Ex-BioShock, Borderlands Devs Unveil Wild New Game

Summary

• Stray Kite Studios has announced Wartorn.
• The newly revealed game blends real-time strategy with roguelite gameplay, featuring destructible environments, tough moral choices, and a distinctive painterly aesthetic.
• Wartorn is set to launch in early access on Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025.

Wartorn marks the debut of an original game from Stray Kite Studios, a team of industry veterans who have previously worked on high-profile titles such as BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires. Scheduled for a PC release in spring 2025, this tactical roguelite will be the first original project from the Dallas, Texas-based studio, founded in 2018 and currently boasting around 30 employees.

Stray Kite Studios, known for their work on the standalone version of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure and numerous Creative maps for Fortnite, has now unveiled Wartorn. This game combines real-time strategy and roguelite elements, following the journey of two elven sisters striving to reunite with their family amidst a perilous world.

Wartorn Is Chaotic in More Than One Way

Set in a fantasy world engulfed in chaos, Wartorn challenges players with more than just combat. The game introduces physics-driven environmental destruction, ensuring that no two encounters are the same. The thematic focus of Wartorn revolves around finding purpose in chaos, prompting players to contemplate themes of sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us. "We’ve poured our hearts into creating a game that not only entertains but also makes players think deeply about sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us," said Paul Hellquist, co-founder and creative director at Stray Kite Studios.

Wartorn Will Require Players To Make Tough Decisions

Between battles, players will face challenging decisions, such as choosing which character to feed or whom to save from death. These choices enhance the narrative-driven roguelite experience, making each playthrough unique. Combat offers flexibility with a magic system where players can combine elements like fire, water, and lightning for various strategic outcomes, such as igniting tar-covered enemies or electrifying those in water.

Wartorn also includes a progression system where upgrades persist across runs, easing subsequent attempts at completing the game's journey. The game's visuals adopt a painterly style, adding dramatic flair to its setting. To ensure accessible gameplay, Wartorn allows players to slow down action for precise command issuance amidst the chaos. Set to launch in early access on both Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025, Wartorn promises a deeply engaging and thought-provoking gaming experience.