Is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn using generative AI?
Owlcat Games has confirmed that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn development does use generative AI tools, but only in early stages. PR Manager Katharina Popp explained that AI is employed “a lot for prototyping, trying things out, [and] placeholders”. In other words, the team uses AI internally to quickly generate concept images or 3D mockups for testing ideas. Importantly, all of these AI-generated assets are intended to be temporary; Owlcat says they will be replaced by human-made content later in production. Thus, while AI is part of the workflow, it is not contributing final game assets.
What Owlcat means by “100 percent human made” in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.
When Owlcat states the final game will be “100 percent human made,” it refers explicitly to the finished content that players will see. According to Popp, everything that ends up in the released game – including the art, story text, and voice performances – is created by people. The studio emphasizes that AI is not used to write dialogue or act voices, and that any AI-assisted concept art is redrawn or replaced before release. In practice, “100% human made” means no AI-generated material will appear in the final version of Osiris Reborn.
Does The Expanse: Osiris Reborn use AI for final art, writing, or voice acting?
No. Owlcat insists that no AI content is used in the final game’s art, writing, or voiceovers. Popp explicitly said, “we don’t use [AI] to write, we don’t use AI voice actors,” underscoring that all story elements and performances are human-created. Similarly, any art concept that was generated with AI will be remade by artists in the final product. The development team’s policy is to rely on human creativity for every piece of content players will experience, reserving AI only as a behind-the-scenes productivity aid.
How Owlcat is using AI for prototyping, placeholders, and faster iteration.
Owlcat uses AI as a development tool to streamline early design work. For example, they generate quick 2D images or 3D models to test visual ideas. Popp described using AI for things like “looking how a 2D image looks in 3D, or changing colours to what looks good”. These AI-generated drafts serve as placeholders and “vision coordination” aids so the team can iterate faster. Once a direction is chosen, however, all AI-derived assets are replaced by hand-crafted ones. In short, AI helps the team try concepts rapidly, but all placeholder assets are redone by artists later.
Why players are criticizing Owlcat’s “100 percent human made” response.
Many fans have reacted skeptically to Owlcat’s “100% human made” claim. Critics argue that as soon as any AI is involved, the final product can’t be entirely human-origin. Social media comments echo the sentiment that it’s contradictory to use AI and still call the game wholly human-made. For instance, some players wrote that “you can’t have 100% human made AND use Gen AI”. Others on Bluesky and Reddit have stated they “don’t want to play” games where generative AI was used in development. In general, the backlash reflects a broader unease: gamers feel developers should be transparent, and any AI usage — even for prototyping — undermines a pure human-artistry promise.
Owlcat’s past AI job listing controversy explained.
Owlcat previously faced a controversy over a 2024 job advertisement. The studio had posted a listing for a concept artist role that explicitly listed “concept generation using AI” among the desired skills. This led to uproar on social media from fans worried about AI art.
Owlcat responded by clarifying that the mention of AI was for internal workflow only: they said AI would be used “exclusively for additional work with concepts and speeding up some internal processes,” and not for any final game assets. They gave examples like using AI for “creative search” and inspiration before actual conceptualization. In other words, even in 2024 Owlcat maintained that any AI in concept work would be a starting point, with final art again produced by humans.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn release date and spring 2027 window.
The game is slated for a Spring 2027 release window, though no specific day has been announced. This launch timing was confirmed during an Xbox Partner Preview event. Outlets covering the reveal note that fans should expect Osiris Reborn sometime in Spring 2027, on PC and console platforms. Until then, Owlcat is planning a closed beta (see below) and marketing the game as a coming flagship space-RPG experience.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn closed beta date and how to get access.
A closed beta test for Osiris Reborn is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2026. Access to this beta is limited to backers of certain editions of the game. Specifically, purchasing the Founder’s Editions (the Collector’s Edition or the Miller’s Pack) grants entry into the beta.
The Xbox Wire announcement makes clear that Xbox Series X|S users who have bought these editions on the official site can play the beta from April 22. GameSpot also reports that the beta will run on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 on that date, and that only those who pre-order the qualifying editions are allowed in. In summary, the beta is in April 2026 and is unlocked by pre-ordering the higher-tier versions of the game.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn platforms, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Play Anywhere.
