In the year 2310, an unexpected phase shift in the Wormhole Area caused a substantial colony of the human race to be cut off from its home Sol system. Over the course of more than two millennia, due to sadly predictable human faults including arrogance, misunderstanding, miscommunication, greed and more, the exiles split apart, eventually coalescing into three Nations. Once peaceable scientists who sought knowledge for the benefit of all, the Serco are now formidable warriors who evoke trepidation and even outright fear wherever they are known. Intriguingly, the Itani have evolved in very much the opposite direction, from the perpetrators of untold atrocities to compassionate benefactors haunted by their unspeakably dark past. Unlike the others, the Neutral Territories is a relatively loose coalition of corporations, merchants, explorers, smugglers and pirates, all occupying the hostile outer regions of the galaxy.

Vendetta Online is Guild Software's persistent state universe in which characters may align with any of these three factions. Each offers advantages in certain activities significant to its particular culture. Some are reflected in the nature of its vessels. For example, one Nation's craft may be able to carry heavier armor, while another's might lean in the direction of more powerful reactors. There will be a number of base ship designs suited to different purposes such as commerce and, of course, combat. All will be highly customizable via a system of module ports that can even be configured for specific missions. Having learned of the game's existence some time ago, we now know it's approaching launch, which meant it was a good time to check in with the team members for their individual thoughts on a couple of key aspects.