This past June, we got initial information about a new game called DUST: Origins, a sci-fi horror-themed isometric shooter from Airship Syndicate, a studio that’s most familiar to our readers as the one behind optionally multiplayer RPG Wayfinder. At the time of our initial reporting, we had presumed that this new game was going to be single-player, and noted that Airship Syndicate was readying a Kickstarter campaign for it. There have been quite a few updates since then that we’re gathering up here to keep curious fans informed.
First off: The Kickstarter campaign was axed at the end of August, with only $66,732 of its $250K goal raised. An announcement from the studio confirms that the game’s “wishlisting momentum” was far superior to its Kickstarter engagement, and so the campaign was ended, though the post also reassures that the game is fully funded; the crowdfunding was intended to make the game release faster.
We can also confirm from that same post that DUST: Origins is indeed “fully single-player” with a release on PC only, though a console launch is possible later. It also confirms that despite its appearance, it is not a roguelike but more like a metroidvania, with the station opening up with more areas to explore as things are uncovered. The game’s Steam page also confirms its replayability hinges on being “built around new game plus” and having multiple endings that change based on decisions made.
Considering this game doesn’t appear to have any multiplayer, this will very possibly be the final time we report on DUST: Origins, but we will close out by aiming interested gamers toward plans for a playtest that is coming soon so that fans can “help [the devs] understand what’s working and what needs more attention.” Signups for this test are being managed through FirstLook. We’ve also got a gameplay trailer below.
