Blazing start: New MMO hits Kickstarter goal in just one hour

The sci-fi sandbox MMORPG Stars Reach, which we previously covered, reached its $200,000 Kickstarter goal in record time, just one hour after the campaign launched on February 25, 2025. The project is led by renowned developer Raph Koster, known for Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. With Stars Reach, he aims to create a dynamic, player-driven galaxy.

Despite securing $38 million from investors, developer Playable Worlds turned to crowdfunding due to the challenging financial climate. The Kickstarter campaign features various reward tiers, with $1 to $30 offering updates and digital extras and $60 to $450 unlocking perks like exclusive land, special pets and cosmetic items. Those contributing $800 or more gain access to unique rewards, including personal planets, special ships and one-on-one conversations with Raph Koster.

First stretch goal already reached: additional race

At the time of research, Stars Reach had raised around $400,000 on Kickstarter, surpassing both its initial funding goal and the first stretch goal. Set at $350,000, this milestone adds a new playable race to the game. The next stretch goal unlocks at $450,000, introducing "Crafting Appearance Customization," which allows players to personalize crafted items. A third stretch goal is also listed on Kickstarter, though its details remain undisclosed.