Blackbird Interactive Secures Full Ownership of Hardspace: Shipbreaker Intellectual Property

In a significant move, Blackbird Interactive has acquired complete ownership of the Hardspace: Shipbreaker IP from Focus Entertainment. The sci-fi simulation game, which was released in 2022, was developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, with the latter holding partial ownership of the IP. With this acquisition, Blackbird Interactive now holds full rights to the IP. The studio has also announced that multiple Hardspace projects are currently in development, promising to deliver the same blend of immersive world-building, physics-driven gameplay, and innovative design that fans have come to expect. To involve the community in the development process, Blackbird Interactive has launched the LYNX Pioneer Program, allowing enthusiasts to participate in exclusive playtests, gain behind-the-scenes access, and contribute to the shaping of future Hardspace and original IP projects. According to Rory McGuire, president and CCO at Blackbird Interactive, the IP has resonated deeply with millions of players, and the studio is committed to expanding and deepening this connection through new games that explore the Hardspace universe. McGuire also expressed gratitude for the partnership with Focus Entertainment, which was instrumental in the game's success. Earlier this month, Lyrical Games, the newly established publishing arm of Lyrical Media, announced its launch and revealed plans to publish Blackbird Interactive's next game. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Blake Rochkind, head of Lyrical Games, disclosed that the publisher's first title will be unveiled at this year's Gamescom. Although Blackbird Interactive has not officially confirmed whether its new game will be set in the Hardspace: Shipbreaker universe, the studio's acquisition of the IP and the announcement of multiple projects in development have generated significant excitement among fans.