Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox Software bringing a new installment, ‘Deserts of Kharak,’ in Homeworld series

A new installment for the popular RTS (real-time strategy) series, Homeworld, was confirmed in 2013, but a recent announcement from Gearbox Software suggests that the name of previously announced title “Homeworld: Shipbreakers” is now changed to “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak.” The release of this prequel in the Homeworld series is scheduled for next month.

Gearbox announced the release date of a new game for the Homeworld series called “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak” via its official blog. The game will be released on Jan. 20, 2016 for Windows PC via Steam. The game is an origin story set on the planet Kharak. The chief science officer, Rachel S’jet, leads a team from the Coalition of the Northern Kiithid to investigate the findings in enemy territory. This expedition may possibly lead to a life-changing event for the people surviving on the dying planet Kharak.

Gearbox Software also released a trailer video for “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak” and it reveals a huge play area in the game. The surface is not just a flat ground full of sand. Instead, it reveals deep craters, dune seas, and very big canyons. Obviously, these formations will put players into challenging conditions in this RTS game. Additionally, several giant land carriers can also be seen in the video. The game also features big maps to help the players plan their strategy and move forward in the right direction.

The team of developers at Blackbird Interactive worked on the original “Homeworld” games at Relic Entertainment. The team has also worked on a popular title called “Company of Heroes.” Later, the Blackbird Interactive separated their operations with Relic Entertainment and the team started developing their own RTS, “Hardware: Shipbreakers.” DualShockers reported that the Gearbox Software acquired the “Homeworld” franchise and the “Hardware: Shipbreaker” which eventually became “Homeworld: Shipbreakers.” Now after the recent announcement, the game will finally be known as “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak.”

Fans can pre-order the copy of “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak” on Steam for US $49.99 (approx. AU $70). The pre-ordered copies will be bundled with a free copy of “Homeworld Remastered.” Existing “Homeworld Remastered” owners will be able to get 20 percent discount on each preorder for “Deserts of Kharak.”