The creators of Everspace have raised 8 million euros for the development of the next installment in the series
The studio ROCKFISH Games, known for the Everspace series of space shooters, has received a substantial grant from the German government.
Everspace 2
In an interview with GamesIndustry, ROCKFISH Games CEO Michael Schade stated that the €8 million grant would cover just under half of the new Everspace's production budget. In total, the studio plans to spend approximately €20 million on its creation.
The studio has not yet received all the promised funds. According to the rules, the German authorities will transfer the money to ROCKFISH Games gradually over five years, with developers required to report quarterly on their progress. Schade believes there are advantages in this level of oversight — it will allow the studio to plan the development stages acutely, ultimately benefiting the game.
According to Schade, the grant has provided his studio with "long-term stability," allowing it to grow slightly. They have already started hiring new employees, planning salary increases, and various marketing activities.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time ROCKFISH Games has received a grant. Previously, the German authorities funded the creation of the Titans and Wrath of the Ancients expansions for Everspace 2.