The video reviews eight highly anticipated space games, highlighting how many have faced delays, stagnation, or abandonment despite their initial hype, due to the enormous scope and challenges of development. It emphasizes that ambitious projects like Infinity Battlescape, The Outer Worlds 2, Starbase, Dual Universe, Beyond Good and Evil 2, and Star Wars Eclipse often struggle to reach completion or maintain momentum by 2025.
The video explores eight highly anticipated space games that have garnered significant hype over the years, but have experienced varying degrees of success, stagnation, or abandonment by 2025. It begins with Infinity Battlescape, a small indie project aiming to create a seamless, large-scale multiplayer space combat experience with realistic planets and orbital mechanics. Despite impressive tech demos and ongoing development since its crowdfunding in 2015, the game remains in early access with a small player base, and has yet to reach a full release, leaving it a hidden gem with potential.
Next, the video discusses The Outer Worlds 2, a sequel to the popular 2019 RPG, announced in 2021 with a cheeky teaser trailer. After a period of silence, the game re-emerged with a planned release in 2025, promising a larger, more ambitious experience on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Despite the long wait and initial uncertainty, the game is now nearing release, fueling anticipation among fans eager for Obsidian’s signature humor and storytelling in a new sci-fi setting.
The focus then shifts to Starbase, a multiplayer sandbox game launched into early access in 2021. Despite impressive building and combat features, development slowed significantly by 2022, leading to fears it was abandoned. However, in 2024, the developers announced a restart of active development, with plans for new features like siege warfare and improved navigation. The game remains in early access with a small community, illustrating how ambitious space MMOs often struggle to sustain momentum but can still recover with renewed effort.
Similarly, Dual Universe is highlighted as a vast, player-driven universe that combines elements of Eve Online and No Man’s Sky. Released in 2022 after a lengthy beta, it aimed to offer extensive building, trading, and exploration. However, its ambitious scope and subscription model limited growth, and by 2025, it has settled into a niche with low player numbers and no major updates since 2023. The game exemplifies the challenges of realizing grand visions within the constraints of early access and niche markets.
The video concludes by examining Beyond Good and Evil 2 and Star Wars Eclipse, two highly anticipated titles still in development after many years. Beyond Good and Evil 2, announced in 2008, has become the longest in development, plagued by leadership changes, delays, and the death of its creative director. Despite recent reassurances from Ubisoft, it remains in pre-production with no clear release date. Meanwhile, Star Wars Eclipse, announced in 2021, is a narrative-driven game by Quantic Dream that is still in early development, with fans patiently awaiting a potential release years down the line. Overall, the common theme is that ambitious space games often face delays, setbacks, or stagnation, reflecting the enormous scope and risk involved in creating immersive, universe-spanning experiences.