News: Bringing Sci-Fi to Life - The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Owlcat Games unveiled a captivating developer diary for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn during the Golden Joystick Awards, offering fans an in-depth look at the real science shaping life in space. Partnering with former NASA astronaut and ISS commander Leroy Chiao, the studio masterfully blends hard sci-fi realism from the acclaimed book series and TV show with engaging gameplay. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a third-person action RPG where players embody a Pinkwater Security mercenary. A routine shore leave on the asteroid Eros erupts into a deadly lockdown, thrusting you into a sprawling solar system conspiracy. You're no hero—just a merc striving to unite your crew, maintain your advanced ship, and survive escalating threats amid political intrigue. Customize your captain as an Earther, Martian, or Belter, forging bonds with companions who harbor unique backstories, loyalties, and scars. Every decision ripples through relationships, alliances, and the narrative's outcome.
To authentically depict space life, Owlcat incorporated Chiao's firsthand experiences—from movement and breathing to eating in microgravity. For instance, astronauts develop a craving for spicy foods to counter dulled taste buds after prolonged station stays, a detail vividly reflected in characters' fiery culinary preferences. While real spacewalks demand tethers, the game opts for magnetic boots to preserve fluid, enjoyable exploration without frustration. This philosophy extends to combat: zero-gravity alters firearm ballistics and recoil dramatically, and space's vacuum silences gunfire. Yet, to deliver satisfying feedback, audio is muffled while vibrations, labored breathing, and radio comms heighten immersion. These compromises ensure the "hard" sci-fi essence thrives alongside dynamic third-person cover-based gunplay and real-time companion commands.
Traverse iconic locales like Ceres, Ganymede, Mars, and Luna, delving into ruined habitats and political bastions, influencing events through dialogue and discovery. Issue tactical orders to field companions or remote support from the crew, adapting to manifold dangers. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn launches on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, plus Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Developed and published by Owlcat Games, an international studio of over 450 RPG enthusiasts behind Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Wrath of the Righteous, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.