Former Blizzard Developers Unveil Wildgate: A Crew-Based Extraction FPS

On Tuesday, the gaming world was abuzz with excitement as Moonshot Games, a studio from the creative minds behind former Blizzard Entertainment CEO Mike Morhaime, unveiled their long-awaited first project. This game, Wildgate, is being pitched as a “crew-based first-person shooter,” but that simple label doesn’t quite capture the huge aspirations Moonshot has for this multiplayer extravaganza.

If you were thrilled by Secret Door’s ambitious Sunderfolk, then Wildgate is likely to hold your attention with its unique genre mash-up. The game goes beyond traditional team-based shooter dynamics by incorporating elements of resource management, strategic ship-to-ship clashes, sneaky subterfuge, and intense extraction sequences. Basically, it promises to bring a lively blend of chaos and unpredictability that will keep players on their toes.

In this cosmic adventure, you’ll step into the boots of a Prospector, on a relentless hunt for space salvage with the ultimate goal of snagging an Artifact. Victory hinges on either escaping an interstellar anomaly known as the Reach via the fabled Wildgate or outsmarting and outmaneuvering your rival Prospectors. Your toolkit? Everything from deploying probes to scout for loot and threats, to embarking on mining missions, sabotaging enemy vessels, and engaging in dramatic ship skirmishes during daring getaways.

Players can choose from a diverse lineup of Prospectors, each bringing unique skills and gear to the table, not to mention a selection of ships that cater to different playstyles. For those worried about repetition, the Reach is procedurally generated each time you play, ensuring that no two games feel the same.

Jason Chayes, Moonshot Games’ studio head, encapsulates the spirit of Wildgate perfectly. “For anyone who’s dreamt of a bold space escapade with a loyal crew, Wildgate is your game.” He invites adventurers to team up and tackle the ever-shifting cosmic challenges, whether they’re unpredictable obstacles within the Reach or cunning rival Prospectors. And then he adds with a grin, “Bring your best strategies, but remember, sometimes the most memorable escapades come from the unexpected.”

Gamers eager to jump into Wildgate’s universe won’t have to wait too long; a sneak peek playtest is slated for April 10-14, as Moonshot collaborates with Dreamhaven, Secret Door’s sister studio. Following that, Wildgate is projected to launch in 2025, landing on PlayStation 5, Windows PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X.

Mike Morhaime, CEO and co-founder of Dreamhaven, also chimed in, saying, “Wildgate offers a chance for players to bond over cooperative and strategic gameplay, staying true to Dreamhaven’s mission of creating enduring memories.” With each match offering new surprises and ship-to-ship warfare injecting a delightful dose of chaos, Morhaime can hardly wait for players to get their hands on the playtest.

Founded in 2020 by industry veteran Mike Morhaime after an illustrious 27-year stint with Blizzard Entertainment, Dreamhaven brings together a team of seasoned developers. Moonshot is helmed by gaming luminaries like Jason Chayes, known for Hearthstone and StarCraft 2, designer Dustin Browder, famed for StarCraft 2 and Heroes of the Storm, and Ben Thompson, an artist celebrated for his work on Hearthstone and the World of Warcraft trading card game.