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 Steam and Epic Games Store early access release in Spring 2025, promises a unique blend of tactical combat and compelling narrative choices.

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 decisions, shaping each playthrough uniquely.

Dynamic Destruction and Strategic Depth

A key element of Wartorn's gameplay is its physics-driven environmental destruction. Unscripted and impactful, this feature ensures replayability and strategic depth. Combat utilizes a dynamic magic system, allowing players to creatively combine elemental forces (fire, water, lightning) for diverse tactical effects. Imagine shocking enemies submerged in water or igniting tar-covered foes – the possibilities are numerous.

Difficult Choices, Meaningful Consequences

Beyond the battlefield, players face difficult choices impacting the narrative. Decisions about resource allocation and character survival will directly influence the story, further enhancing the roguelite experience. The game's narrative explores themes of sacrifice, survival, and the strength of familial bonds. As Paul Hellquist, co-founder and creative director, 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."

Painterly Aesthetics and Accessible Gameplay

Wartorn's painterly art style enhances the dramatic fantasy setting, while accessible gameplay mechanics, including a slow-motion feature for precise command input, cater to a broad player base. Progression features carry-over upgrades between runs, making each attempt progressively easier.

Wartorn is poised to deliver a compelling and replayable experience, blending strategic depth, narrative choice, and visually stunning environments. Its early access launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store is anticipated for Spring 2025.

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