“The Expanse setting is very grounded and it’s very scientifically accurate. So that places a lot of restrictions on the developers in terms of creating new stuff,” explained Rastorguev. “For example, designing new gadgets, because we need to check every kind of idea against the modern depiction of physics, and sometimes even with scientific guys that consult us on the matter.”

Rastorguev went on to talk about how players will get to experience the passage of time aboard their ship, especially since it can often take days, weeks, and even months to travel between celestial bodies. Players will get cutscenes showing off how their crew members are living their lives and passing time.

“But talking about the passing of time on the ship, it is true that every journey in The Expanse universe takes days, even weeks, sometimes maybe months,” he said. “We won’t be doing a time management mechanic in the game. I think it is excessive. But we will be showing it in terms of atmosphere and the ship. There will be some short cutscenes showing the life on the ship, how people communicate, eat their dinners, work out, and so on and so on, just to give you the immersion, the feeling of passing time on the ship.”

“And there will be some other things that will actually explain to the player how the long journeys through space work in The Expanse.”

The studio has been revealing quite a few details about The Expanse: Osiris Reborn recently. Earlier this week, we got a glimpse at the companions that players can meet and befriend in their time with the game. We also got a brand new trailer, which revealed a Spring 2027 launch window. Along with this, Owlcat Games has also confirmed that a closed beta build of the RPG will be available from April 22nd onwards for those who buy the Miller’s Pack.

More recently, the studio’s PR manager, Katarina Popp, confirmed that generative AI was being used in the game’s development. However, she noted that it was only used in early stages, on things like prototyping and placeholder assets. All of these AI-generated assets are going to be replaced by human-created works by the time the game comes out.

“We use it basically for trying out things on a technical level,” she explained. “For example, looking at how a 2D image looks in 3D, or changing colors to what looks good. So it’s basically for being able to iterate faster. But we don’t use it to write, we don’t use AI voice actors, so everything that will be in the final version will definitely 100 percent be human made.”

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

“We don’t use it to create any assets that will be in the game,” said Popp in a press briefing, according to Eurogamer. “We use it a lot for prototyping, trying things out, placeholders. They will all be replaced at the end.”

“We use it basically for trying out things on a technical level,” she continued. “For example, looking at how a 2D image looks in 3D, or changing colors to what looks good. So it’s basically for being able to iterate faster. But we don’t use it to write, we don’t use AI voice actors, so everything that will be in the final version will definitely 100 percent be human made.”

It is worth noting that the studio has previously mentioned generative AI in a job listing all the way back in 2024. At the time, the studio was looking for a concept artist, whose tasks would involve “concept generation using AI and other modern tools.” Owlcat Games issued a statement in light of the inevitable backlash that followed.

“We use AI as a working tool for our future project, which is in the early stages of production right now,” said the studio, likely referring to The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, which hadn’t yet been announced at the time. “AI will be used exclusively for additional work with concepts and speeding up some internal processes (for example, for creative search, inspiration, or vision coordination before starting conceptualisation itself).

“The final version of the game will not have any art generated by the neural networks. The same goes for the final concepts. Everything will be original and drawn by professional artists. On our current projects, Rogue Trader and Pathfinder, AI was not used at all.”

On the subject of generative AI used in game development, we’ve heard from a number of companies about their upcoming projects. Among them was Bethesda Game Studios, where studio lead Todd Howard noted the importance of the “element of artistic intention.”

“For us, we’re being incredibly cautious,” said Howard. “[We’re] kind of viewing [it] as a tool, like an analyst, to look at the data in our games. We’re not using it to generate anything. I think there’s an element of artistic intention that is essential to what we do and what others do.”

CEO of Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive, Strauss Zelnick, had similarly noted that the studio isn’t using generative AI for any of the creative aspects of Grand Theft Auto 6. Krafton has also noted that Project Windless – a game unveiled in February – is also not using generative AI for development.

