Crowdfunded Sci-Fi MMORPG Offers Planet Ownership for Early Supporters

The developer studio Playable Worlds is setting its sights high with the ambitious project, Stars Reach. This sci-fi MMORPG is being spearheaded by Raph Koster, a renowned figure in the world of online games, given his past successes with iconic titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. After five years of development and a substantial $38 million from investors, the game still finds itself in the pre-alpha phase, prompting the studio to seek additional funding through a Kickstarter campaign.

While Playable Worlds hasn’t disclosed concrete financial targets for the campaign, they have unveiled enticing rewards for backers. These rewards are designed to engage supporters without disrupting the game’s balance.

Backers can anticipate a range of rewards depending on their level of support. For instance, a “Citizen” tier earns an in-game title, an exclusive Discord rank, and stunning 4K wallpapers. The “Scout” tier adds in-game outfits, beginner gear for early access, a unique pet emote, and a mention in the credits. Meanwhile, the “Reacher” tier offers four invitation passes for friends, starter sets with sturdy tools, and special pets. At the top tier, “Titan” backers receive an invitation to the “Stars Reach” Launch Party, get to design their own planet, attain immortality in the “Hall of Heroes,” and even have a personal interview with Raph Koster.

Each subsequent tier builds upon the rewards of the previous ones, and early supporters can enjoy limited-time discounts. However, the details on pricing for each tier remain under wraps for now.

Fans eager to delve into the universe of Stars Reach can now follow the campaign on Kickstarter ahead of its official launch on February 10. With an expected early access date set for late 2025, Stars Reach promises to be a game worth watching as it progresses.