Stars Reach Looks To Fill The Star Wars Galaxies-Sized Hole In The MMO Space

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In under an hour after going live on Kickstarter, the innovative sci-fi MMO titled Stars Reach surpassed its initial fundraising target of $200,000.

It’s clear that the pedigree of Stars Reach plays a role in its success. After all, it’s developed by Playable Worlds, a studio spearheaded by Raph Koster, one of the key creators behind iconic MMOs such as Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies.

In Stars Reach, there’s a strong focus on its open-ended design, allowing players to mold its cosmic landscape according to their creative whims. This freedom lets players modify planets, establish settlements, establish trade empires, breed unique alien species, or even obliterate entire worlds. The game’s universe is dynamically generated, giving players the power to sculpt it as they desire.

The game seems reminiscent of No Man’s Sky, except for the fact that it’s designed for a larger number of participants. Similar to Star Wars Galaxies, combat appears to be secondary, with the emphasis being on exploration and various professions. There will be numerous vocations to select from, some geared towards combat, but many more focused on other aspects. The game’s “endgame” seems player-driven, offering opportunities such as governing a city or delving into the unknown depths of space. Indeed, it appears to be a grand undertaking, with players responsible for managing cities and even a planet’s ecology.

Unlike some games on Kickstarter that mainly rely on concept art and aspirations for funding, Stars Reach is reportedly quite advanced, having been in development for several years. It has been playable via pre-alpha tests for months, with an aim to release it into early access this summer. A complete launch is tentatively scheduled for the first half of next year. As mentioned on their Kickstarter page, the public funding campaign is not about initiating the game development, but rather completing it, enhancing it, and realizing the full potential of this dynamic galaxy.

To enjoy early access to the game, individuals need to either back the Kickstarter campaign at a pledge level of $30 or wait for the availability of early access supporter packs. The final version of the game will be free-to-play with the option for additional purchases known as microtransactions. Similar to many other free-to-play MMOs, there will also be an optional monthly subscription. This specific subscription, called the Property Pass, is required for players who wish to build homes on the intergalactic frontier. It not only allows players to become landowners but also grants access to exclusive cosmetics and other items.

In their first Kickstarter update following reaching their initial target, Playable Worlds expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the backing they received.

According to Playable Worlds, this win is just as much yours as it is ours, and we’re eager to embark on this adventure side by side with you! However, our journey doesn’t end here. The quicker we raise funds, the sooner we can launch the game. And remember, a faster release means an even better gaming experience for everyone!

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2025-02-25 22:39