Jump Space (Yeah, *That* One!) Launches Early Access with a Roadmap Fuller Than a Wizard's Pouch and a Price Tag That Won't Break the Bank
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Keepsake Games is launching Jump Space (yep, the one formerly known as Jump Ship, thanks to some trademark shenanigans) into Early Access on September 19th with a surprisingly modest $19.99 price tag and an incredibly ambitious multi-chapter roadmap promising ongoing content well into 2026.
Right, so you know that feeling when you've finally got a handle on a complex spell, only for it to spontaneously transform into a slightly different, equally potent (and definitely less flammable) incantation? That's kinda what's been happening with Keepsake Games' upcoming sci-fi shooter.
Originally dubbed 'Jump Ship,' the game has undergone a bit of a magical rebranding, now sailing under the banner of **Jump Space**. Turns out, trademark issues are less like casting a simple 'Shield' spell and more like accidentally opening a portal to the legal dimension. Still, the good news is the core game, the one that had us all peeking over the horizon with curious anticipation, is still very much on its way. In fact, Keepsake Games has been busy brewing up a storm, not just with a new name but with a launch date, a ridiculously appealing price point, and a roadmap so packed it practically needs its own cargo hold.
This intel, originally conjured up by Oisin Kuhnke over at Rock Paper Shotgun, had me doing a double-take. Because honestly, in an era where games often launch with price tags that feel like they're demanding a pound of flesh (or at least your entire month's gaming budget), **Jump Space** is waltzing into Early Access on September 19th with a frankly cheeky price of just **$19.99 / £16.75 / €19.50**. Seriously, mate? You ever see a price tag and wonder if someone accidentally left a zero off? It's almost unsettlingly affordable, making it one of those rare beasts that actually leaves you with enough coin for a celebratory pint... or, you know, another indie game.
Now, let's talk about the roadmap, because this is where Keepsake Games really starts to look like they're trying to out-magic themselves. They're not just throwing the basics at us and calling it a day. Oh no. They’ve laid out a multi-chapter saga for their Early Access journey, and frankly, it looks like a cosmic adventure waiting to unfold.
**Chapter 1: The Resistance Coalition** kicks things off at launch. And even at the starting line, they’re not messing about. We’re talking nine distinct mission types – everything from fending off hordes of metallic nuisances in a fight for survival, to tactical loot hunts, and even raiding enemy bases. Picture yourself zipping through more than 50 sectors spread across four sprawling galaxy regions. You'll get to pick from two initial ships, each with a healthy 26 customisable components. That's a solid foundation, especially for that price, letting us get our boots dusty and our laser cannons warm.
But that's just the appetizer, isn't it? The real magic starts to get brewed with **Chapter 2: Atira Strikes Back**. This beast is slated to roll out through multiple updates, stretching into Q1 2026, and it's bringing some serious firepower. We're talking multiple endless modes – perfect for those times you just want to lose yourself in the void – alongside sector modifiers that’ll keep things fresh and unpredictable. New story content? Check. More sectors to explore? Absolutely. New enemy types to blast into space dust? You betcha. And get this: *melee weapons*. Because sometimes, you just gotta get up close and personal in the cold vacuum of space. They’re even chucking in a photo mode (because who doesn’t want to capture that perfect explosion selfie?) and, bless their cotton socks, offline support. Oh, and for those of us who like a natter, text chat and a lobby browser will actually be in at launch, which is a nice little bonus from this future chapter.
And just when you think you've seen the full extent of their arcane development scroll, **Chapter 3: Secrets of the Telmari** looms on the horizon, also kicking off from Q1 2026 onwards. This one promises a first-person pilot view (finally, feel like you're actually *in* the cockpit!), a revamped scanner (because spotting hidden treasures is always a thrill), even *more* new enemies and mission types, a brand-spanking-new ship to pilot, and a ground boss to really test your mettle. It’s like they’re just constantly pulling new enchantments out of their hat, isn’t it?
As for **Chapter 4: Heart of Corruption**, well, that one’s still under wraps, shrouded in the mists of future development. No release window, no revealed features. It’s the ultimate mystery box, the locked chest at the end of a very long, very promising dungeon crawl.
Now, a word of caution, mate. This is Early Access, after all. Keepsake Games hasn’t slapped an end date on this cosmic journey yet, so we’re all just strapping in for the ride. And frankly, that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Being there for the evolution, seeing the game grow and morph with each update. It's a grand experiment, and with a roadmap this ambitious and a price point that low, it feels like an invitation to genuinely participate, rather than just pay for a half-baked promise.
So, if you’re looking for a new sci-fi shooter that’s got ambition, a developer with a clear (if slightly chaotic) vision, and won't require you to sell a kidney to afford it, Jump Space might just be the wormhole you’ve been looking for. Head over to Steam on September 19th and join the cosmic fun. I reckon it's going to be a pretty wild journey.
Tags: Sci-Fi Shooter, Early Access, Indie Games, Roadmap, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun