Chaotic New Game Revealed by ex-BioShock, Borderlands Devs

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, morally complex choices, and a visually striking, painterly art style.

Dynamic Destruction and Moral Dilemmas

The game's chaotic nature extends beyond its deeply divided world. Wartorn features physics-driven environmental destruction, ensuring no two playthroughs are identical. This unpredictable element, coupled with the need to make difficult choices between characters' lives and resources, creates a truly story-driven roguelite experience.

Combat offers strategic depth through a dynamic magic system. Players can creatively combine elemental forces—fire, water, lightning—to exploit enemy weaknesses and environmental hazards. Imagine shocking foes submerged in water or igniting tar-covered enemies; the possibilities are plentiful.

Co-founder and Creative Director Paul Hellquist emphasizes the game's thematic depth: "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."

Progressive Gameplay and Accessible Controls

Wartorn's roguelite mechanics include persistent upgrades carried between runs, gradually easing the challenge with each attempt. The painterly aesthetic enhances the dramatic atmosphere of the game world. For maximum accessibility, players can slow down the action and issue precise commands, providing control amidst the chaos.

The game is currently on track for an Early Access release on Steam and the Epic Games Store in Spring 2025.

(Note: The image URLs provided in the input were all the same. To improve the output, unique image URLs for each screenshot would be beneficial.)