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Space
Space
Science
Alan Bradley

From Hardspace to Clearspace: How space salvage games compare to real debris removal

Split image showing space debris cleanup in Hardspace Shipbreaker (L) and an artists rendition of the upcoming Clearspace-1 mission (R).

While Hardspace: Shipbreaker does an excellent job of capturing the dystopian perils of unchecked hypercapitalism, the real fun in this space game comes from carving up massive capital ships with space lasers and explosives.

Floating in zero gravity, players slice derelict spacecraft into salvageable chunks, while also contending with unruly physics, pressure, and profit margins. It's a compelling fantasy: orbital blue-collar labor, where yesterday's spacecraft become tomorrow's raw materials.

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