Fans of The Expanse are well aware that its universe is deeply rooted in scientific principles. Authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck have earned acclaim for crafting a setting that strives to align with our current understanding of physics, a commitment faithfully mirrored in the television adaptation.
A key aspect of this realism is the portrayal of space travel. In this universe, a substance called "The Juice" is administered to crew members strapped into Crash Couches to help them endure the intense G-forces of high-speed maneuvers. Beyond this, journeys between destinations are depicted as taking a realistic amount of time—spanning days, weeks, or even months—depending on factors like distance, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
However, Owlcat's upcoming action RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, takes a different approach. While inspired by the show's grounded science, the game is not a strict simulation but rather a space adventure in the style of Mass Effect. During a Q&A session ahead of its reveal at the Xbox Partner Preview showcase, the developers explained their solution to handling lengthy travel times.
Game design director Leonid Rastorguev noted, "The Expanse setting is very grounded and scientifically accurate, which imposes significant constraints on development. For instance, when designing new gadgets, we must vet every concept against modern physics, often consulting with scientific advisors."
He continued, "Regarding the passage of time during ship voyages—which in The Expanse can take days, weeks, or months—we decided against implementing a time management mechanic. We felt it would be excessive. Instead, we'll convey this through atmosphere and short cutscenes that depict daily life aboard the ship: crew members communicating, sharing meals, exercising, and more. This aims to immerse players in the feeling of time passing during these long journeys. Additionally, other elements will help explain how extended space travel functions in this universe."
Rastorguev's remarks align with those of creative director Alexander Mishulin in a previous interview with IGN. Mishulin elaborated, "We considered adding interactive travel segments and even designed some, but ultimately chose to present these aspects through cutscenes. We want to avoid tedious mechanics that could distract from the story and characters, which are our primary focus."
He added, "Players will witness key moments in cutscenes, such as the administration of The Juice, chairs reclining for maneuvers, ships accelerating or decelerating, and somersault turns. While you won't pilot the ship yourself, all travel trajectories will be realistic, accounting for gravity and orbital paths. We're committed to The Expanse's realism but don't want it to detract from the fun. For example, in zero-g shootouts, blood will behave authentically rather than simply splattering on surfaces—these small details are woven throughout the game."
At the Xbox Partner Preview, Owlcat announced that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will enter closed beta on April 22, with Microsoft confirming it as a day-one launch title for Game Pass. The beta will run until the game's full release in spring 2027.
