Space Marine 2 Epic Games Requirements Irk Fans

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's PC release has sparked controversy due to the mandatory inclusion of Epic Online Services (EOS), even for Steam users not interested in crossplay.

EOS: A Crossplay Mandate

Epic Games confirmed to Eurogamer that crossplay is a requirement for all multiplayer titles on their store, necessitating EOS integration, even for Steam purchases. While Focus Entertainment clarified that linking Steam and Epic accounts isn't required for single-player, Epic's policy makes EOS the only practical option for crossplay across PC platforms. Developers aren't forced to use EOS, but it's a free, readily available solution meeting Epic's crossplay mandate.

Player Backlash and Concerns

The mandatory EOS installation has drawn significant negative Steam reviews, fueled by concerns about "spyware" and the preference to avoid the Epic Games launcher. The extensive EOS EULA, particularly regarding data collection in specific regions, further exacerbated the negative sentiment.

However, many games utilize EOS, including popular titles like Hades and Elden Ring. This is partly due to Epic's ownership of Unreal Engine, which often integrates EOS. The Space Marine 2 backlash raises questions about whether the criticism is a knee-jerk reaction or a genuine concern about a prevalent industry practice.

The EOS Decision

Players can uninstall EOS, but this disables crossplay functionality. Despite the controversy, Space Marine 2 itself has received positive reviews, with Game8 awarding it a 92, praising its gameplay and faithfulness to the franchise. A full review provides further details.