One thing I love about spaceflight simulator Kerbal Space Program [official site] is that I’m yet to find two players who’ve shared identical experiences. I’ve only ever played in short bursts myself, but mastering takeoff still heads my to do list. Others I’ve chatted with speak of grand space voyages and interesting discoveries. Heck, Adam even prefers the game as a spectator sport, which speaks volumes for its wide-reaching appeal.

Which is why it’s a surprise to learn that lead developer Felipe Falanghe has announced his departure from Kerbal Space Program after five and a half years of service.

Taking to the KSP subreddit, Falanghe spoke fervently of his time working on the spaceflight sim – from a “little unassuming idea”, to what exists today – but stressed his desperate need to “have something new” and to create “more than one game” in his lifetime. He recalls times gone by where single decisions had scope to change the entire direction and ethos of the game, yet that’s no longer the case now. As such, Falanghe reckons the game is now complete on a conceptual level. He says:

“This isn’t to say KSP’s development is complete, however. Far from it. Plans for KSP reach far into the future, and there are enough ideas to keep us all going for years. The console versions are coming up, there are new updates in development, the list goes on. For myself, however, I desperately need to have something new, to create more than one game in my life. “I need to make one thing perfectly clear: development on KSP will continue as always. No features, upgrades, bugfixes or anything of the sort are being discontinued because of my leaving.”

What’s next for Falanghe isn’t clear, but it’s good to know he feels confident that his pet project is in good hands. And of course we can almost definitely certainly probably now look forward to another game from Kerbal’s creator. “This isn’t goodbye,” says Falanghe. “It’s just farewell for now. In the meantime, however, I hope you all enjoy playing KSP as much as I enjoyed being part of its making.”