New Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter ‘Wildgate’ Unveiled by Ex-Blizzard Developers
A trailer for Wildgate, a new sci-fi extraction shooter, has sparked considerable interest, drawing comparisons to both Concord and Sea of Thieves. Developed by Moonshot Games, a studio comprised of former Blizzard Entertainment developers, Wildgate sets itself apart with a gameplay loop that appears more akin to cooperative seafaring adventures than traditional military shooters like Call of Duty. The game, revealed during a Game Awards livestream, is anticipated to launch on PC and consoles in 2025.
Gameplay and Setting
Wildgate is a multiplayer FPS where player crews venture into a spatial region known as the Reach. Their primary objective is to locate and secure a valuable artifact, triggering competitive encounters as teams clash to extract it safely. These confrontations can unfold on spaceships or in the expanse of space itself. However, the destruction of a team’s ship results in immediate mission failure.
The game’s resemblance to Sea of Thieves is further reinforced by its extended gameplay trailer, highlighting elements of exploration and cooperative gameplay:
Ambitious Genre Fusion
Wildgate presents an ambitious blend of genres, featuring large-scale spaceship battles, exploration through hazardous “cosmic storms,” and the acquisition of loot from alien outposts. Players will assume the roles of unique characters called Prospectors, each possessing distinct tools and abilities. The game’s universe and character designs, which include unconventional elements, aim for a memorable experience if the core gameplay proves engaging.
Dreamhaven’s Backing and Development Team
The success of Wildgate in a competitive live-service multiplayer market remains to be seen. Moonshot Games benefits from the leadership of Blizzard veterans with experience on prominent franchises like Hearthstone and StarCraft. Key figures include producer Jason Chayes, designer Dustin Browder, and artist Ben Thompson. The studio operates under Dreamhaven, a publishing label established by former Blizzard president Mike Morhaime.
Executive Perspective
Mike Morhaime highlighted the game’s focus on collaboration and strategic gameplay in a press statement. “Wildgate emphasizes teamwork and tactical expertise, reflecting Dreamhaven’s commitment to fostering player connections and creating enduring moments,” he stated. “With each Wildgate match offering a unique experience, players and their friends will have abundant discoveries within the Typhon Reach. The ship-based combat introduces a dynamic element, promising particularly enjoyable gameplay, and we eagerly await player feedback during upcoming playtests.”
Dreamhaven Partner Projects Update
The recent livestream also provided updates on other projects under the Dreamhaven umbrella:
- Sunderfolk: Developed by Secret Door, this tabletop-inspired RPG is priced at $50 and scheduled for release on April 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
- Lynked: Banner of the Spark: FuzzyBot’s action-RPG with cozy sim elements is transitioning out of Early Access on May 22 for PS5, Xbox consoles, and PC.
- Mechabellum: Game River’s tactical mech auto battler, reminiscent of Total Annihilation, which debuted on PC last year, has launched Season 3 and is currently available on sale.