Carbon Based Lifeforms, a new game development studio based in Edinburgh, Scotland, has announced its first project. This free-to-play science-fiction massively multiplayer online (MMO) sandbox game is called Hyperspace and plans to drop players into a brand new universe with many paths for them to take. Whether as a bounty hunter, trader, explorer, craftsman, or even criminal space baron, players will be able to create their spacefarer from 8 playable races and discover a galaxy teeming with life, lore, and danger.

Hyperspace will be made up of thousands of star systems, multiple territories, and four galactic currencies all based in a new universe created by Carbon Based Lifeforms, with the assistance of several sci-fi writers who have yet to be announced. The developers want to be clear that the game aims to be an open sandbox, with a huge amount of player input. Explorers will discover new routes through the dangers of deep space, encouraging traders to move goods through these systems, as pirates find new points to ambush ships and take what they want by force. The economy will be player-driven, and a thriving weapon crafting scene will be sure to put out some interesting combinations of ships and weapons as players discover what this new universe has to offer.

As you gain fame and fortune through various means, you will be offered the chance to turn your gains into real-life money if you so choose, but every path to glory is paved with those who failed. Will you be a legend? Or will your name fade like a distant star?

While it is still early days yet and there is little to see of the game so far, here is a statement from Theo Priestley, CEO of Carbon Based Lifeforms;

“We are very excited to announce Hyperspace. We know that this game will mean a lot to the sci-fi gaming community because it means a lot to us as fans of MMOs and science fiction ourselves. Our goal is to bring old-school classic cosmic adventure into the next generation of sandbox MMOs with a vibrant player-driven economy and hugely expansive narrative to explore. We can’t wait to show you more, and hope you’ll join us on this journey… it’s going to be something special.”

We will be sure to keep you updated as more is revealed for this intriguing upcoming MMO. Keep an eye out right here on GameTyrant, and let us know what you think in the comments.