BioShock, Borderlands Devs Unleash Mayhem with New Title

Overview: Wartorn - A Roguelite RTS from Stray Kite Studios

Stray Kite Studios, a Dallas-based developer boasting veterans from renowned studios like BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires, announces its debut original title: Wartorn. This real-time strategy roguelite, slated for Steam and Epic Games Store early access release in Spring 2025, promises a unique blend of tactical combat, destructible environments, and challenging moral dilemmas.

Wartorn unfolds in a fractured fantasy world, following two elven sisters on a perilous quest to reunite with their family. Their journey will be fraught with intense battles and difficult choices, shaping the narrative and gameplay experience.

Dynamic Destruction and Moral Choices Define Wartorn's Gameplay

The game's core mechanic revolves around physics-based environmental destruction, ensuring no two playthroughs are alike. This unpredictable element adds a layer of strategic depth to the real-time combat, demanding adaptability and quick thinking. Beyond the battlefield, players face moral quandaries, such as deciding who to save or which unit to prioritize for resources. These choices directly impact the narrative and the overall outcome of each run.

A flexible magic system allows players to creatively combine elemental forces (fire, water, lightning) for diverse tactical applications. Exploiting environmental interactions, such as shocking enemies in water or igniting tar-covered foes, is key to success.

Progression, Accessibility, and Artistic Style

Wartorn's roguelite structure incorporates a persistent progression system, allowing players to carry upgrades between runs, gradually improving their chances of success. The game boasts a striking painterly aesthetic, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere of its chaotic world. For maximum accessibility, a slow-motion feature allows for precise command execution amidst the intensity of combat.

"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," states Paul Hellquist, co-founder and creative director of Stray Kite Studios. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Wartorn's ambition to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking gaming experience. Expect its early access launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store in Spring 2025.