Blackbird Interactive

Blackbird Interactive is a Vancouver-based game development studio creating original and licensed interactive entertainment while providing external development services for partners. Established in 2007 by former Relic Entertainment team members and Electronic Arts Canada alumni, the studio is known for work in real-time strategy, simulation, and science-fiction game worlds.

The company develops projects from concept through launch and supports partner teams with co-development, live operations, remasters, remakes, and platform adaptation. Its technical work spans proprietary technology, Unreal Engine, Unity, and Mojang's Bedrock Engine, with capabilities in engineering, systems and combat design, art, visual effects, technical animation, and cross-platform optimization.

Games and collaborations

Blackbird's original development credits include Hardspace: Shipbreaker, for which it acquired full intellectual-property rights in 2025, and the Homeworld series entries Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and Homeworld 3. The studio has also worked as a developer or co-development partner on projects including Minecraft Legends, Minecraft, Crossfire: Legion, Warcraft Remastered Battlechest, Escape the Backrooms, and Project Eagle, an interactive Mars-base simulation created with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Its current business model pairs internal original-IP development with external co-development, porting, and live-service support. This includes work across PC, console, mobile, and VR/XR platforms, with experience adapting games for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and other target platforms.

Studio approach

Blackbird operates from Vancouver with a remote-first work model for employees across Canada. In 2022, the company made a four-day, 32-hour work week with full pay permanent, while retaining its Vancouver studio for collaborative work, recording, screenings, and team events.

The studio remains privately held and independent. In 2025, London-based investment firm Emona Capital LLP made a strategic minority investment and obtained a board seat; founder Rob Cunningham became board chair, while Eric Torin was appointed chief executive officer.