Gaming

Bringing Sci-Fi to Life: The Real Science Behind The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

Today, Owlcat Games offered fans a look behind the scenes of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and its depiction of life in space in the form of a new dev diary revealed during the Golden Joystick Awards. In collaboration with former NASA astronaut and ISS commander Leroy Chiao, the studio worked at striking the right balance between realism and playability. 

Watch the new dev diary here:
 YouTube | Download

*Archival spaceflight footage courtesy of former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is based on the book series and TV show. The Expanse is famous for taking a “hard” approach to the science-fiction genre, incorporating real-world scientific theories and practices. In order to make life in space in-game as faithful to the original as possible, while at the same time creating a fun gaming experience, Owlcat collaborated with former NASA pilot and ISS commander Leroy Chiao, incorporating his experience on how he moved, breathed, and even ate in space. For example, astronauts tend to favor spicy food in order to regain some of the loss of sensation that comes from living on a space station for months or years at a time — this is reflected in-game with characters clearly having a craving for fiery food!  

On the other hand, the team had to move away from a purely realistic depiction of life in space at some points, so the gameplay didn’t suffer. Real astronauts use tethers when they leave the security of their ships and space stations; but since this would be cumbersome in a video game, magnetic boots were introduced as a compromise. 

The same approach applies to combat: firearm ballistics and recoil work differently in zero-G than on solid ground, and famously, there is (almost) no sound in space. However, since sound effects and weapon feedback are important elements of what makes combat in games feel good, the team had to find a compromise. Sound in game is muffled, but players can still get feedback in the form of vibrations, breathing, and radio sound. 

Stay tuned for more information about The Expanse: Osiris Reborn in the future. 

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will launch on PC via SteamEpic Games Store, and GOG, and on console via Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Fans can wishlist the game now.

Stay up to date with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn by visiting the official website and following Owlcat Games’ FacebookX (Twitter)InstagramDiscord, and YouTube.

A complete press kit, with key art, screenshots, trailers, and more, can be found here: https://uberstrategist.link/The-Expanse-Osiris-Reborn-Press-Kit.  

About Owlcat Games

Owlcat Games is a developer and publisher with a passion for RPGs and narrative-driven experiences. What began as a small team of games industry veterans with a love for tabletop roleplaying has evolved into a truly international studio. Headquartered in Cyprus with over 450 employees worldwide, Owlcat continues to grow, drawing talent from across the globe — and still finds time to roll dice together every week, in person and online.

Previous titles include the critically acclaimed Pathfinder: KingmakerPathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.

About Alcon Interactive Group

Founded in 2016 by Scott Parish and Dan Offner, the Alcon Interactive Group (AIG) is a publisher of original video games such as Blade Runner: Revelations and the award-winning indie game In My Shadow.  AIG also develops video games based on Alcon’s original properties such as The Expanse: A Telltale StoryBlade Runner: Enhanced Edition and the Emmy nominated Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn ©2025 developed and published by Owlcat Games Ltd. The Expanse is a trademark of Alcon Television Group, LLC. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and all associated logos, illustrations, images, names, locations, characters, and story elements are trademarks and/or copyrights owned by Owlcat Games Ltd and Alcon Interactive Group, LLC. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Ben

I am the owner of Cerebral-overload.com and the Verizon Wireless Reviewer for Techburgh.com. My love of gadgets came from his lack of a Nintendo Game Boy when he was a child . I vowed from that day on to get his hands on as many tech products as possible. My approach to a review is to make it informative for the technofile while still making it understandable to everyone. Ben is a new voice in the tech industry and is looking to make a mark wherever he goes. When not reviewing products, I is also a 911 Telecommunicator just outside of Pittsburgh PA. Twitter: @gizmoboaks

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