Creator of Ultima Online Returns with Exciting New Sandbox MMO This Summer

Raph Koster, renowned for his contributions to iconic MMOs like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, has announced his latest project: a sci-fi sandbox MMORPG called Stars Reach, set to launch this summer.

Stars Reach marks the debut title from Playable Worlds, a studio Koster co-founded in 2018. In this expansive universe, players will have the opportunity to explore, discover new planets for colonization, and develop their settlements over time. The gameplay will feature a robust mix of combat and resource gathering, all while utilizing a classless leveling system that allows players to adapt their play styles freely.

One of the standout features of Stars Reach is the ability for players to establish governments within their settlements, complete with tax systems for residents. This design choice emphasizes the role-playing and immersive aspects of the MMORPG genre.

Playable Worlds has also committed to maintaining a single, persistent server for Stars Reach, ensuring that everything players create will remain intact as long as the servers are operational. This ambitious approach sets it apart from many other MMO projects that have struggled to deliver on their promises.

Unlike some titles that have faced delays, Stars Reach is on track for an imminent release. It will be available through Steam Early Access this summer, offering three different paid tiers: the $29.99 Firstlight Pack, the $49.99 Voyager Pack, and the $79.99 Cosmonaut Pack.

The early access phase will emphasize cooperative gameplay, focusing on exploration, settlement building through resource gathering, and player trading. Future updates will introduce features like PvP, factions, and a formidable “planet-eating hive mind” that will serve as the main antagonist in the game.

Stars Reach is set to launch on Steam Early Access later this summer, though the duration of the early access period remains uncertain.