Space Nation Inc. Developing Live-Action TV Series Based on “Space Nation Online”
“Independence Day” and “Those About To Die” director Roland Emmerich and Marco Weber (“The Thirteenth Floor,” “Igby Goes Down”) are teaming up to create a live-action TV series inspired by “Space Nation Online,” the innovative Web3 video game at the core of their new transmedia IP company, Space Nation Inc.
According to Space Nation Inc., the upcoming series will delve into the origins of the expansive narrative that began with the recent soft launch of Space Nation Online. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) transports players to a distant star cluster where humanity has sought refuge after the destruction of Earth.
Emmerich and Weber will serve as developers and executive producers of the series, bringing their creative vision to life on screen.
When discussing the distribution strategy for the “Space Nation” show, Weber emphasized a unique approach that aligns with the overall philosophy of the project. Rather than targeting a specific streaming platform or network, the team aims to maintain control over the IP and explore licensing opportunities for distribution. This strategy allows Space Nation Inc. to fund a significant portion of the budget independently through their own economy and token.
Founded by Emmerich, Weber, and game developers Jerome Wu and Tony Tang, Space Nation is dedicated to creating groundbreaking transmedia IP that spans video games, online content, and TV/streaming platforms. With $50 million in funding, the company’s inaugural project, “Space Nation Online,” made its soft launch on Sept. 27.
Emmerich expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the collaboration with Weber and the opportunity to explore new storytelling avenues in the Web3 space. The series aims to explore the backstory of the alien invasion that led to Earth’s destruction and humanity’s exodus into space.
Leading up to the game’s launch, Emmerich, Weber, and filmmaker Martin Weisz introduced a series of animated shorts featuring the character Zoey from “Space Nation Online.” These shorts, co-written by lead writer Jess Lebow and Weber, set the stage for the larger narrative and engagement with the audience. A spinoff of the shorts is currently in development.
Weber emphasized the long-term commitment to developing a robust storytelling universe for Space Nation. The team’s focus on building a stable ecosystem before launching additional elements, such as tokens, showcases their dedication to creating a lasting and immersive experience for players and viewers alike.