Hardspace: Shipbreaker, a game about cutting up ruined spaceships and collecting spare parts, entered Steam Early Access last month. While the game was well received by most players, there was a lot of feedback on one particular aspect.

Cutting up a ship is a delicate and methodical process that often goes wrong. A common request made to developer Blackbird Interactive during Early Access was to remove the timer for the work shift.

The request was clearly heard and a new difficulty mode called Open Shift is being added to Hardspace: Shipbreaker. This mode has no time limit for shifts. The shift only ends when you enter the habitation area, so you can round up as many times as you like. There is a timer, but it counts up instead of counting down, so instead of experiencing the clock ticking down, you can keep track of the time spent.

Additionally, in open shift, oxygen will remain supplied unless the spacesuit is damaged and causes a leak. I must say that this part of the mode feels a little too balanced toward an easy experience. I don't mind the shift timer, but I do like the part where it simultaneously drains oxygen. I'm sure I'm not the only one. The next request from players would be the option to choose between unlimited oxygen and draining oxygen in the open shift mode. We'll see!

This is not the only change that will be added in this update. Players have also requested the ability to remap keyboard controls, which will also be added in stages. First in a configurable .ini file and later in the appropriate in-game menu options.

There is no specific information on when this new update will be delivered.