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 launch in Spring 2025, promises a unique blend of tactical combat, destructible environments, and challenging moral dilemmas.

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 peril, demanding strategic combat prowess and difficult choices with lasting consequences.

Dynamic Destruction and Moral Choices Define Wartorn's Gameplay

The game's chaotic nature extends beyond its narrative. Wartorn features physics-based environmental destruction, ensuring each playthrough unfolds differently. This dynamic element, coupled with the necessity of making tough decisions – such as prioritizing character survival or resource allocation – contributes to a highly replayable, story-driven roguelite experience.

Combat is equally dynamic, incorporating a flexible magic system. Players can creatively combine elemental forces (fire, water, lightning) to exploit enemy weaknesses and environmental hazards, adding another layer of strategic depth.

Painterly Aesthetics and Accessible Mechanics

Wartorn's painterly art style enhances the dramatic narrative, while accessible mechanics ensure a smooth gameplay experience for all. A slow-motion feature allows for precise command input during intense battles, mitigating the chaos inherent in the roguelite genre. Progression features carry-over upgrades between runs, making subsequent attempts progressively easier.

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." This sentiment encapsulates the core of Wartorn's design, aiming to provide a compelling and thought-provoking experience.