Former BioShock and Borderlands Developers Announce Chaotic New Game

Stray Kite Studios, a team of industry veterans from high-profile projects like BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires, has unveiled their latest creation: Wartorn. This eagerly anticipated game is set to redefine the genre with its unique blend of real-time strategy and roguelite gameplay, slated for an early access launch on both Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025.

Since its founding in 2018, Stray Kite Studios, based in Dallas, Texas, has grown to about 30 employees by 2025. The studio's portfolio includes the standalone version of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure and a variety of Creative maps for Fortnite. Now, with Wartorn, they step into the spotlight with their first original game.

Wartorn thrusts players into a richly detailed fantasy world, following the harrowing journey of two elven sisters on a quest to reunite with their family. The narrative is woven with intense battles and morally challenging decisions, making each playthrough a unique experience. The game's setting is a world torn by chaos, a theme that resonates deeply with the protagonists' struggles.

Wartorn Is Chaotic in More Than One Way

The chaos in Wartorn extends beyond its storyline to its gameplay mechanics. The game features destructible environments driven by physics, ensuring that no two encounters are ever the same. This dynamic element adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay. Stray Kite Studios' co-founder and creative director, Paul Hellquist, emphasized the game's thematic depth, stating, "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."

Wartorn Will Require Players To Make Tough Decisions

In Wartorn, players will face tough choices outside of combat, such as deciding which character to feed or whom to save from certain death. These decisions are integral to the game's story-driven roguelite experience, ensuring that each playthrough is distinct. Combat itself offers a high degree of freedom, with a magic system that allows players to mix and match elemental forces like fire, water, and lightning. These spells interact uniquely with each other and the environment, providing strategic depth and variety.

As a roguelite, Wartorn includes a progression system where upgrades carry over between runs, making each subsequent attempt more manageable. The game's visuals boast a painterly aesthetic, enhancing the dramatic feel of its setting. To ensure accessibility, Wartorn allows players to slow down the action, enabling precise command inputs amidst the chaos.

With its innovative gameplay, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals, Wartorn is poised to make a significant impact when it launches in early access on Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025.