Owlcat Games has released a new behind-the-scenes developer diary for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, offering players a deeper look at the studio’s approach to portraying life in space. The video features insights from former NASA astronaut and ISS commander Leroy Chiao, whose real-world experience helped shape the game’s grounded depiction of spacefaring life.
Drawing on the book series and television adaptation of The Expanse, Owlcat is continuing the franchise’s tradition of “hard” science fiction grounded in real scientific principles, astronaut behavior, and zero-G physics.
Working With an Astronaut to Capture Life in Orbit
To ensure the game’s depiction of space felt authentic, the studio consulted closely with Chiao, incorporating his firsthand experience of movement, breathing, and daily routines aboard the International Space Station. One example: astronauts often favor spicy food after extended time in orbit due to dulled senses. Owlcat adapted this detail directly into character behaviors and interactions.
The dev diary also includes archival spaceflight footage provided by Chiao, offering fans a rare bridge between real-world space travel and Owlcat’s sci-fi reimagining.
Finding the Line Between Realism and Playability
While the team embraced scientific authenticity where possible, pure realism doesn’t always make for great gameplay. For instance, astronauts use tethers when outside their vessels, but the mechanic proved too cumbersome in-game. Owlcat replaced it with magnetic boots, striking a midpoint between realism and fluid player movement.
Combat required similar compromises. Ballistics and recoil behave differently in zero gravity and in space; sound barely travels at all. But for a satisfying game feel, Owlcat opted for muffled audio, enhanced vibrations, and breathing cues to ground players in the moment without sacrificing responsiveness.
A Hard Sci-Fi RPG Shaped by Real Expertise
The developer diary underscores Owlcat’s commitment to a grounded, scientifically informed vision of The Expanse, enhancing immersion while ensuring the experience remains approachable, responsive, and fun. More information about The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be shared in the coming months.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn launches on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) and console (Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5). Fans can wishlist the game now.