Owlcat’s announcements confirm that Osiris Reborn will launch on PC and Xbox platforms, and will support Xbox Play Anywhere. In official communications, Microsoft states the game will arrive on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC (Microsoft Store/cloud), and it will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title. That means one purchase lets you play on both Xbox and Windows 10/11. The title is also confirmed for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one of release, making it immediately available to subscribers. Additionally, third-party reports list PlayStation 5 as a platform as well. In short, expect Osiris Reborn on PC and consoles, with Xbox owners able to get it via Game Pass and enjoy cross-buy between PC and console.
Is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn like Mass Effect?
Many commentators have noted the similarities between Osiris Reborn and BioWare’s Mass Effect games. It is indeed a third-person sci-fi action RPG set in space, with squad-based combat and story-driven choices. Kotaku explicitly described Osiris Reborn as “a very Mass Effect-esque video game”. GameSpot even called it “the spiritual successor we’ve been waiting for” to Mass Effect. However, Owlcat itself tries to moderate these comparisons. The developers acknowledge inspiration from Mass Effect’s style and companion-driven gameplay, but stress that Osiris Reborn is intended as an original Owlcat game, not a Mass Effect clone.
Why Owlcat says Osiris Reborn is not a Mass Effect successor.
Owlcat’s team has stated that Osiris Reborn is not intended as a successor to Mass Effect. In an interview, Design Director Maxim Rastorguev said they “really love[d] the Mass Effect series,” but they “do not think of ourselves as a successor to the Mass Effect series”. The studio emphasizes that they are creating “their own game, [an] Owlcat game” with a distinct approach to narrative and mechanics. In other words, while they take inspiration from BioWare’s space-RPG formula (as many developers do), they want Osiris Reborn to stand on its own with original story, character systems, and gameplay, separate from the Mass Effect franchise.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn story and Eros lockdown explained.
Osiris Reborn’s narrative begins in a crisis on the asteroid Eros. The player character (and their twin sibling) are Pinkwater Security mercenaries stationed on Eros when a massacre occurs. According to Owlcat’s summary, you witness “a massacre of thousands of innocent people on Eros station” that kills your friends and colleagues. In the ensuing chaos, you seize an experimental enemy spaceship to escape – an act that makes you a target. These events lock down Eros and set off the game’s central conflict. In short, the story kicks off with the aftermath of the Eros disaster: you must survive the station lockdown and unravel the wider solar conspiracy that caused it.
Earther, Martian, or Belter origins in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.
Character creation in Osiris Reborn includes choosing your homeworld origin. The game allows you to customize your captain as an Earther, a Martian, or a Belter. These are the three main human cultural groups in The Expanse universe (born on Earth, Mars, or the Asteroid Belt, respectively). The origin you pick helps define your character’s background and may influence certain story elements or dialogue options. For example, the official store blurb explicitly says you build your captain as an Earther, Martian or Belter, reflecting player choice from the start.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn companions, choices, and relationships.
Companions are central to Osiris Reborn’s design. The game’s narrative promises a deep companion system: allies are described as people “with their own scars and loyalties,” and your choices will make their relationships with you either grow or deteriorate. Owlcat has revealed several crew members who will fight alongside you (for example, the mechanic Zafar). You’ll engage in conversations and missions that influence how loyal or trusting your companions become. In gameplay, companions can also assist you in combat (either on-screen or via support abilities), reflecting their bond with the player character. In short, your dialogue choices and actions impact your crew’s attitudes and the story, much like in classic RPGs with party members.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn combat, iconic locations, and familiar faces.
Combat in Osiris Reborn is action-oriented and squad-based. It is played from a third-person perspective, using cover and shooter mechanics. According to official descriptions, you will fight in third-person with cover-focused gunplay and abilities, supported by two companions in the field while others assist from a distance.
The game emphasizes issuing real-time commands and using gadgets during firefights. As for setting, you’ll travel to many iconic Expanse locales: previews mention visiting Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, Luna and more as you explore the system. The story also teases “familiar faces or voices” turning up, suggesting that some characters from the books or TV series may appear. Overall, expect a mix of third-person shooting and exploration across well-known space environments, with some nods to fans of the franchise.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will the final game contain AI-generated art or writing?
According to Owlcat, no final content in Osiris Reborn will be AI-generated. The studio says all completed artwork, dialogue, and voice acting is human-made, and that AI is only used for internal prototyping which is later replaced by human artists and writers. - When is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn releasing?
