The classic Star Control series is set for a reboot, thanks to Galactic Civilizations developer Stardock. The developer confirmed today that it acquired from bankrupt Atari the rights to the classic PC action-strategy series, which first debuted in 1990. Stardock is wasting no time getting started on the new installment -- the Michigan-based studio said today that development is starting this year, with a release date to be determined. Stardock CEO Brad Wardell said, "We expect the new Star Control to come in the form of a reboot, similar to what Firaxis did with the XCOM series last year. We are looking at Star Control II as a major source of inspiration." What Firaxis "did" with XCOM last year was take a dormant, cult hit PC strategy game series and turn it into a multi-platform, commercially-viable franchise that was lauded by fans and critics -- not an easy task. Stardock has had its eye on the franchise for years. CEO Wardell told Gamasutra in 2008 that he actually had pitched (unsuccessfully) an idea for a new Star Control game to Atari. It wasn't until Atari went bankrupt and started selling off its assets that Wardell and his company could successfully make a move. Star Control is an exploration-driven strategy game that was created by Toys for Bob -- the now Activision-owned studio that created the megahit Skylanders franchise.