Next Space Rebel is a simulation video game developed by Studio Floris Kaayk and published by Humble Games. It is a part-flight simulator and part-crafting game that lets players build their very own rocket model and launch them to the skies in a series of test flights and experiments.

Next Space Rebel shares a similar concept to Kerbal Space Program, wherein you aim to build a fully working rocket that you will send out into orbit. The former takes a more grounded approach and has players start out as humble enthusiasts and slowly learn and build models of increasing complexity.

What is Next Space Rebels?

In a nutshell, Next Space Rebels is a rocket simulator for amateurs. Where other games like the aforementioned Kerbal Space Program task players with building a space-ready rocket that is capable of carrying a crew and a payload, this game starts you off small. Think what Elon Musk and SpaceX are trying to do, but from much more humble beginnings and aspirations—from your garage into low orbit.

It tells the story of the fictitious hacker group, Next Space Rebels, that calls on a global community to build and launch rockets themselves so that they can set up an independent internet with their own satellites. Thus, while it seems silly for you to be strapping a teddy bear to your rocket and sending it to the skies, there's a deeper meaning and message to the whole endeavor.

Lastly, the game also features a series of full-motion video or FMV narrative sequences throughout to give the story a sense of realism and structure. Those who are interested in Next Space Rebels will, unfortunately, have to wait as it's not out yet, and there is also no set release date either. We will just have to wait to hear more from the developers.

A socially relevant simulator for modern times

If you're an amateur rocket model builder yourself, then Next Space Rebels might just be the game that you have been waiting to play. It looks to provide an authentic and grounded game experience that any enthusiast in the hobby will probably appreciate when it finally releases and they get their hands on it. Let the waiting begin.