Photo credit: venturebeat.com
Moonshot Games, a studio under the umbrella of publisher Dreamhaven, has introduced Wildgate, an innovative crew-based sci-fi game that allows players to engage in both first-person combat and tactical ship-to-ship encounters in space.
This game takes inspiration from battle royale mechanics, where players can fight on the decks of their spacecraft as well as engage in aerial dogfights. Wildgate merges intense and unpredictable gameplay with explosive space confrontations, offering a unique twist to the multiplayer arena. Scheduled for release in 2025, it will be available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
In Wildgate’s battle royale setup, five ships compete to obtain a coveted artifact. Players can register at www.playwildgate.com to participate in a community preview playtest scheduled for April 10 to April 14, 2025. This playtest will take place in the Typhon Reach, a treacherous part of the galaxy characterized by cosmic storms, quantum meteors, and other hazards, as described by Dustin Browder, the game director. Players will assemble their crews, select their starships, and brave the dangers of this chaotic region, noted Jason Chayes, the studio head.
During the Dreamhaven Showcase at The Game Awards, Wildgate was prominently featured, and I had the opportunity to speak with Mike and Amy Morhaime, the cofounders of Dreamhaven, about the game as well as other showcased titles such as Sunderfolk, Lynked, and Mechabellum.
Wildgate promises to be an engaging ship-to-ship combat experience, akin to a battle royale environment. Each match involves five ships, each staffed with a crew of four players. Crews will search for ship upgrades while also competing to retrieve the artifact and escape through the Wildgate. “Alternatively, you can turn against your opponents and attempt to destroy their vessels. If you’re eliminated, you can respawn on your ship, but if your ship is lost, you are out of the game,” explained Mike Morhaime in our conversation. “Matches can extend for a while, but they won’t be as lengthy as those in games like Call of Duty: Warzone. Furthermore, not everyone needs to play as a shooter; there are tasks, like extinguishing fires onboard, that contribute to your team’s success,” added Amy Morhaime.
Gameplay Overview
In Wildgate, players known as “Prospectors” form small crews to explore a hostile and unpredictable galaxy in search of an ancient relic referred to as the Artifact. In their pursuit, players work together to pilot their ships, scavenge wreckage, and uncover lost treasures. To emerge victorious, teams must either successfully escort the Artifact to the exit point or achieve victory through complete domination by destroying all rival ships.
“Wildgate is designed for those who have longed for a thrilling space adventure with a courageous crew,” stated Jason Chayes, the head of Moonshot Games. “Players will team up to confront evolving cosmic threats, whether they come from the unpredictable dangers of the Reach or rival Prospectors. We believe that some of the most memorable gaming experiences arise from the unexpected outcomes, even when plans go awry.”
Mike Morhaime added, “Wildgate emphasizes collaboration and strategic expertise, aligning with Dreamhaven’s mission to bring people together for memorable gaming experiences. Given the dynamic nature of each match, players and their friends will have countless opportunities to explore what the Typhon Reach offers. The chaos of ship-versus-ship combat is expected to deliver an exceptionally fun experience, and we are excited for players to engage in it during the playtest.”
Key Features
● Epic Spaceship Battles: Equip your ships with advanced weaponry and gadgets to outmaneuver rivals, set traps, and use cunning strategies while defending your spacecraft.
● Dynamic Adventures Every Match: Navigate a vast, procedurally-generated map that shifts with every game, ensuring unpredictable challenges. Always be ready to outpace your competitors to secure treasures.
● Unique Prospectors: Select from a diverse cast of Prospectors, each boasting distinct abilities and tools, allowing for varied gameplay styles in your space escapades.
● Explore the Reach: Venture through a perilous and volatile environment that holds hidden treasures and lethal challenges. Encounter cosmic storms, confront space creatures, and raid alien outposts for valuable loot.
● Outgun or Outrun: Become the first to discover the Artifact, seize it, and navigate to the exit, or eliminate every other crew to become the last team standing.
Source
venturebeat.com