
Wildgate: Ex-Blizzard Devs Unveil a Cosmic Adventure Like Sea of Thieves
2025-03-25
Author: Jessica Wong
Introduction
In an exciting reveal during a recent Game Awards livestream, Moonshot Games, a studio formed by former Blizzard devs, showcased their upcoming multiplayer FPS, Wildgate. This new title has drawn comparisons to Sea of Thieves, thanks to its unique blend of exploration and competitive gameplay, setting it apart from the traditional hero shooter mold established by titles like Concord.
Gameplay Mechanics
Wildgate allows players to form crews and venture into a vast region of space known as the Reach, where they’ll embark on exhilarating quests to find a mysterious object referred to as the Artifact. Once discovered, teams must engage in intense battles to extract the prize, whether aboard their spaceships or in the thrilling emptiness of space. However, beware: if a squad's ship is destroyed, their adventure could come to an unexpected and abrupt end. Players can anticipate the game’s release on PC and consoles in 2025.
Deep-Dive Trailer Overview
The deep-dive trailer further emphasizes the game’s adventurous spirit. Wildgate promises an ambitious mix of gameplay elements, featuring 'epic spaceship battles', exploration through 'cosmic storms', and looting alien outposts for valuable treasures. Players will also encounter a diverse cast of characters known as Prospectors, each equipped with unique tools and abilities. With quirky character designs, including a cat piloting a mech from a fish tank and an anthropomorphic goat warrior, the game’s aesthetic is sure to engage players, if its gameplay holds up.
Expectations and Development Team
The question remains: can Wildgate succeed where other live-service multiplayer games have faltered? The studio's pedigree provides hope; the team includes notable figures from Blizzard, such as Jason Chayes, who produced Hearthstone, and designers like Dustin Browder, known for his work on StarCraft. Under the banner of Dreamhaven, the publishing label founded by former Blizzard president Mike Morhaime, there are high expectations for Wildgate.
Mike Morhaime's Vision for Wildgate
Mike Morhaime, expressing his enthusiasm, stated that Wildgate aims to foster cooperation and tactical gameplay, aligning with Dreamhaven’s mission to create memorable experiences for players. He noted, 'Every match plays differently, offering players countless discoveries as they navigate the Typhon Reach. The chaotic nature of ship-vs-ship combat promises to deliver a fun and unpredictable gameplay experience, and we’re excited for players to get a taste during the upcoming playtest.'
Other Projects from Dreamhaven
Aside from Wildgate, Dreamhaven has also provided updates on other intriguing projects. For example, Sunderfolk, a tabletop-inspired RPG from Secret Door, will launch for multiple platforms on April 23, retailing at $50. Additionally, FuzzyBot’s Lynked: Banner of the Spark, a unique loot-based action-RPG, is set to exit Early Access on May 22. Finally, Mechabellum, a tactical mech auto battler from Game River, has recently launched season 3 and is currently on sale.
Conclusion
With Wildgate on the horizon, fans are eager to explore the cosmos and engage in interstellar battles, hoping that this ambitious project will deliver both fun and lasting memories. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!