Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is ‘definitely not competing for resources’ with Space Marine 3, because the latter is still years away – PC Gamer

Report on Saber Interactive’s Development Strategy and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report analyzes the development and communication strategy of Saber Interactive concerning its video game title, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and its announced sequel. The company’s approach demonstrates alignment with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible production.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Saber Interactive’s long-term planning for the Space Marine franchise directly supports sustained economic growth and provides stable, productive employment.

Key Points:

• Sustained Economic Contribution: The commercial success of Space Marine 2, with over seven million copies sold, represents a significant contribution to economic growth within the creative and technology sectors.
• Long-Term Employment: Creative Director Oliver Hollis-Leick confirmed that development cycles for major projects like Space Marine 2 and Space Marine 3 are approximately four years each. This long-term project planning ensures job security and decent work for a large team of developers over an extended period.
• Parallel Development Strategy: The simultaneous work on new content for Space Marine 2 and the early stages of Space Marine 3 ensures continuous productivity and prevents resource vacuums, promoting stable and ongoing employment rather than a project-to-project hiring model.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The company’s strategy reflects a commitment to building resilient infrastructure within its development process and fostering continuous innovation.

Strategic Elements:

1. Resilient Development Infrastructure: Mr. Hollis-Leick clarified that the development of the sequel and the creation of downloadable content (DLC) for the current game are “definitely not competing for resources.” This indicates a robust and well-planned industrial infrastructure capable of managing multiple projects in different phases, ensuring efficiency and resilience.
2. Fostering Ongoing Innovation: Rather than ceasing development post-launch, Saber Interactive is committed to a multi-year roadmap of updates for Space Marine 2. This includes:
   • New missions and enemies
   • New game modes, such as a horde mode
   • A new playable Techmarine class
   • Expansions to in-game locations

   This practice of iterative innovation extends the product lifecycle and enhances technological and creative output.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Saber Interactive’s approach to product lifecycle management and stakeholder communication aligns with principles of responsible production and corporate transparency.

Lifecycle and Communication Practices:

• Sustainable Production Patterns: By committing to at least another year of significant free and paid content for Space Marine 2, the company extends the value and utility of the existing product. This model moves away from a disposable approach to digital entertainment, promoting a more sustainable pattern of production and consumption where a single product’s lifecycle is maximized.
• Transparent Stakeholder Communication: The early announcement of Space Marine 3 was a deliberate strategic decision to reassure consumers (stakeholders) of the franchise’s long-term viability. Public statements from company leadership on platforms like Warhammer TV serve to manage expectations and maintain a transparent relationship with the community, which is a cornerstone of responsible corporate practice.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDGs Connected to the Article

The article’s discussion of the video game industry’s commercial success, product development cycles, and long-term business strategy indirectly relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article highlights a successful commercial enterprise that generates revenue and sustains employment within the creative technology sector.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The text describes the process of innovation, long-term product development, and strategic planning within a modern, technology-driven industry.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Identified SDG Targets

The following specific targets can be linked to the information presented in the article:

1. SDG Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

   • Explanation: The article points to high economic productivity by stating that the game has sold “over seven million copies.” The developer’s commitment to creating ongoing content, such as a “horde mode” and “new missions,” as well as developing a sequel, demonstrates a focus on technological upgrading and innovation to drive continued economic success.

2. SDG Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors…encouraging innovation.

   • Explanation: The article describes the significant investment in development, noting that “development cycles for these projects are long…something like four years.” This long-term R&D is further evidenced by the continuous creation of post-launch content and the strategic announcement of “Space Marine 3” to show commitment to future innovation within the franchise.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

The article contains several specific data points and qualitative statements that can serve as indicators for the identified targets:

• Indicator of Economic Productivity (Target 8.2): The sales figure of “over seven million copies” is a direct quantitative indicator of the product’s economic success and contribution to economic growth.
• Indicator of Sustained Employment (Target 8.2): The mention of a “four years” development cycle and the plan for “at least another year of DLC” implies long-term, stable employment for the development team.
• Indicator of Innovation and R&D (Target 9.5): The continuous release of new game features, including “new missions,” “new enemies,” a “horde mode,” and a “new Techmarine class,” serves as a qualitative indicator of ongoing innovation.
• Indicator of Long-Term Industrial Investment (Target 9.5): The announcement that “Space Marine 3 was in development” is an indicator of the company’s long-term investment strategy and commitment to enhancing its technological products.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: pcgamer.com