Gearbox Software now owns Homeworld – where do we go from here?

So Gearbox Software was the highest bidder in the auction for the Homeworld license.

While the identity of the winner was kept confidential until yesterday’s announcement, we already knew who the runners-up were – Stardock, the guys behind Sins of a Solar Empire. And in third place was Paradox Interactive (known for Majesty, Magicka and, most recently, the best trailer of 2013), who graciously conceded defeat via the following tweet –

We finished 3rd in the Homeworld auction; I would have loved to work on that IP but wish the winners all the best and hope for a great HW3

— Fredrik Wester (@TheWesterFront) April 19, 2013

A great Homeworld 3 – now, I don’t know much about Mr. Wester, but he’s rather effectively summed up what every Homeworld fan has wanted since 2003. Of course, since THQ’s tragic demise, question marks hung over the future of the franchise, let alone any possible sequel; now, at least, we’ve got room to hope on both those fronts.

However – and this is the bit that concerns me – is Homeworld in safe hands?

The answer, quite clearly, is no.