Former BioShock and Borderlands Developers Announce Chaotic New Game

Stray Kite Studios Unveils "Wartorn," a Real-Time Strategy Roguelite

Stray Kite Studios, a Dallas-based developer boasting veterans from renowned studios like BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires, has announced its debut original title: Wartorn. This real-time strategy roguelite, slated for a Spring 2025 Early Access launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store, promises a unique blend of tactical gameplay and compelling narrative.

Wartorn casts players into a fractured fantasy world, following the journey of two elven sisters striving for family reunification. Their quest will be fraught with challenging battles and morally complex choices, shaping each playthrough into a distinct experience.

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Dynamic Destruction and Strategic Depth

The game's defining feature is its physics-driven environmental destruction. Unscripted and unpredictable, this element significantly impacts combat encounters, ensuring replayability and fostering strategic depth. The narrative itself centers on finding purpose amidst chaos, exploring themes of sacrifice, survival, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Co-founder and Creative Director Paul Hellquist states, "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."

Tough Choices and a Flexible Magic System

Beyond combat, players face difficult decisions between battles – choosing who to aid, who to save, and how to allocate resources. These choices directly influence the narrative arc, further enhancing the roguelite experience. Combat itself offers freedom and flexibility through a dynamic magic system. Players can combine elemental forces (fire, water, lightning, etc.) in creative ways, exploiting environmental factors for tactical advantages.

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Accessible Progression and Painterly Aesthetics

Wartorn's progression system allows upgrades to carry over between runs, easing subsequent attempts. The game boasts a striking painterly aesthetic, enhancing the drama of its setting. For maximum accessibility, a slow-motion feature allows for precise command input amidst the chaotic battles.

The Early Access release on Steam and the Epic Games Store is anticipated for Spring 2025. Prepare for a challenging, narrative-driven roguelite experience that will test your strategic skills and moral compass.