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Firaxis Reveals New Interstellar Strategy Game, Sid Meier's Starships

Turn-based strategy game launching this year for PC, Mac, and iPad; watch a trailer and see some screenshots now.

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The next game from the mind of veteran Civilization designer Sid Meier has been revealed. 2K and Firaxis Games have announced Sid Meier's Starships, an interstellar strategy game.

Scheduled to arrive in early 2015, the turn-based game is coming to PC, Mac, and iPad. Pricing was not announced, nor were any details about a possible Android version.

No Caption Provided

In the game, you'll control a fleet of starships as you journey through the galaxy to complete missions, protect planets and their inhabitants, and build a planetary federation.

As you trek through the stars, you'll be challenged to expand your federation's influence and reach. You'll also amass futuristic technology and take part in turn-based combat using a deep roster of customizable ships, some of which you can see in the image gallery above.

2K adds that the missions you'll take on have their own unique maps, featuring "dynamically generated tactical combat" that should boost the game's replayability.

"When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth," Meier said. "What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?"

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration."

2K also teases that Beyond Earth and Starships will feature cross-connectivity for people who own both games. The developer isn't talking specifics, but says that this integration will "enhance and expand upon both game experiences."

Starships was developed by Meier and a small team at Firaxis. Check back later this week for an in-depth interview with Meier about his new development team, and lots more.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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UnderSeven

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I wonder if sid myers has realized that amplitude studio has been eating their lunch lately. Endless legend > Beyond earth. Could Endless space be better than this game?


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madjack1812

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I seem to recall there was a CIv IV mod that looked a lot like this. Seems interesting.

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Unetteh

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Final Frontier, looks almost exactly like this.

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s-fauji

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beauty !

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andresangulo

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Just wait 4 years for this game to be terrible and 2 DLCs to be released to finally make it good

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CapnXtraObvious

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THIS...ISN'T...XCOM!!!

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Vojtass

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<< LINK REMOVED >> You don't say.

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deactivated-5897603b5d106

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It's rather unfortunate that I don't particularly like their style of Strategy game, but I hope it's good.

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xsonicchaos

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It's Endless Space.

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maitkarro

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Nah, it's more like Galactic Civilization 1-3 considering how the map is laid out, have Endless Space(fights are pretty boring and very weird, like enemy ship get's blown up and the jet coming out of the thrusters is making the so called escape after the 3rd turn) and Gciv3.

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G4mBi7

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So PC version is going to bee compromised because if iPad BS? Also, i felt that Beyond Earth was incomplete, it now feels as thought. When BE ended, Starships should have started. Natural progression. But because of iPad release, it got divided up into two separate game. Even the models/coloring look like BE style.

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ahronee

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| 2K and Firaxis Games have announced Sid Meier's Starships, an interstellar strategy game
Awwwwwwwwww Yisssssssssss

| the turn-based game is coming to PC, Mac, and iPad

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

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Stebsis

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<< LINK REMOVED >> We can only hope they'll make entirely different version for PC and Mac, but I guess that would be making an effort

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ahronee

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> We're gonna get another Ace Patrol and we both know it

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adro191

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XCOM PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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coldfusion25

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It might be interesting if it wasn't another "Rated - G for children" style title.

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CapnXtraObvious

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Let's give aliens candy and invite them over > Let's kill some fcking aliens and fck afterwards

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deadheadbill

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Yeah, because sex, violence and cursing add so much to a space simulation. Stupid comment.

7 • 
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Prats93

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Fix Beyond Earth first.

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CapnXtraObvious

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Make a new XCOM 1st.

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Kjranu

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Giving up on the disaster that was Beyond Earth already?

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xsonicchaos

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<< LINK REMOVED >>

Disaster? It's either a masterpiece, or a frikin disaster....

Beyond Earth isn't that bad. It's not as good and deep as Civilization V, but I bet that's because they're planning a lot of DLCs for it. It's still and enjoyable game.

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MJ12-Conspiracy

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This could be good......

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yeah_28

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Well the more space and sci fi games the better for me, but I'd be surprised if this one was able to stay worth playing in the shadow of GalCivs3, if it is, then great, as competition and alternatives are welcome, but its gonna be tough.

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CapnXtraObvious

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Damn, I miss giving you my money, guys. Make a new XCOM instead.

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HecHocceH

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First I thought someone showed Sid FTL. Then I thought it's Sid Meier's Pirates in Space. Now I'm just glad I have an iPad:)

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HumdingerMarkie

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Pre-order Deluxe.

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cratecruncher

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Space game genre is getting pretty crowded lately but I'd rather have starships than zombies. I just hope Firaxis release a complete game, not a $60 starter set and 20 DLC bits.

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cpuchess

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<< LINK REMOVED >> That's it! Zombies in Space!... I am kidding, I am kidding..

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SilverWolfCezar

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I want this to be amazing but last years games changed my outllook on hype.

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daveb81

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Sounds kinda like a turn based Sins of a Solar Empire. Certainly not a bad thing. I'll be looking for more details.

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RicanV

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I have to admit that I was excited when I saw "New Game Sid Meiers Starships" and then I saw iPad compatibility and my interest declined a bit.

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Hekteur

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Passing on a game because they gonna make a tablet version is.... No. Nothing. Just skip on that game for that stupid reason. As a matter of fact, you should only make such rapid decision making. Go ahead!

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xLittlekillx

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> I agree with Rican.

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c2h5oc2h5

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> And I don't agree with Rican. There are numerous examples of good multiplatform games. I'd say Skulls of the Shogun or Shadowrun: Returns to name some. There are also some games ported to tablets, for example Battle for Wesnoth, Baldur's Gate, or upcoming Heroes 3. I bet Starships won't be most complex strategy around (definitely not Endless Space), probably some turn based battle simulator (think Batlefleet Gothic on your screen/turn based Homeworld-like something :P)... but that doesn't mean it won't be good. Personally I'm pretty excited, that's kind of game world lacks... and Sid Meier comes to the rescue :).

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G4mBi7

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<< LINK REMOVED >> the op's point just went over your head didn't it? LOL Because you completely missed it!!

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c2h5oc2h5

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Did I? I've stated there are numerous good games released across multiple platforms (PC and iPad to be specific), so personally my interest does not decline just because of iPad version. And I elaborated about this a bit, hopefully convincing OP there are still reasons to be excited. So I guess you have completely missed my point and failed to see connection to op's post, which definitely is there.

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Kinthalis

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> You really don't think that designing a game for a tablet doesn't immediately mean that a LOT of compromises have to be made over targeting just PC?


Unless they are building two separate games that just happen to be releasing at the same time (doubtful), then yes, targeting a tablet as well means tons of possible downgrades to the gameplay and graphics.

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MigGui

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> PC games have better graphics than console games, without compromise. gameplay-wise, if it's a strategy game it behaves the same. CIV even got touch controls, although it's made for PC. and at least they're not aiming to phones, just the ipad which is quite a strong tablet.

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CapnXtraObvious

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Where's a new XCOM?

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gamerPS

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After the disappointment that was beyond earth, this better deliver.


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G4mBi7

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So to confirm, this is what should have happened after you beat beyond earth? :)

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HumdingerMarkie

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Titanfall.

Active online HUB.

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pabvr81

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Looks very interesting, I hope this game leaves up to expectations.

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vadagar1

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hmmm looks interesting

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