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 first original title: Wartorn. This real-time strategy roguelite, slated for Steam and Epic Games Store early access launch in Spring 2025, 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 a deeply personalized experience with each playthrough.

Dynamic Destruction and Strategic Depth

The game's defining feature is its physics-driven environmental destruction. Unscripted and unpredictable, this element ensures no two encounters are alike, adding a layer of strategic depth to the real-time combat. Players will command their characters, utilizing a dynamic magic system that allows for creative spell combinations (fire, water, lightning, etc.) and tactical exploitation of environmental hazards.

Co-founder and Creative Director Paul Hellquist emphasizes the game's thematic focus: "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 Meaningful Progression

Beyond combat, Wartorn presents players with difficult moral dilemmas, influencing the narrative and impacting subsequent playthroughs. Decisions such as choosing who to save or feed will directly shape the story arc. The roguelite elements are further enhanced by a progression system that allows upgrades to carry over between runs, making each attempt progressively easier while maintaining the challenge.

Wartorn's painterly art style enhances the dramatic atmosphere, while the option to slow down gameplay allows for precise command control amidst the chaos. This accessibility feature ensures a smooth and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.

The game is set to launch in early access on Steam and the Epic Games Store in Spring 2025.