>>13997263
Pretty much this. There is two sides to 40k.
The one is rather light hearted, as the tabletop consists is models with very robust design that often defies physics for easier production. Not to mention how orks are often funny and strange.
On the other hand, there is the in-depth plot, where for every man, dying in the field, there is a world working constantly to keep the imperium running. This is, where the grimdark lies. It's the system, that kills of millions, to achieve something for billions of others.
The horror is, what lies beyond the surface of grandour. In the underhives, where anarchy rages, in the mid-hives, where the toiling masses are brutally suppressed, in the spires, where the mighty and ever-envious nobles fight amongst themselves.
Grimdark is not, how a singular person suffers, but how the Ministorum keeps the masses in check with hate and superstition for xenos, mutants, etc.
One should never forget to tell apart game mechanics and fluff-universe. Also: The more someone has the urge to make something look funny and light hearted, the darker it must be to the people.
>>13997275
I'm 21 and I would never dare to rate Shadowrun on the given scale but I would say Shadowrun can not reach the value of 40k. It could be pretty close to one singular planet in 40k, but it just lacks a whole galaxy full of things that can and will kill you.