Astrobuilder, an AI-Native RPG, Debuts Its Playable Demo at Steam Next Fest
Wa Studio today launched a playable demo for Astrobuilder, its upcoming sci-fi strategy RPG set in a constantly evolving galaxy, as part of Steam Next Fest, running from February 23 to March 2. Players can wishlist and playtest the game now on Steam, ahead of its global release in Q1 of 2026.
Astrobuilder is a dynamic world SRPG where players and NPCs shape the universe together. Set in the turbulent Neon River Galaxy, the game begins aboard the Star of Reason, as players navigate political unrest, interstellar trade, planetary expansion, and large-scale conflict. Every decision leaves a lasting impact, influencing factions, economies, and personal relationships across more than 160 explorable planets.
At the heart of Astrobuilder is a proprietary hybrid AI system that allows NPCs to act with memory, intent, and evolving goals. Rather than following fixed scripts, characters respond dynamically to player actions and unfolding world events, giving rise to emergent stories, shifting alliances, and unpredictable outcomes within a single, persistent living galaxy. Your relationships can spark alliances, chaos, or betrayals that ripple across the world.
The Steam Next Fest demo offers players a first hands-on look at Astrobuilder’s core systems, introducing its trading networks, faction politics, and evolving narrative as they begin carving out their place in the Neon River Galaxy.
“We know ‘AI’ can sometimes be a divisive word in an industry where talented artists and professionals are being replaced by AI, but Astrobuilder uses human talent and artistry to build its world, game design, and universe, then uses AI NPCs to create a fully dynamic persistent universe that reacts to the player for a fully immersive sandbox universe,” said Tom, Game Producer at Wa Studio. “Astrobuilder is AI used for good, to create fully emergent scenarios for untold depth and surprises. We look forward to seeing what captivating conflicts players get into when they try the new demo for Astrobuilder during Steam Next Fest.”
Key Features A Living Galaxy - Explore 160+ diverse planets populated by 600+ AI-driven NPCs with unique identities, memories, and ambitions.
Interstellar Commerce & Trade Wars - Trade rare resources, manipulate supply routes, and compete for control of the galaxy’s most valuable corridors.
Planet Expansion - Develop worlds into trade hubs, military strongholds, or cultural centers, shaping their role in the wider galaxy.
Tactical Spaceship Combat - Command adaptive space battles where AI-driven encounters ensure no two fights unfold the same way.
Evolving Storylines - Dynamic events and crises unfold in real time, with player decisions influencing future chapters and long-term outcomes.
Astrobuilder is set to launch on Steam in Q1 2026. Players can wishlist and playtest the game now on Steam.