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 each playthrough uniquely.

Dynamic Destruction and Strategic Depth

The game's standout feature is its physics-driven environmental destruction. Unscripted and unpredictable, this element ensures high replayability, adding a layer of emergent gameplay to every encounter. Beyond the action, Wartorn explores themes of purpose, sacrifice, and the strength of familial bonds. 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."

Tough Choices and a Flexible Magic System

Wartorn's roguelite structure extends beyond combat. Players face difficult decisions between battles, impacting the narrative and influencing subsequent playthroughs. The in-game magic system allows for dynamic spell combinations, leveraging elemental interactions (fire, water, lightning) for strategic advantage. Imagine shocking enemies submerged in water or igniting tar-covered foes – the possibilities are numerous.

Painterly Aesthetics and Accessible Gameplay

Wartorn's painterly art style enhances the game's dramatic narrative. To ensure accessibility, the game includes a feature to slow down the action, allowing for precise command input amidst the chaos. Progression is handled through persistent upgrades carried between runs, gradually easing the challenge with each attempt.

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