Experts helped making Belter culture as authentic as possible with words and gestures
Nicosia, Cyprus, (October 14th, 2026) — Owlcat Games unveiled a new dev diary for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn during IGN Fan Fest, showcasing how the studio approaches depicting the distinct Belter culture known from the show and books.
Lang Belta or Belter Creole is the language the inhabitants of the asteroid belt and outer planets have developed over generations by mixing cultures and adapting to the realities of survival in the belt. The language was created by linguist Nick Farmer for the Expanse TV show. It is a creole of English, Romance, Germanic, Slavic, Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages, reflecting how the Belt is a melting pot of ethnicities but also showcasing how different it is from Earth and Mars.
The language also comprises a number of expressive gestures originally used by Belters to make communication in bulky space suits and helmets easier. Belters use them both when talking Lang Belta and when using English, since the gestures have become so ingrained in their culture and upbringing.
Translating (pun intended) this language and gesture system from the show into a video game came with specific challenges and opportunities that the developers tackled with the help of Nick Farmer as well as specialist in gestures and motion capture, Roberto Campanella.
For example, while the developers originally intended to simply create a new set of movements for NPCs based on Belter gestures, they soon realized that the intensity of each gesture differs depending on context and the user’s emotional state and intent. Some of the gestures also looked very impressive during mocap but appeared different when transferred to in-game models because of body proportions or lighting, so the choreography was adjusted until every movement felt clear and believable. The team also needed to make sure that each character’s use of slang, gestures, and switching from Belter to English made sense given context and socioeconomic situation.
But it was important to get it right, since Belter culture is an integral part of what makes the world of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn feel lived-in, authentic, and believable, with various gameplay consequences: if the player is from the Belt, they can speak Lang Belta, will get unique dialogue options and opportunities, understand conversations that make no sense to characters from the inner planets, and can get concessions from Belter characters based on their linguistic skills. However, playing as an Earther or a Martian means they will need to earn the trust of their Belter vis-à-vis first.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn launches on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, and on console via Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 in spring 2027.
Stay up to date with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn by visiting the official website
About Owlcat Games
Owlcat Games is a developer and publisher with a passion for RPGs and narrative-driven experiences. What began as a small team of games industry veterans with a love for tabletop roleplaying has evolved into a truly international studio. Headquartered in Cyprus with over 600 employees worldwide, Owlcat continues to grow, drawing talent from across the globe, and still finds time to roll dice together every week, in person and online.
Previous titles include the critically acclaimed Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.
About Alcon Interactive Group
Founded in 2016 by Scott Parish and Dan Offner, the Alcon Interactive Group (AIG) is a publisher of original video games such as Blade Runner: Revelations and the award-winning indie game In My Shadow. AIG also develops video games based on Alcon’s original properties such as The Expanse: A Telltale Story, Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition and the Emmy nominated Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn ©2025 developed and published by Owlcat Games Ltd. The Expanse is a trademark of Alcon Television Group, LLC. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and all associated logos, illustrations, images, names, locations, characters, and story elements are trademarks and/or copyrights owned by Owlcat Games Ltd and Alcon Interactive Group, LLC. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
