Q&A on The Expanse: Osiris Reborn – ‘A Perfect Fit for Our Storytelling Goals’

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn – What We Know So Far

The recent announcement of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn was one of the standout moments from this year’s Summer Game Fest, marking a pivotal addition to the popular sci-fi franchise.

As an avid fan of The Expanse, I’ve consumed all the source materials and the acclaimed Prime Video adaptation. A few years back, Telltale Games ventured into this universe with a narrative-driven title; however, the gameplay didn’t quite meet the high expectations many of us had. In contrast, Osiris Reborn promises a transformative experience as a third-person shooter RPG, reminiscent of the Mass Effect series, developed by Owlcat Games—a studio renowned for its recent successes like Pathfinder and Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader.

Many fans of The Expanse and RPG enthusiasts alike are buzzing with excitement. While the game introduces its own characters and narratives, it’s designed to create a stronger connection to the overarching story of the series. I eagerly reached out to Owlcat Games for insights into this exciting venture and to pose numerous questions about the development process.

Set to launch on PC and consoles yet to be specified, pre-orders are currently open on the official website.

Behind the Scenes: Development Insights

Question: When did the idea for this game come about, and how did you engage with the IP holders?

Alexander Mishulin: The journey began with an internal pitching session among team members who are passionate about the franchise. We brainstormed extensively on how to craft a unique game experience. The Expanse IP aligns perfectly with our narrative philosophy—it focuses on complex human relationships and the ethical dilemmas we face. Once we finalized our pitch, we approached Alcon, the IP holders, who shared our enthusiasm and greenlit the project, which led us into pre-production.

Question: Are you still in pre-production, or have you advanced into full production?

Alexander Mishulin: We embarked on development in 2021, spending nearly a year on prototyping and experimenting with various mechanics suited for this new genre. We’re now fully committed to production after establishing new workflows and engaging our team in creative experimentation.

Shifting Genres: From cRPG to Third-Person Shooter

Question: This transition to a third-person shooter is a departure from your previous cRPGs. Was this a strategic decision from the outset?

Alexander Mishulin: Absolutely. From the beginning, we aimed to create an engaging third-person experience to deepen the player’s connection with the characters and the immersive world. We wanted to explore the realism and cinematic aspects of the setting, which required a shift in perspective. While we were initially apprehensive, prototyping allowed us to refine our combat mechanics and narrative elements.

Technological Advances: Using Unreal Engine 5

Question: What challenges did you face when adopting Unreal Engine 5?

Alexander Mishulin: Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 wasn’t particularly difficult but required new methodologies and expanded team dynamics. We’ve integrated talent from experienced studios like CD Projekt to enhance our development process.

Owlcat Games Studio — ‘We have over 450 team members, ensuring that multiple projects can progress without compromising quality.’

Andrey Tsvetkov: We are indeed juggling multiple projects, employing above 450 staff members. We prefer to keep our exact team allocations flexible to adapt to the dynamic nature of game development. However, we assure our fans that our overarching commitment to quality remains unwavering; each project’s integrity is paramount.

The Experience of Choice: Faction Dynamics and Character Creation

Question: Will players create their character? How will faction choices impact the game?

Alexander Mishulin: Character creation is a vital aspect, allowing players to select their origin, which significantly influences gameplay and narrative choices. For instance, choosing to play as a Belter will offer unique interactions and story arcs, especially in locations like Ceres post-Canterbury’s destruction.

As players progress, they will navigate complex political landscapes, with opportunities to align or conflict with various factions based on their choices.

Companions and Relationships

Question: Can you elaborate on the role of companions in the game?

Alexander Mishulin: Companions will play a central role in Osiris Reborn. You’ll go on missions with two companions while others can remain on the ship, still contributing in meaningful ways. This dynamic adds variety to missions, allowing for different combat styles and narrative exploration.

Companions in Action — ‘Companions will be even more integral to the experience, enriching the narrative and gameplay.’

Romance and Relationships

Question: Will romance options exist within the game?

Alexander Mishulin: Yes, romance will be an integral part. We aim to provide deep, narrative-rich experiences that further develop player characters and their relationships with companions.

Combat Mechanics and Styles

Question: How will combat differ from your previous titles? Will melee options be available?

Alexander Mishulin: The game will emphasize versatile combat, allowing players to specialize in ranged or melee engagements, depending on their character’s build. We’re excited to introduce both grounded and slightly futuristic weapons, reflecting the advanced tech and military concepts present in a universe set 300 years in the future.

The Future of Space Combat

Question: Will players engage in ship combat?

Alexander Mishulin: While there won’t be a dedicated mini-game for ship combat, space travel will be a significant aspect of gameplay, immersing players in the Expanse universe.

As anticipation builds for the release of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, fans of both the franchise and the RPG genre are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds in the storied universe.

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