Star Atlas Progress Report

This is a segment from The Drop newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.

Star Atlas, an ambitious sci-fi interplanetary MMORPG, has made strides toward its full launch since its white paper was released back in 2021.

Currently, there’s a web-based game called SAGE (Star Atlas Golden Era) available until the full, immersive 3D main game launches.

In a broader crypto market characterized by quick hype cycles, maintaining player interest and financial viability can be challenging for a game with a longer development timeline. However, Michael Wagner, CEO and co-founder of Star Atlas, asserts that they are doing well.

> “It’s been a wild couple of years, but this year it’s looking strong for us,” Wagner stated in an interview with Blockworks at GDC. “Things have recovered quite well post-FTX.”

Last month, Star Atlas released a substantial patch that introduced Galia mode, which allows for single-player space exploration without any loading screens. While players can explore barren planets and experience biome diversity, Wagner emphasized that the mode showcases seamless navigation through Star Atlas.

I jumped into this mode and captured a few screenshots from my exploration:

The graphics look amazing, and flying through space felt smooth. You can definitely experience the physics related to gravity in this game. I tried two different ships but encountered some glitches while landing on a planet. Such hiccups are common in development.

In addition to Galia mode, players can manage ships from a macro perspective in Fleet Command. Mining features will also be introduced within Galia mode, albeit without initial crypto rewards.

Future game additions include a team deathmatch arena shooter mode, an extraction shooter, and zone-based gameplay, all set within the main game client. Star Atlas will also feature a built-in Solana wallet and in-game NFTs.

> “We’re kind of a blend between multiple games,” Wagner noted, comparing it to titles like Star Citizen, No Man’s Sky, and Eve Online. He underscored the importance of an in-game economy, stating, “It’s part of the value proposition of Web3… you can produce real income while you’re playing.”

Wagner acknowledged that financial conditions fluctuate. The ATLAS token is down over 99% from its all-time high, with a similar fate for the project’s DAO token POLIS.

Despite this, he resists the notion that games should prioritize fun over economic structure. “I’ve pushed back pretty heavily on that,” he explained, emphasizing that a solid financial model is essential for blockchain gaming and that the game economy is a significant focus for Star Atlas.

Wagner did, however, caution that the ambitious goals of Star Atlas might not all come to fruition. He drew parallels with Star Citizen, which has faced criticism for its lengthy development timeline and high-priced ship model sales. This sentiment resonates amidst Star Atlas’s own ambitious promises to players.