Team17 Digital, the award-winning independent games label, and Blackbird Interactive, the esteemed Canadian developer known for iconic titles like Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and Hardspace: Shipbreaker, have joined forces to bring gamers a brand-new science-fiction experience. ‘Earthless’ is an upcoming roguelike deck builder that invites players to embark on a quest to find a new home in the stars. With its rich narrative, strategic combat, and ethical decision-making, Earthless promises to be a captivating journey through treacherous star systems. Scheduled for release on Steam Early Access in 2024, the game aims to push the boundaries of the deck builder genre.
A Stellar Partnership
Blackbird Interactive, founded by CEO Rob Cunningham in 2010, has an impressive track record, having contributed to the creation of the renowned Homeworld franchise. The studio has since garnered acclaim and recognition from both players and critics with their innovative experiences, including Hardspace: Shipbreaker and Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak. More recently, Blackbird Interactive released Minecraft Legends, further establishing their reputation for delivering unique and engaging gameplay.
A Tale of Loss, Hope, and Endurance
In Earthless, players find themselves in a post-apocalyptic future where the Sun has been destroyed. As humanity’s last hope, players will captain generation ships, navigating a series of roguelike adventures across a web of ever-changing and dangerous star systems. The game offers a compelling sci-fi story that explores themes of loss, hope, and human endurance. Engaging with mysterious interstellar enemies, players will need to employ strategic, grid-based combat to overcome challenges and secure survival.
Crafting a Tactical Deck
One of Earthless’ key mechanics is the construction of a unique deck of tactical abilities. With over 75 cards available at launch (with more to come in future updates), players will have a wide array of options to build the perfect hand to enhance their capabilities and protect their ship from threats. The tactical combinations and synergies between cards will play a crucial role in ensuring success during each voyage.
Difficult Ethical Decisions
As players venture through the vastness of space, they will also face difficult ethical choices that can directly impact the well-being of their crew and the survival of humanity. These decisions will test the player’s moral compass, adding an additional layer of complexity to the gameplay and highlighting the weight of responsibility as the captain of a starship.
Collaborative Endeavors
Earthless will offer a two-player co-op mode upon its early access launch. Playing alongside a friend, gamers can join forces to explore the depths of space together. Collaborating and strategizing with a partner will unlock unique cards and strengthen the bond between crew members, fostering a sense of camaraderie while forging humanity’s new frontier.
Comments from the Developers
Rory McGuire, President of Blackbird Interactive, expressed excitement about partnering with Team17 Digital, a company renowned for nurturing independent teams and enabling them to create visionary experiences. The collaboration with Team17 Digital on Earthless has been a pleasure for Blackbird Interactive, and they are eager to reveal more about this upcoming sci-fi adventure.
Michael Pattison, Chief Executive Officer of Team17 Digital, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Blackbird Interactive on Earthless. Recognizing the studio’s expertise in crafting engaging sci-fi and strategy experiences, Pattison believes they are perfectly positioned to push the boundaries of the deck builder genre. This partnership aligns with Team17 Digital’s strategy of collaborating with creative indie studios worldwide, bringing their unique visions to gamers.
Earthless, the upcoming sci-fi roguelike deck builder from Team17 Digital and Blackbird Interactive, promises to deliver an immersive and challenging experience for players. With its captivating narrative, strategic combat, and deck-building mechanics, Earthless is poised to carve its own path in the genre. Scheduled for release on Steam Early Access in 2024, gamers can look forward to embarking on an interstellar odyssey, captaining starships, and making tough decisions that will shape the fate of humanity.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
