It was just over a year ago when Dean Hall, the mind behind games like DayZ and Icarus, announced that he will be making a space sim to rival the hugely well-regarded Kerbal Space Program. Now, Hall"s studio RocketWerkz is releasing a pre-alpha version of the aptly named Kitten Space Agency, with it available to download today for free.
The development team of this project includes the original Kerbal Space Program creator Felipe Falanghe. Leaning heavily into the sim nature of the game, former SpaceX flight controller Stefan Moluf is involved in the development. Moreover, several well-known members from the Kerbal Space Program modding community are also part of the team.
“Kerbal Space Program inspired a generation of people to be interested in space,” said Dean Hall, CEO of RocketWerkz. “With Kitten Space Agency, we want to carry that spirit forward. We firmly believe the first people to land on another planet, might end up being inspired by games like KSA. Games have a critical role in developing interest and trust in science.”
The pre-alpha build lets players explore Earth and the Moon using space maneuvers, as well as a test solar system, all without any loading screens.
Kitten Space Agency is being developed using the BRUTAL engine made in-house by RocketWerkz. The studio says that the game will feature "accurate physics, engineering depth, beautiful spacescapes, and open modding." The studio is also promising "radical transparency" during its development, which will be funded by the community.
“Contributions fund continued work, future features, and the infrastructure needed to keep development open,” Hall adds. “But people aren’t just supporting this project financially. They’re testing, refining, and improving it. It’s a shared mission in every sense.”
Kitten Space Agency in pre-alpha form is available now through the new Ahwoo platform of Dean Hall, where it is a free download.