, Toxic Commander, and the Evil Dead game. He highlights the opportunity to explore different genres and work with talented teams as a dream come true. Additionally, Willits mentions the importance of understanding the production and business side of game development, which has been an enriching experience at Saber Interactive.
## Lessons in Game Development and Growth
Willits emphasizes the significance of understanding the scope of a project and making smart decisions to ensure profitability. He notes that Saber Interactive focuses on affordable territories and teams distributed across the world. This strategy allows the company to work with talented developers globally and create successful games without the need for massive sales numbers. Willits believes that by focusing on the core gameplay and managing projects efficiently, games of varying budgets can achieve profitability.
## Looking Ahead
When asked about the future of Saber Interactive and the game industry as a whole, Willits expresses confidence in the company’s ability to continue creating great games. He believes that traditional North American developers may face challenges as game development costs increase, but by leveraging the strengths of diverse teams and focusing on core gameplay, success is attainable. Willits also shares his excitement about upcoming projects, including Jurassic Park and unannounced titles, and expresses admiration for the talent and creativity within the industry.
In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s Space Marine 2 showcases the studio’s commitment to delivering an immersive and authentic Warhammer 40K experience. Tim Willits’ insights provide a glimpse into the game’s development process, the challenges and opportunities of working at Saber Interactive, and the future of the game industry. With its dedication to quality and innovation, Saber Interactive continues to push boundaries and captivate players worldwide.
