Gearbox Publishing revealed at last year's PAX West that Blackbird Interactive, developer of 2016's RTS "Homeworld," is developing a new "Homeworld" set in space: Deserts of Blackbird Interactive, the developer of "Kharak" and founded by veterans of Relic Entertainment, the original studio behind "Homeworld," is working on a new "Homeworld" game set in space, the company announced at PAX The Fig campaign was a huge success, and a little over a month ago the studio announced plans for the game.

But that doesn't seem to be all Blackbird is working on. Publisher Focus Home Interactive announced today on its forums that it is also working with the studio on an entirely new project. The company didn't say anything about what that project is, only that it is an "original IP," but hinted that it will include space-based shenanigans, "combining Focus Home's love of innovative new experiences with Blackbird's deep knowledge and enjoyment of science fiction settings."

"First, we're going to be playing a prank set in space.

"From our first meeting, it was clear that they were the perfect fit to bring BBI's innovative new game to a wide audience. Focus genuinely shares our vision of creating high-quality original titles and has fully embraced the new world we are creating," said Rob Cunningham, founder and CEO of Blackbird Interactive. We feel very fortunate and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to an exciting and productive partnership."

While certainly hype, it's also legitimately interesting: when Deserts of Kharak was announced, I wasn't really expecting to play "Homeworld" on the ground, but Blackbird is a fascinating prequel to an existing fiction woven into it, creating "a setting and story that is distinct from its predecessor, but enriched by its predecessor's influences." As a result, we gave it a 90/100 review, stating that it is "a great RTS that sets itself apart from other recent games in the genre [and] a wonderful 'homeworld' game that reinvents the series while recreating its magic."

According to the announcement, nothing new about Blackbird will affect the development of Homeworld 3, but we inquired just in case: it will be shown at PAX East, which runs from March 27 to February 1, and will be released later this year.

Update: In a statement, Gearbox confirmed that "Homeworld 3" will not be affected by the new project.

"Gearbox Publishing is not involved in their new project, but like the rest of the community, we are super excited to see what Blackbird Interactive has in store!" said a representative, adding that Blackbird Interactive is a multi-game studio and will not affect the progress of "Homeworld 3."