Technology

New Multiplayer Space Adventure 'Wildgate' from Ex-Blizzard Developers Rivals Sea of Thieves

2025-03-25

Author: Noah

The highly anticipated trailer for the upcoming multiplayer space shooter 'Wildgate' has just dropped, drawing instant comparisons to the beloved pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves. This intriguing game comes from Moonshot Games, a studio formed by former Blizzard developers who aim to revolutionize the genre.

Unveiled during a recent Game Awards livestream, Wildgate is a sci-fi extraction shooter that puts players in control of crews exploring a vast expanse of space known as the Reach. Their mission? To hunt down a mysterious object called the Artifact, leading to intense battles against rival teams to successfully extract their treasure. The heart-pounding action can unfold in both chaotic ship-to-ship combat or amidst the dangers of space itself. Players must remain vigilant, as the loss of their ship could mean the end of their journey.

With a release slated for PC and consoles in 2025, this ambitious title promises to deliver more than just traditional shooter mechanics. The gameplay encourages teamwork, offering “epic spaceship battles,” exploration challenges set in “cosmic storms,” and opportunities for looting alien outposts. Players can choose from a roster of unique characters known as Prospectors, each equipped with their own special abilities and loot-gathering tools. Notably, the game's colorful cast includes some outlandish additions, like a cat piloting a mech and an anthropomorphic goat warrior that are sure to charm players.

What sets Wildgate apart in a crowded market is its focus on player cooperation and strategic gameplay. Mike Morhaime, the co-founder of Dreamhaven and former president of Blizzard, highlighted the game’s aim to foster memorable experiences through varied and unpredictable matches. “Ship-vs-ship combat brings an element of chaos that makes for an especially fun time," Morhaime expressed, as excitement builds for upcoming playtests.

In addition to 'Wildgate,' the livestream also teased other upcoming projects from Dreamhaven. Among them is 'Sunderfolk,' a tabletop-inspired RPG set for release on April 23, and 'Lynked: Banner of the Spark,' a cozy action-RPG set to leave Early Access on May 22. These projects reflect Dreamhaven's commitment to diverse gaming experiences that resonate with a wide range of players.

Could 'Wildgate' be the next big hit in multiplayer gaming and finally capture the audience that many live-service games have struggled to retain? Only time will tell, but the blend of exploration, cunning and cosmic chaos certainly sets the stage for a thrilling adventure in space.