The Homeworld Mobile developers at Stratosphere Games had their work cut out for them in bringing the iconic PC RTS franchise to mobile devices, and they've done a remarkable job creating a game that is both accessible on mobile and surprisingly authentic to the Homeworld legacy. In addition to the strategy gameplay Homeworld fans have come to expect, Homeworld Mobile also incorporates some MMO elements that foster a sense of cooperation among its community, with players sharing a persistent galaxy and assisting one another in their combat and resource-gathering efforts.
Speaking with Game ZXC, Stratosphere Games CEO Kristian Metzger weighed in on the team's approach to bringing a Homeworld game to mobile. He weighed in on the many challenges involved in creating a mobile game that would live up to a franchise known for its complex real-time strategy, and how it was important not to compromise on some of Homeworld's most recognizable qualities. Additionally, Metzger talked about how the Homeworld Mobile team has worked closely with Homeworld 3's team at Blackbird Interactive in order to develop a cohesive narrative.
Homeworld 3: War Games Roguelike Mode Hands-on Preview
Homeworld 3's War Games mode is a welcome addition to a real-time strategy franchise that has a long history of pushing the genre forward.
Homeworld Mobile Successfully Brings the PC Franchise to Mobile
In terms of UI and strategy, the Homeworld games are a bit more complex than more typical real-time strategy games due to the tactics involved in fleet-based combat. On mobile devices, executing commands with one's thumbs could prove incredibly challenging without a clever solution, which led to Homeworld Mobile's UI designer going with a target list approach akin to EVE Online's method of targeting. This allows players to quickly browse through friendly and hostile targets and execute commands from a nifty list, rather than fumbling about the screen and trying to frantically tap on moving targets.
Transitioning a PC RTS series like Homeworld to mobile presented challenges, primarily in adapting the controls. After numerous iterations and feedback, a target list emerged as the optimal control experience. Our UI designer did iterate and test many times. And while we are quite happy with the current results, we are permanently looking for better ways to control the battlefield.
The art style and music are central to Homeworld's essence. We ensured these elements were captured without compromises. And did you notice the trails? It was a very long discussion about how we could implement this unique visual aspect in the game without reducing clarity too much.
Homeworld Mobile has also paid special attention to the Homeworld series' distinct art style both in the visual and audio domains. Each ship in Homeworld Mobile's arsenal would look right at home if hyperspaced into any other Homeworld game, and the developers even paid attention to small details like engine trails which have long been a Homeworld staple. The music, sound effects, and even the radio chatter during combat or when executing commands should all feel very much like Homeworld to longtime fans who are familiar with the series' audio.
Homeworld Mobile and Homeworld 3 Worked Together On Narrative Cohesion
As anticipation for Homeworld 3's upcoming release grows, Stratosphere Games worked closely with Blackbird Interactive to ensure that Homeworld Mobile's narrative is interwoven with Homeworld 3. Although the manner in which these two games may overlap is yet to be seen, it's exciting to see Homeworld's narrative expand even further in the years since Blackbird released Deserts of Kharak.
There's palpable anticipation for Homeworld 3. Our teams have collaborated closely, especially in narrative coherence, ensuring that events in Whirlpool and Nimbus are interwoven. Since the beginning of the project, we have discussed the development of both projects with Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox. While both are different games, they fully fit into the IP. That was especially important for Gearbox and even the core target audience was not like every other mobile game. It was designed for Homeworld fans and adjusted later throughout the development to make it more accessible for Homeworld beginners.
To celebrate the game's first anniversary as well as the 22nd anniversary of the original Homeworld game, Homeworld Mobile is kicking off an anniversary event featuring narrative-based missions along with a general update that has brought some substantial improvements to the game as a whole. With the Homeworld Remastered games available, Homeworld 3 on the horizon, and Homeworld Mobile at players' fingertips, it's definitely a great time to be a fan of real-time space strategy.
Homeworld Mobile is free to play on Mobile.