It features a mission where the player (and their twin) return to Pinkwater 4 station, where they meet Zafar (who later joins as a mechanic). The latter is a teammate who can provide support even when not actively in your squad. As with Owlcat’s previous games, choices will have consequences. Xbox Wire promises that the beta is “no exception,” but suffice to say that it will have an impact on others.

A wide variety of weapons are also available to try out, including pistols, SMGs, snipers and whatnot, but you can also utilize different gadgets like a zero gravity grenade or even deploying small drones to assail enemies. Cover is also important, although, as showcased in the trailer, it can crumble after taking too much damage.

Alongside Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be available on Game Pass Ultimate day one and even supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will allow players to meet and befriend plenty of characters, including the protagonist’s own identical twin, J, who works as the executive officer of the crew, and is described as being the player’s impulsive but loyal right hand. J’s Exploit—a core gameplay mechanic—will be Precision. The crew will also include a doctor—Teo—who is equipped with the Malfunction Exploit, and is said to be a “loud and boisterous combat medic who lost his medical license on Earth.” In gameplay, Teo will be able to make use of experimental stimulants to bolster his capabilities.

The personalities of the companions in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn fall in a wide spectrum of different traits. Liaison officer Regina, for instance, has a guarded personality, and is equipped with the Precision Exploit. On the other side of this spectrum is shipgirl Polly, who is described as being youthful, optimistic, and chatty. In combat, Polly can make use of her SMG to lay down covering fire, and make use of her Demolition Exploit when needed. There are also snarky characters in the crew, like electronic warfare specialist Aleesha, who has devoted her life to seek out complicated problems and unsolvable enigmas to test her own mental capabilities. Her Exploit is Cyber-attack.

Rounding off the crew is gunner Michael, who joined up after working in the UN military as well as private security and eventually growing disillusioned. The character has been described as being principled, while also struggling with tragedies he has faced in the past. His Exploit is Demolition. Mechanical engineer Zafar is an interesting foil to the louder, snarkier characters in the crew, thanks to his calm and collected nature. In battle, he can deploy turrets and EMF devices to disorient enemies by shorting their equipment. Along with this, his Malfunction Exploit will also likely come in handy.

Details have also been revealed about how these Exploits play out in actual gameplay terms. Essentially special abilities, Exploits can be used in the midst of combat to turn the tides in your favor. For example, characters with Precision can identify and shoot at vulnerable points in the environment. Malfunction, on the other hand, wrecks electrical systems. Cyber-attack works in a similar way, but rather than outright messing them up, the electrical systems are instead turned against the enemies.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While Owlcat Games hasn’t yet confirmed a release date, more information is slated to be revealed this week at the Xbox Partner Preview. In the meantime, check out its most recent trailer, which shows off a new threat getting aboard the crew’s ship.

It’s probably an important part of the story set between the books and the TV show, prompting you and your crew to take appropriate measures to defend against it. While there are little to no details on when and where it could appear, what’s certain is that you’re going to have to brace yourself for the aftermath of what happens when it does.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Owlcat has in store for us and whether this new threat can manage to fit into its effort to present an authentic take on space travel for us to engage with. Equally interesting is how this threat affects the relationships you have with your fellow crew members, and how their respective abilities can help in bringing it down.

While Osiris Reborn doesn’t have a release date yet, it’s coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S sometime in the near future. It will receive a new look at the upcoming Xbox Partner Preview on March 26th, so we could see even more of this nightmarish scenario soon.

It will receive an “in-depth look,” which could finally provide more details on its gameplay and story. Other titles like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will receive “new looks”, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting an “update.” Perhaps we’ll finally learn when the release windows for its story expansions and multiplayer, nearly 1.5 years after its original launch.

Microsoft also promises new reveals, “world premieres”, and even Game Pass announcements, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Deep dives and behind-the-scenes details will also be revealed for “select titles” on Xbox Wire, in case you want to dig even deeper into their development.

