The story of Sanctuary: Shattered Sun is one of vision, collaboration, and sheer determination. From humble beginnings, this indie RTS has grown into a promising project that’s reigniting passion for the genre.
The journey began with Mike, known as nine2 in the community, who was inspired by the legacy of Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance. Through interviews with the original developers, nine2 reignited interest in the RTS community. These conversations didn’t result in a new SupCom sequel but sparked something just as significant. The project, initially dubbed Project Trebuchet, began with a bold vision: modernizing classic RTS gameplay while introducing fresh, innovative features. For a time, it was even known as Heart of Fire, a nod to its fiery Dyson Sphere setting, before evolving into the name we know today: Sanctuary.
Early development was fuelled by nine2’s imagination. Armed with crayons borrowed from his kids, he sketched initial concepts of dynamic battlefields where explosions stirred the environment, buildings crumbled realistically, and towering experimental units reshaped the terrain. The setting – a Dyson Sphere – offered not just a vast battlefield but also the opportunity to blend the science fiction aesthetic with diverse biomes. This choice shaped the game’s identity and grounded its narrative in a shattered sanctuary engulfed in conflict.
As the project gained momentum, nine2 joined forces with Tatsu, an artist eager to create the next great RTS. Together, they began building a team that included community modders like Special_Bread and Avitus, along with developers like Badump. These early collaborators shared a deep passion for RTS games and brought with them the skills to turn sketches and concepts into reality. Within a month of signing their contracts, the team produced their first tech demo—a battlefield simulation with 24,000 tanks engaged in combat. It was a proof of concept that showed their ambitious goals were achievable.
Progress wasn’t without challenges. Funding was tight from the start, and nine2 found himself balancing full-time work, family commitments, and late-night development sessions. Time zone differences added complexity to team communication, as members spread across continents coordinated daily meetings at odd hours. Managing volunteer contributions, navigating legal contracts, and keeping the team motivated through the less glamorous parts of game development were constant struggles.
Still, the team persevered. Key decisions, like solidifying the Dyson Sphere setting and fleshing out factions like the Chosen and the Guard, gave the project focus. Community engagement played a pivotal role in building momentum. RTS YouTuber Gyle featured the game early on, which not only boosted visibility but also inspired community members to invest directly in the project.
The decision to launch the game’s Steam page was another turning point. Within weeks, Sanctuary had amassed 40,000 wishlists, proving there was a hunger for a modern RTS. At industry events like PAX and Gamescom, the team showcased Sanctuary to the public for the first time. Players were blown away by features like the “shatter” mechanic, which dynamically reshapes the battlefield. The excitement of these in-person interactions validated years of hard work.
Throughout its journey, Sanctuary has attracted talented collaborators. Artists who worked on major projects like the Dune movie lent their skills to the game, while community contributors helped refine gameplay ideas. Despite these successes, funding remains a constant challenge. The team has relied on a mix of private investments and personal sacrifices to keep the project alive, delaying plans for a Kickstarter to ensure the game is as polished as possible when it finally launches.
For nine2, the process has been a learning experience. He emphasizes the importance of clear leadership, efficient team structures, and a willingness to adapt. The decision to stick to their vision, even in the face of logistical and financial hurdles, has been key to the project’s progress.
Today, Sanctuary: Shattered Sun stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creators and fans unite. With over 115,000 Steam wishlists and a growing community, it’s poised to fill the void in the RTS genre.
The journey isn’t over, but the foundation is strong. Stay tuned for updates as Sanctuary continues to grow. The best is yet to come.
