Stars Reach, an eagerly anticipated procedural MMO, has made headlines with its remarkable success on Kickstarter. Developed by a talented team of former creators of Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, this sandbox science-fantasy game is positioning itself as the next significant player in the MMO landscape. As part of its funding initiative, a new feature known as the Galactic Bodega has been introduced, allowing fans to contribute to the project through the purchase of a variety of physical merchandise.
Stars Reach Surpasses Funding Goals and Launches Merch Store
Having already surpassed its initial funding target of $200,000, Stars Reach has successfully raised over $656,400 as of March 25, 2025. To ensure continued support even after the Kickstarter campaign wraps up in just 35 hours, developers have launched a dedicated online store featuring the Galactic Bodega. This store offers a range of merchandise that players can purchase, alongside enticing high-tier Kickstarter rewards detailed below.
It remains to be seen whether the high-value tiers will still be available after the Kickstarter concludes. These tiers, priced from $450 to a staggering $10,000, offer impressive benefits including the chance to claim ownership of a planet and a virtual chat session with the renowned Raph Koster, the lead designer of Ultima Online. Such opportunities cater to dedicated fans willing to invest significantly in their gaming experience.
Recognizing that not every player will or can support the game to this extent, Stars Reach has diversified its offering through merchandise. Fans can currently buy a selection of apparel including hats, hoodies, beanies, t-shirts, and even a unique Hexagons Sling Pack—a modern twist on the traditional fanny pack. Priced reasonably, this approach not only bolsters funding but also generates excitement and awareness around the game.
It is prudent for the developers to anticipate that expenses will extend beyond the Kickstarter phase. By maintaining access to their premium tiers, they can continue to fuel resource generation for the game. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting news about early access opportunities, which could be just around the corner.
Astoundingly, Stars Reach met its initial funding goal in under an hour—an exceptional achievement in the online gaming world. Currently, it has exceeded nearly all its stretch goals, with the final target being the Stokadi Species Added at $700,000, which is close to being met as well.
Fans of the sandbox MMO genre have a thrilling prospect ahead in 2025. While the timeline for broad access remains to be confirmed, anticipation is building within the gaming community for new experiences in the free-to-play market.