Overview of Delisting of Warhammer 40K Games
- Warhammer 40K Titles: Sanctus Reach and Armageddon are set to be removed from Steam on May 19.
- Diverse Game Series: The Warhammer 40K franchise includes popular titles like Dawn of War, Mechanicus, and the upcoming Space Marine 2.
- Fan Concerns: The decision from Slitherine Software has sparked disappointment among the gaming community.
Slitherine Software recently announced a significant change: two Warhammer 40K titles, Sanctus Reach and Armageddon, will be delisted from Steam on May 19. This franchise began as a beloved tabletop miniatures game by Games Workshop and has expanded into an extensive multimedia universe, encompassing novels, animated series, and a plethora of video games. Since its inception, the number of games within the Warhammer 40K universe has proliferated, with the original Space Crusade launched by Gremlin Interactive in 1992 marking the start.
Details of the Delisting Decision
The Warhammer 40K series is notable for its wide array of genres, including real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, and first-person shooters. While titles such as Dawn of War, Mechanicus, and the much-anticipated Space Marine 2 have garnered substantial mainstream attention, there exists a suite of lesser-known games deserving recognition for their unique explorations of the complex lore and combat mechanics of the franchise.
As per Slitherine Software’s statement, both Armageddon and Sanctus Reach, along with their downloadable content, will be unavailable on Steam and the publisher’s website after May 19. However, players who already own these titles on Steam will continue to have access to them, and both games will still be available for purchase on GOG.com. Although no explicit reasons were cited for this decision, speculations suggest potential issues with expired licensing agreements with Games Workshop. Notably, Armageddon is currently available at a significant 90% discount on Steam.
Released in 2014, Warhammer 40K: Armageddon was crafted by Flashback Games in collaboration with The Lordz Games Studio. This turn-based strategy game centers on the Second War for Armageddon and offers single-player as well as cooperative and player-versus-player multiplayer options. It received average reviews, typically scoring around 7 out of 10.
Sanctus Reach, which debuted in 2017, was developed by Straylight Entertainment. This game is inspired by The Red Waaagh! and Hour of the Wolf campaign books from the Warhammer 40K universe. Like Armageddon, it employs a turn-based style and focuses on the conflict between Orks and Space Marines, including a play-by-mail multiplayer mode. Initial reception was somewhat lukewarm.
Community Reactions and Future Prospects
While the delisting of Armageddon and Sanctus Reach has disappointed many fans, there is still significant buzz surrounding the Warhammer 40K universe. Recent leaks have hinted at exciting developments, including images featuring a Dawn of War logo and revelations regarding Space Marine 2‘s Horde Mode, summoning mechanics, and a points-based rewards system. Developers at Saber Interactive have confirmed that additional content is on the way, with even more surprises in store that have yet to be uncovered by dataminers.