Blackbird Interactive Acquires Hardspace: Shipbreaker IP, Multiple Games in Development
Vancouver-based developer Blackbird Interactive (BBI) has officially acquired the rights to the Hardspace: Shipbreaker IP from publisher Focus Entertainment, which originally released the acclaimed title in 2022. The announcement was made through the studio’s official X account, confirming that multiple new projects within the Hardspace universe are already in development.
Alongside the acquisition, BBI has launched the LYNX Pioneer Program, a new initiative designed to give fans deeper involvement in the studio’s upcoming projects. Players can pre-register on the official website for exclusive perks, including:
Early access playtests for upcoming Hardspace and other original BBI IP projects.
Behind-the-scenes development updates.
Opportunities to help shape new titles through feedback, contests, and community-driven initiatives.
Founded by former Relic Entertainment developers, Blackbird Interactive has a strong pedigree in the strategy space with titles like Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, Crossfire: Legion, and the recently released Homeworld 3. However, the studio struck a unique chord with Hardspace: Shipbreaker, a physics-driven simulation game centered on dismantling derelict spacecraft. Its mix of tense gameplay, corporate satire, and spacefaring atmosphere earned it widespread acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Now, with full ownership of the IP, BBI appears eager to expand Hardspace beyond its simulation roots. While details are scarce, the studio hinted that at least one of the upcoming projects could explore a strategy-oriented take on the franchise, blending its expertise in the genre with the distinct identity of the Hardspace universe.
The acquisition also raises the series’ long-term potential, possibly setting the stage for new entries across genres or even multimedia adaptations. Fans who join the LYNX Pioneer Program will likely be among the first to experience what’s next for the franchise.
What type of Hardspace: Shipbreaker game would you like to see next, a sequel to the original simulation, or a bold genre shift into strategy or action?