Owlcat has announced a Spring 2027 release window. No exact date is set, but all official sources say “spring 2027.” The game’s development roadmap includes a closed beta in April 2026, leading up to the full launch next year. - How can I play the closed beta and when does it start?
The closed beta begins on April 22, 2026. It is only available to players who have purchased certain editions of the game – specifically the Collector’s Edition or the Miller’s Pack (founder’s editions) via the official site. If you pre-order one of those qualifying editions, you will receive beta access starting April 22. - What platforms will Osiris Reborn be on?
The game is confirmed for PC and consoles. Owlcat and Microsoft have said it will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows (via Steam and Xbox on PC). Reports also include PlayStation 5 as a platform. Importantly, it will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title, so buying the Xbox version means you can play on PC as well. - Will The Expanse: Osiris Reborn be on Game Pass?
Yes. Microsoft’s announcement explicitly states that Osiris Reborn will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one of release. Subscribers will be able to download the game on launch day at no additional cost. - Is Osiris Reborn like Mass Effect?
The game has many similarities (third-person space action, companions, dialogue choices), and media outlets frequently make the comparison. However, Owlcat developers insist it is its own original game. They credit Mass Effect as an inspiration but clarify that they “do not think of ourselves as a successor” to it. - Can I choose my character’s faction?
Yes. During character creation you choose an origin: you can play as an Earther, Martian, or Belter. Each choice reflects the character’s backstory in the Expanse universe (Earth-born, Mars-born, or asteroid-belt-born). - How do companions and relationships work?
You will recruit and interact with various companions who have their own motivations. The story and dialogue choices you make will affect these relationships. As one official description notes, companions have their “own scars and loyalties,” and your actions can cause trust to grow or fade. Companions will also assist you in combat, so forming strong bonds with them is important. - What is the gameplay like?
Combat is real-time third-person shooter action. You’ll engage enemies using cover, guns, and special abilities, with support from up to two companions on the battlefield. You can issue commands and use gadgets to gain advantage. Exploration and dialogue also play big roles in the RPG experience. - Is this a single-player or multiplayer game?
Osiris Reborn is designed as a single-player action RPG. Official descriptions list it as a single-player game, with no indication of multiplayer modes.
Conclusion
Owlcat Games is positioning The Expanse: Osiris Reborn as a human-crafted RPG experience. The studio has admitted to using generative AI during development to speed up prototyping, but emphatically states that “everything that will be in the final version will definitely 100% be human made”. In other words, no AI-made content will ship in the completed game. The title is slated for spring 2027 on PC and console (including Xbox Series X|S, with launch day availability on Xbox Game Pass).
Players can access a closed beta on April 22, 2026 by pre-ordering eligible editions. The game’s story begins with a catastrophic event on Eros, and it features RPG mechanics (companions, origin choices, moral decisions) that echo space-saga classics. While comparisons to Mass Effect are inevitable, Owlcat insists Osiris Reborn will ultimately be its own original vision. In sum, the developers are aiming for a next-generation Expanse RPG that leverages modern tools behind the scenes but delivers a fully human-made narrative and art on release.
Sources and Citation
- https://kotaku.com/expanse-osiris-genai-sci-fi-rpg-mass-effect-owlcat-2000682315
Kotaku – “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Devs Admit Generative AI Is Being Used But Claim Everything Is Still ‘100 Percent Human Made’” - https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/owlcat-says-everything-in-its-new-expanse-rpg-will-definitely-100-percent-be-human-made-but-also-that-generative-ai-will-be-used-for-vision-coordination-and-inspiration/
PC Gamer – “Owlcat says… everything in its new Expanse RPG will definitely 100 percent be human-made” - https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-expanse-osiris-reborn/generative-ai
PCGamesN – “Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be ‘100% human made’” - https://wccftech.com/the-expanse-osiris-reborn-genai-owlcat-interview/
Wccftech – “Owlcat is Using GenAI ‘To Iterate Faster’ While Making The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, But Swears ‘The Final Version Will be 100% Human Made’” - https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/03/26/the-expanse-osiris-reborn-xbox-partner-preview/
Xbox Wire (Official Xbox Blog) – “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn – Learn More About Gameplay, New Companions, the Closed Beta, and the Release Window” - https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-expanse-osiris-reborn-release-window-revealed-alongside-closed-beta-next-month/1100-6523456/
GameSpot – “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Release Window Revealed Alongside Closed Beta Next Month”
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