Introducing - Master of Orion: Ad Astra

The first and only true 4X adaptation of Master of Orion

Drawing upon the countless hours we have spent playing PC games and board games, we have made the decision to create something truly special. We are immensely proud to announce our latest video game adaptation: "Master of Orion: Ad Astra.”

CEO, Jarek Ewertowski:

"Master of Orion holds a special place in my gaming heart, as I devoted thousands of hours to it back in 1999. As a kid, I used to spend my school holidays at my grandpa's house, far away from computers. It was during those moments that I began designing board games inspired by the video games I loved, and one of those creations was based on Master of Orion. For me, this project is not just a labor of love; it's an incredibly nostalgic journey and a dream come true." 

Project manager, Michał Tukan:

“Master of Orion is an outstanding 4X game, and I take immense pride in being at the helm of this monumental project. The vast universe it offers holds tremendous potential, and as a devoted enthusiast of the PC version of Master of Orion, I consider this journey to be our next thrilling adventure.”

Main designer, Jacek Karpowicz: 

"I can still vividly recall the days when I delved into 4X games on my trusty old Amiga computer nearly three decades ago—such fond memories. It's truly a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most iconic series in the genre. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring that the final product lives up to the esteemed legacy it holds."

Platform & Licensing Lead, Mariya Kozenkova:

“It's an absolute joy to be a part of this endeavor, where we have the privilege of seeing a cherished virtual gaming experience gracefully evolve and make its way into the enchanting world of tabletop play.”

Why a 4X game?

Firstly, our passion for all things geek-related drives us. Additionally, we firmly believe that there is a substantial niche in the market waiting to be filled by another epic game of this kind. Such games provide developers and designers with ample creative freedom to bring their ingenious concepts to life.

For years, we've pondered the idea of developing this kind of game, and we genuinely believe that Master of Orion is deserving of an epic adaptation. As avid fans of 4X games, we've observed numerous unofficial adaptations based on the Master of Orion franchise in the past. These adaptations often shared similar technology, game systems, economic rules, and diverse races in their worlds. However, this time, we have the unique opportunity to deliver a true-to-its-roots 4X game that remains faithful to the original archetype of Master of Orion.

Main goals & Mechanics

Above all, our primary objective is to provide players with an extraordinary experience, where they can step into the role of a leader representing one of the numerous available races, ultimately becoming the ruler of the Orion sector. Our aim is to immerse you in a gameplay experience where you genuinely feel like the master of the galaxy.

The game is designed to accommodate 2-4 players, and our intention is to create an epic gaming experience that is slightly more time-efficient compared to other similar products. The core game will feature a selection of 6 distinct races for players to choose from. Throughout our development process, we are dedicated to crafting an experience that stands out significantly from other 4X games.

We aim to create a gaming experience that immerses you in the role of a true spacefaring civilization leader, transcending mere number-crunching. To accomplish this, we're placing a heightened emphasis on the more nuanced aspects of gameplay—managing the population, developing new technologies, and constructing essential infrastructure. And spies. Let's not overlook the important role of spies. After all, espionage is a cornerstone of the Master of Orion series.

Rest assured, even the most battle-hungry players will find ample opportunities for conflict and encounters with space pirates. The combat system we've created for that purpose strikes a delicate balance, respecting your valuable time while offering many engaging decisions to make.

ABOUT ARCHON

Archon Studio, located in Poland, is a steadily expanding company that specializes in catering to hobbyists by offering a diverse range of products. These include miniatures, plastic terrain, and accessories designed for RPG and wargaming enthusiasts. Archon Studio is also notable as a board game publisher, with a strong focus on popular IPs such as Heroes of Might and Magic III, Wolfenstein, and Masters of the Universe.

One of Archon Studio's distinguishing features is our unwavering commitment to innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence in our products. The company stands out thanks to our state-of-the-art facility, which includes its factory and modern CNC machines—a rarity in Europe. We take pride in the meticulous manufacturing process of our products, using high-quality hard plastic (HIPS).

To discover more, visit archon-studio.com

ABOUT MASTER OF ORION

When thinking about the 4X genre, Master of Orion always holds a unique place. It was the first title to pioneer many aspects that these games are now known for and was the first to do it so well. As a result, countless people regard it as the genre's venerable progenitor, and when new titles emerge, they are often measured against it. Even the term '4X' can be traced back to 1993 when Alan Emrich, in Computer Gaming World, rated this particular game as 'XXXX.' These four Xs stood as an abbreviation for 'eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate,' and while it was initially intended as a playful pun, it soon became the name for the entire genre, influencing a plethora of similar games.

It also had a great premise: a galaxy teeming with intelligent species, all vying for supremacy, each armed with their unique philosophies, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether through overwhelming numbers, advanced technologies, or devious strategies intertwined with espionage. It was the title that ignited the dreams of countless individuals. As a result, comprehending the full extent of its influence is likely an impossible task. But it undeniably left its mark on the pages of books, games, and the vast tapestry of other creative media.

Our adaptation will use Kickstarter as a crowdfunding platform, and we plan to launch the campaign some time in Q4 2024. For more information, please visit our landing page which you can find here: masteroforionadastra.com

ABOUT WARGAMING

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 16 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius, Kyiv and Belgrade. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming's titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.

Official website: wargaming.com