Explore the evolving vision of Hardspace: Shipbreaker as Blackbird Interactive and ArtStation release a treasure trove of concept art.

Vancouver - September 27, 2022  

Ready to see where it all began?

Hardspace: Shipbreaker, the zero-g, deep-space salvaging job simulator from Blackbird Interactive and Focus Entertainment, launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X|S last week, completing an adventure that began with an internal game jam at Blackbird Interactive in 2016.

To celebrate the game’s journey from internal pitch to Early Access release in 2020 - all the way to the PC and console launches this year - Blackbird Interactive has released a treasure trove of concept art on ArtStation to share the game’s evolution during development.

“This collection of conceptual and production art shows where our head was at during development, including some details that may not have made it all the way through to the final release,” Art Director Chris Williams explained. “Shipbreaker as a project was a Venn Diagram of challenging physics simulations, Vehicle/Level Design mazework and, just as importantly, Blackbird industrial aesthetic. A lot of sweat and tears went into fusing these features together and creating a game we believe breaks some new ground. Hopefully when you look through this collection, you’ll see the passion and care we put into making this game.”

Hardspace: Shipbreaker has become a favorite among fans and press alike since its launch, with PC GAMER calling it “a game about being proud of a job well done, and fighting to make your workplace one you can be proud of.”

The game is available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, Windows Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, and is also part of the GamePass titles for both Xbox X|S and PC players.

Members of the Executive and Art Teams at Blackbird Interactive are available for press interviews to talk about the launch of Hardspace: Shipbreaker, the visual inspiration behind the game’s unique setting and ships, as well as our journey to the four-day work week and our “bottom up” approach to company culture. Our Press Kit includes additional info and assets about the studio and our games.  

Blackbird Interactive is the game development studio behind such games as Homeworld: Deserts of Karak, Hardspace: Shipbreaker, and the upcoming Homeworld 3 and Minecraft Legends. Founded by Rob Cunningham, Yossarian King, and Aaron Kambeitz in 2010, the award-winning Vancouver studio was listed among the fastest growing Canadian companies by revenue in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

MEDIA CONTACT
Alex Delamaire | Director, Biz Dev & Comms
press@blackbirdinteractive.com