Hardware: Shipbreakers undoubtedly looks like it could be a Homeworld game and it’s no huge surprise as the Blackbird Interactive team includes members of the original Homeworld team.
Following the recent acquisition of the Homeworld IP, Gearbox has decided that Hardware: Shipbreakers should be part of the Homeworld family and has signed a deal with Blackbird for them to use the Homeworld name.
Through the deal Blackbird has received funding from Gearbox to bring the game to life. Speaking to Polygon, Gearbox’ Randy Pitchford had this to say about the new deal:
“These guys have been funded by private equity, but it’s clear it was going to take many millions of dollars more. We’re giving them the brand and the resources to make this happen. Now, these guys are cooking and with the money they have now, they can grow the team.”
Blackbird CEO Rob Cunningham also commented on the new partnership adding: “Hardware, in all respects, was Homeworld. It looked, sounded and felt the same, but we wanted to take that style and experience further. When [Gearbox] acquired the property, it coincided with when we needed to find a partner.”
Hardware: Shipbreakers undoubtedly pays homage to the original Homeworld in style and story, and this name change is a perfect fit for the game. It should also bring it to more PC gamers’ attention which can only be good for the game.
Homeworld fans looking forward to the re-release of the original two games having nothing to fear, this is still going ahead, but now Gearbox have a new game that will add an extra dimension to the universe.
