The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a third-person shooter RPG developed by Owlcat Games, has been one of the most anticipated announcements this year. 
Fans of the series, including myself, were excited to hear that this new game, powered by Unreal Engine 5, would bring a fresh spin to The Expanse universe.
Set between the events of the first and second seasons of the show, the game introduces an all-new story, while still connecting to the main narrative of the books and TV series. The game promises a rich, grounded sci-fi universe, where humanity is more advanced, but still inherently flawed. Players will engage with the political intrigue, dramatic space battles, and complex character choices that made The Expanse so engaging in other media.
During an interview with the creative director, Alexander Mishulin, and head of publishing, Andrey Tsvetkov, they discussed the challenges and motivations behind bringing this new project to life. The game started its development in 2021 and is now in full production after extensive prototyping, where the developers tried various combat mechanics and character designs to ensure the best experience. Mishulin mentioned how the decision to switch from their typical cRPG roots to a third-person shooter came naturally, as The Expanse’s grounded, human-driven stories fit better with this approach. The aim is to provide players with a cinematic experience, where they can fully immerse themselves in the choices and consequences of the game.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn offers players the chance to create their own characters, choosing their origins from Earther, Martian, or Belter, each impacting both gameplay mechanics and the storyline. The developers also teased that your faction choices, alliances, and diplomatic decisions will play a significant role in shaping your character’s journey and the story’s outcome.
Despite the changes in perspective, the developers assured that the game’s narrative depth remains a core feature. Players can expect rich character interactions, multiple companions, and even romance options that will deepen the personal stakes of their journey. While there is no full-fledged ship combat mini-game, traveling on ships will be an integral part of the gameplay experience, adding to the realism and immersion of The Expanse universe.
Although many fans may feel uneasy about this change of direction for Owlcat Games, Mishulin and Tsvetkov are confident that the RPG elements and the political web will resonate with both The Expanse fans and action RPG enthusiasts.