Warhammer 40,000: Darktide had a rocky start upon its release; however, players were drawn in by its core mechanics and the solid reputation of developer Fatshark, leading them to stick around for major updates. In spite of a few hurdles like clunky crafting mechanics and inconsistent performance, significant advancement has been made.

Despite initial setbacks, Fatshark managed to recover, notably with a large class overhaul in October of its launch year. This has kept player engagement steady, with numbers hovering around 10,000 daily users for a title that has been live for three years. Looking forward, they are now set to introduce paid DLC with a new playable class.

Magnuson explains that the cash transition took longer than expected because their philosophy prioritizes content that offers no division among players. “The philosophy for Darktide is that any content that could split the playerbase, we give away for free. Any mission or game mode content will remain cost-free,” he stated. “However, we feel that a player class is an option for purchase, as it does not disrupt the overall gameplay experience.”

Yet, opinions vary about the pricing of the new content. While perspectives differ on the $12 price point, Magnuson believes that players who have engaged with the game for years will find it acceptable. Despite criticisms, he acknowledged that players have adjusted to the update release schedule and have a good level of enjoyment with the game.

Magnuson positively reflects on player sentiment: “Players are satisfied, we believe our systems and progression are solid, and we are prepared to add something extra for a price. It took time, but we are now in a good position to proceed.”

Throughout the ups and downs since launch, Magnuson believes the playerbase was aware of the potential for improvement and were supportive of the journey to enhance Darktide’s overall experience.