Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox Publishing have released some more details about the upcoming space RTS Homeworld 3. The newest installment in the Homeworld series will feature a new roguelike-inspired multiplayer mode called War Games. Unveiled at GamesCom, the new mode creates a strategic co-op experience mixed with elements of roguelike gameplay.

War Games can be played solo or cooperatively with up to two others, meaning three players in total. Plays will select a starting fleet and command it through a series of three randomized combat challenges, hence the roguelike mechanics. Those who successfully manage their fleets through the objectives obtain Artifacts that can augment their ships.

Also, players will earn experience for progressing through War Games which unlocks additional Artifacts and starting fleets. Blackbird plans to continue evolving War Games even after launch with optional premium content expansions.

At a glance, this mode reminds me somewhat of the StarCraft 2 co-op mode. I was already looking forward to Homeworld 3, so a continuously replayable roguelike mode sounds like a great addition to the RTS. Typically there's not much reason to replay a campaign in this sort of title, so a mode like this is a perfect fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmQ56YpYaAA

Additional campaign details and mod support

During Gamescom Opening Night Live we also got some campaign details in the Homeworld 3 Story Trailer. The all-new original story takes place decades after Homeworld 2 and focuses on the looming threat to the Hiigaran fleet.

A sudden brutal attack by a new enemy known only as the Incarnate forces the Hiigarans to cross into the Anomaly, and face new dangers inside.

We also got some details regarding planned mod support with Homeworld 3. Modders will be able to create their own content and share it easily with other players using mod.io. At launch players will also have the tools to customize ships and build their own levels for Skirmish mode within an Unreal game editor. Players will be able to place megaliths, resources, and other objects to create completely unique battlefields and maps.

By partnering with mod.io, Homeworld 3 mods will be available on both Epic Games Store and Steam when the RTS releases.

The sci-fi space RTS recently suffered a delay moving it out of the first half of 2023. Homeworld 3 now launches in February 2024 on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

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The team is delaying for more time to refine and polish

Homeworld's newest venture is getting pushed out of this year. Gearbox Publishing and Blackbird Interactive have delayed Homeworld 3 out of 2023, and into February 2024.

Previously set for the "first half" of 2023, the team behind the new Homeworld is taking a little more time for development. Today's statement specifically cites time for polishing up  this new entry.

"Our primary goal is to deliver a Homeworld experience that lives up to the standards set by its predecessors and is worth of this series' incredible legacy," reads today's statement. "Homeworld 3 is shaping up to be exactly that, but in order to fully realize that vision we need more time to refine and polish the game."

https://twitter.com/HomeworldGame/status/1661839559204675598

No specific date has been set yet for February. In an FAQ on the Gearbox site, the team says it plans to share its "biggest Homeworld 3 progress update yet" later this summer. And the team also asserts that Blackbird's move to a four-day work week has not had a delaying effect on Homeworld 3. The scope of the game has not changed, either.

Who says you can't go home (world)

Announced back in 2019, this follow-up is a big deal for long-time fans of real-time strategy. The first two Homeworld games have been well-regarded, especially by those who love space fleet battles and three-dimensional strategy.

Blackbird showed off some gameplay at PAX West that looked solid, too. So if this delay is to ensure that Homeworld 3 can both live up to its legacy and deliver on its promises, that sounds like a good thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16C8iYq8l48

Oddly enough, this isn't the first game of 2023 to get delayed out to next February. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also moved from an expected May date to February 2, 2024. So even though there's still plenty left to release this year, we already have two big games looming in the early months of 2024.

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Build the blockiest army you can

A new Minecraft experience is on the way, with some heroic deeds to undertake. Minecraft Legends is an action-strategy take on the blocky world of Minecraft, coming in 2023.

Mojang Studios revealed the new project today as part of the Xbox and Bethesda showcase with both cinematics and gameplay. It will put players in the world of Minecraft, tasked with forming alliances and fighting back against invading forces from the Nether.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsrtI0fpkV4

While there is a full campaign to undertake, Xbox and Mojang confirm there will also be online co-op for those who want to team up against the Nether. The team is partnering with Blackbird Interactive of Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and other projects, to bring the strategy together.

Minecraft Legends is coming to PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S in 2023. It will also be coming to both PC and Xbox Game Pass.

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Shipbreaking is coming to Game Pass, too

The shipbreaking sim set in space is ready to leave the docks. Hardspace: Shipbreaker is leaving Steam Early Access and launching into version 1.0 on May 24, 2022.

Developer Blackbird Interactive and Focus Entertainment confirmed the news today, alongside the announcement that it's coming to PC Game Pass on the same date.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMwA5txM9Nc

Blackbird Interactive also went back over everything that's been announced for the full launch. The 1.0 update will include the final act of Hardspace: Shipbreaker's campaign, bringing the events of Act One and Two to a conclusion.

Saving and loading in-progress salvages is also on the way. Progression, performance, and stability will all be fine-tuned. There will be a progression reset for the 1.0 update, but the dev team says this is the final one.

You're a ship-breaker, scrap-taker

Hardspace: Shipbreaker has been one to watch for those who like to scrap ships. The first-person sim game is all about breaking down old ships for their best components. It might sound like tedious or boring work, but only if you've never accidentally tripped a reactor core.

The basic idea is that you, as a shipbreaker, carefully pick apart ships and comb their innards for valuable pieces. It's both cathartic and stress-inducing, made all the more dangerous thanks to zero-G. Carefully maneuvering pieces into the right place is all part of a careful, elaborate dance to get the most creds.

There's a campaign with a story and dangerous mega-corp involved. But if that's not your cup of space tea, there's also a leaderboard mode to challenge others in. Or maybe just relax with a no-limits Freeplay ship salvage instead.

In a press release, Blackbird also confirms that it's still working on a future release for consoles. But for now, the 1.0 update and full launch of Hardspace: Shipbreaker is set for May 24.

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