Kerbal Space Program 2 is in development, publisher Private Division revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live on Monday.
A follow up to 2011’s Kerbal Space Program, the sequel looks to increase what players can create. The trailer shows a group of Kerbals — tiny green people — taking to the stars once again. An official description of the game promises “exciting new parts, stunning visuals, colony building, interstellar travel, enhanced modding, and multiplayer.”
In Kerbal Space Program 2, it looks like players can colonize the Mun with their little Kerbal astronauts. The trailer also shows off a bit of space station gameplay, rocket building, and the creation of incredible fortresses. Players will be able to build without worrying about gravity.
While the trailer is cinematic, the Kerbal art style looks to have grown significantly since the first game. As players adventure onto the Mun, their team of Kerbals will look a bit more stylish than before.
Squad, the Mexican studio that created the original Kerbal Space Program, isn’t making the sequel. Instead, Seattle-area indie studio Star Theory Games will develop Kerbal Space Program 2 under the Private Division label at Take-Two Interactive, which acquired the franchise in 2017.
In a statement posted to the Kerbal forums, a Squad representative said the studio has been communicating with Star Theory during the sequel’s development.
“We are happy to say that as well as being lifelong fans of KSP who deeply understand what makes this game so great, they are also skilled developers with their own roster of games,” said Squad, speaking about the team at Star Theory. “We’re confident that you’ll all love what is being concocted to bring our beloved franchise to new heights.”
Squad added that it will “continue to support” the first game, and that members of the team “in various capacities are assisting Star Theory to make the best possible sequel.”
Kerbal Space Program 2 is set to launch by the end of March 2020 on Windows PC via Steam and other storefronts for $59.99, followed “shortly after” by PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, according to a news release from Private Division. For a longer look at Kerbal Space Program 2’s creation, check out the 10-minute developer video above.
Update: Following a press release from Private Division and a forum post by Kerbal Space Program developer Squad, we’ve updated the post to reflect new information regarding Kerbal Space Program 2.
