History
After departing from Bohemia Interactive in early 2014, Dean Hall returned to his native New Zealand with the aim of fostering the local game development scene. [1] In December 2014, he established RocketWerkz in Dunedin. The name "RocketWerkz" is derived from Hall's nickname "Rocket," which he earned during his time in the New Zealand Army.
The studio initially focused on experimental projects and exploring new technologies, including virtual reality (VR). In September 2015, RocketWerkz announced a partnership with Chinese technology conglomerate Tencent, which acquired a minority stake in the company. This investment allowed RocketWerkz to expand its development capabilities and workforce. [2]
In 2019, the company expanded by opening a second studio in Auckland aimed to facilitate the development of larger-scale projects, such as the ambitious survival game Icarus. The Auckland studio attracted industry veterans and international talent, contributing to the growth of New Zealand's game development industry. [3]
Games developed
Out of Ammo (2016)
Out of Ammo is a virtual reality strategy game that combines first-person shooter and real-time strategy elements. Released for the HTC Vive in September 2016, the game allows players to build defenses and command units to repel waves of enemies. It was one of the early VR titles that showcased innovative gameplay mechanics. [4]
Out of Ammo: Death Drive (2017)
A sequel to the original game, Out of Ammo: Death Drive is a VR action title set in a post-apocalyptic world. Released in August 2017, it expanded on the mechanics of its predecessor by introducing new environments, enemies, and weapons, offering a more intense and chaotic experience. [5]
Stationeers
Released on Steam Early Access in December 2017, Stationeers is a space station simulation game inspired by Space Station 13 . The game emphasizes complex systems and engineering, allowing players to construct and manage space stations with detailed physics, atmospheric mechanics, and intricate resource management. [6]
Icarus
Icarus is a session-based player-versus-environment survival game released on December 3, 2021. Set on a terraformed but hostile alien planet, players undertake timed missions called "prospects" to gather resources, craft equipment, and survive against environmental hazards and wildlife. A key mechanic involves returning to an orbital station before the mission timer expires; failure to do so results in the loss of the character and progress. Icarus received mixed reviews, praised for its visuals and survival mechanics but criticized for technical issues at launch.
Art of the Rail
Art of the Rail is an upcoming transport simulation game developed by RocketWerkz, inspired by classic transport tycoon titles. Players can construct and manage extensive transport networks using roads, rails, tunnels, and bridges, aiming to build a profitable transport empire that influences the in-game economy. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, supporting up to 16 players in cooperative or competitive settings. It features a detailed financial simulation, allowing players to analyze expenses and profits, and includes comprehensive modding support with built-in asset editing tools. As of February 2025, "Art of the Rail" is available for wishlisting on Steam, with its release date yet to be announced [7] .
Kitten Space Agency
In October 2024, Hall announced that RocketWerkz had started work on a new game titled Kitten Space Agency, designed as a spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program (KSP) "to replicate the same feeling, commitment, and challenge of existing KSP", following the reported closure of Intercept Games and development freeze of Kerbal Space Program 2 . Rocketwerkz was one of the top three companies bidding to make Kerbal Space Program 2 for Private Division, but was not chosen, and the development team of Kitten Space Agency features several Kerbal Space Program modders. The game is expected to offer a seamless universe without loading screens, off-world base building, life support systems, and multiplayer functionality. The game will also have extensive modding capabilities, allowing players to customize various aspects, including the solar system, as well as possibly offering the "reachier goal" of n-body physics. An initial free playable version is anticipated in 2025, although Hall stated that "it is critical to be skeptical" of a complex project such as this. [8]
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