I’d say Space Marine 1 did a significant job in making the franchise more nerd-mainstream. Before it, it was the Dawn of War game and expansions. Slow and steady growth of awareness, I think
The increased accessibility of SM1 most definitely helped. To be very honest, the thing which got me into 40k was the excellent Dawn of War series. Not only was it one of the first fully 3D RTS games, but every one up to and including the two Dawn of War II titles are absolutely brilliant strategy games (with II being closer to Kill Team with reinforcements, granted).
Heck, I still play Dark Crusade regularly, one of the tightest and most enjoyable RTS campaign modes I’ve played to date!
When did it become popular for the hordes?
I’d say Space Marine 1 did a significant job in making the franchise more nerd-mainstream. Before it, it was the Dawn of War game and expansions. Slow and steady growth of awareness, I think
The increased accessibility of SM1 most definitely helped. To be very honest, the thing which got me into 40k was the excellent Dawn of War series. Not only was it one of the first fully 3D RTS games, but every one up to and including the two Dawn of War II titles are absolutely brilliant strategy games (with II being closer to Kill Team with reinforcements, granted).
Heck, I still play Dark Crusade regularly, one of the tightest and most enjoyable RTS campaign modes I’ve played to date!
When? No idea, but all the sudden it was quiet normal to see Spacemarine and Orc figures appearing on the desks of nerds…