VANCOUVER, BC – August 14, 2025 – Blackbird Interactive (BBI) is thrilled to announce that it has reacquired full intellectual property rights to the award-winning Hardspace: Shipbreaker from its publishing partner, Focus Entertainment. Since becoming a critical and commercial success after its Early Access release in 2020, Hardspace: Shipbreaker’s evocative mix of richly-simulated salvaging gameplay and industrial sci-fi worldbuilding will now become a core part of BBI’s original IP strategy.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker was brought to market in partnership with Focus Entertainment, who had also acquired partial ownership of the IP. This new agreement sees BBI once again becoming sole owner of the Hardspace: Shipbreaker IP.
Though BBI is not ready to share any specifics, it can confirm that multiple Hardspace projects are currently in development. Fans can expect the studio’s trademark mix of evocative worldbuilding, immersive, physics-driven gameplay, and boundary-pushing design to continue driving the franchise forward.
“It is rare to have an IP that resonates so deeply with millions of players,” said Rory McGuire, President and Chief Creative Officer at Blackbird Interactive. “So we are honored to have this opportunity to deepen and expand that connection through new games that explore the Hardspace universe. Shipbreaker also wouldn’t be what it is today without our friends at Focus Entertainment. We are eternally grateful for their partnership and hope to work with them again soon.”
As part of this announcement, BBI has also opened registration for the LYNX Pioneer Program, a community-focused initiative that invites fans to help shape future Hardspace and BBI original IP projects through exclusive playtests, behind-the-scenes development access, and more.
Players can register their interest in joining the Pioneer Program here:
www.blackbirdinteractive.com/lynxpioneerprogram
About Blackbird Interactive:
Blackbird Interactive is the award-winning studio behind such games as Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Homeworld 3, and Minecraft Legends. Founded in 2010 by Rob Cunningham and a team of former Relic Entertainment and Electronic Arts veterans, the Vancouver-based studio creates iconic experiences across original IP and external development with trusted partners like Microsoft, Mojang Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, and many more.
Press Contact:
Steven Messner, Director of Communications & Audiences