Stranger Than Heaven doesn’t have a release date, but Sega previously said it would launch during or after fiscal year 2027. Persona 4 Revival is slated for the same window, and given how it was announced during last year’s Xbox Games Showcase, what are the odds that it appears during the Partner Preview?

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is also intriguing because Owlcat Games previously confirmed closed beta access for those who pre-purchased the Miller’s Pack for $79.99. Perhaps it will finally reveal plans for the same. As always, stay tuned for more details and live coverage this Thursday.

More importantly, however, those who pre-ordered the Developers Digital Pack or Collector’s Edition can access the first alpha now. It’s currently playable on Steam, though it exists separately from the main product page. The contents of the alpha haven’t been outlined, but it experienced a slight delay as Owlcat worked to address numerous issues.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. If you’re curious about Rogue Trader, check out our review of the base game, which has seen numerous changes and improvements since launch.

Owlcat Games is also working on The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a third-person shooter/RPG that takes significant inspiration from the Mass Effect series. It’s coming to the same platforms sans any release date, but you can also access its pre-launch beta (whenever it’s available) by purchasing the $80 Miller’s Pack.

One of the biggest fears while venturing outside into space is suddenly floating off into the void. That’s why, as Chiao notes, the crew uses tethers, but that wouldn’t really work in a “reactive” game like Osiris Reborn. “So mag-boots is a creative way to kind of compromise and keep it realistic,” he said, “but also be able to be reactive.”

Of course, space also has a significant impact on guns, including recoil, ballistics and, most importantly, sound. While the most realistic scenario would mean almost no sound whatsoever, studio audio director Sergey Eybog says, “In our vacuum, you hear more than astronauts would, but far less than in atmosphere. What you hear is what your character feels: breathing, comms, vibrations. The tension lingers — and so do the fears.”

Ship life is just as important as combat, however, and a lot of that revolves around food. “To craft the right atmosphere, we focus on the smallest of details,” says game design producer Yuliya Chernenko. “Life in space changes tastes. Astronauts often crave spices just to feel such sensations again.”

Since Pinkwater features meals from ingredients that are only grown in orbit, you’ll still hear others talking about them and food in general. Perhaps also about obtaining some contraband (read: spices) to experience some particular sensations again?

Time will tell, but thus far, we’re liking how Owlcat adapts The Expanse’s more “grounded” sci-fi approach into the video game format. Osiris Reborn doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Speaking to WCCF Tech, game design director Leonid Rastorguev confirmed that it’s “about the length of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” and that players could expect “20, 30 hours of gameplay.” Producer Yuliya Chernenko added, “It’s definitely not as long as our previous games, but it will still be emotion-packed.”

Of course, there’s also a “lot of side content.” “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is not a linear story-driven game. There is a lot of side content.” The mission following the incident on Eros is unskippable, “but after that, you will have a solar system to explore. You can go to Earth, Luna, Mars, Ceres Station, Ganymede, and Io; there is a lot of stuff.”

And yes, for Mass Effect enjoyers, there will be companion-specific content, with Chernenko confirming that, “Companions are our main focus in general.” Whether this is included in the estimated length or separate remains to be seen.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, retailing at $49.99 (with those purchasing the $80 Miller’s Pack receiving beta access). Check out the latest trailer, which showcases the gorgeous sights of each location and what makes them so dangerous.

Ganymede is the station with excessive amounts of greenery and veggies, but that vibrancy is also home to Martians who won’t think twice about shooting UNN soldiers. Ceres is a seedier location that’s also home to The Belt’s largest port. Between the sheer amount of bars and OPA extremists, there’s a lot to see and suffer from.

Sadly, the twins decide on something else entirely – Eros, an asteroid where an outbreak lands them on the wrong side of a massive conspiracy. Players must deal with the aftermath, making Ceres and Ganymede more than optional.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is in development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It doesn’t have a release date, but you can pre-order it for $49.99, a price tag we’ve come to appreciate in recent months.