The video discusses the emergence of Kitten Space Agency (KSA) as a spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program 2 (KSP 2), which has been deemed effectively dead following the shutdown of its developer, Intercept Games. KSA, developed by Rocket Works under Dean Hall, aims to improve upon KSP’s foundations with a custom engine for better performance and physics, while also emphasizing community involvement and modding capabilities.
The video discusses the recent developments surrounding the space simulation game Kerbal Space Program 2 (KSP 2) and introduces a new game called Kitten Space Agency (KSA), which aims to be its spiritual successor. KSP 2, launched in early access in early 2023, faced significant issues and has since been declared effectively dead after the studio behind it, Intercept Games, was shut down by Take-Two Interactive. This has left the future of the KSP IP uncertain, prompting interest in KSA as a potential alternative for fans of the genre.
KSA is being developed by Rocket Works, led by Dean Hall, known for his work on DayZ. The game aims to build upon the foundations laid by KSP while addressing its shortcomings, particularly the notorious “Kraken” physics glitches. To achieve this, Rocket Works is creating a custom engine called “Brutal Brol,” which focuses on performance optimization, multi-threading, and precise physics calculations. This bespoke framework is intended to deliver a seamless and realistic space exploration experience.
The game will utilize real astronomical data to simulate orbits and trajectories, allowing for complex space travel mechanics. KSA aims to enhance immersion through high-resolution terrain and detailed height maps, making planetary exploration more engaging. Additionally, the developers are including features for modding, recognizing the strong community that surrounded KSP. Players will have the ability to visualize in-game objects and modify existing worlds or create new ones, further expanding the gameplay experience.
While the technical aspects of KSA are being prioritized, details about gameplay mechanics, objectives, and artistic direction remain vague. The developers have expressed their intent to involve the community early on, contrasting with the approach taken by Intercept Games with KSP 2. This strategy aims to foster a strong player base and address the limitations observed in previous space simulation games, potentially leading to a more successful and engaging title.
The video also touches on the broader context of Take-Two Interactive’s recent decisions, including the sale of its Indie-focused publishing label, Private Division, and the closure of studios under this label. The uncertain future of KSP 2 has left many players dissatisfied, with overwhelmingly negative reviews reflecting their frustrations. As Take-Two shifts its focus towards major AAA titles, the fate of KSP 2 remains unclear, while KSA emerges as a hopeful new contender in the space simulation genre.