"Ex-BioShock, Borderlands Devs Unveil Chaotic New Game"

Stray Kite Studios Unveils Wartorn: A Unique Blend of Real-Time Strategy and Roguelite

Stray Kite Studios, a seasoned team of industry veterans with experience on major titles like BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires, has announced their latest project, Wartorn. This eagerly anticipated game combines real-time strategy with roguelite elements and is set to launch in early access on both Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025.

Founded in 2018 and based in Dallas, Texas, Stray Kite Studios comprises around 30 employees as of 2025. The studio has previously worked on the standalone version of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, known as A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure, and has created numerous Creative maps for Fortnite. Wartorn marks their first original game, promising a fresh and engaging experience for players.

A Chaotic Fantasy World

Set in a deeply divided fantasy world engulfed in chaos, Wartorn follows the gripping narrative of two elven sisters on a quest to reunite with their family. The journey is fraught with peril, featuring intense battles and morally challenging decisions that players must navigate. The game's chaotic nature extends beyond its storyline, with a physics-driven environmental destruction system that ensures no two encounters are ever the same.

According to Paul Hellquist, co-founder and creative director at Stray Kite Studios, "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 focus on thematic depth aims to engage players on multiple levels, encouraging reflection amidst the action.

Tough Choices and Dynamic Gameplay

In Wartorn, players will face tough decisions outside of combat, such as choosing which character to feed or deciding whom to save from certain death. These choices not only affect the storyline but also contribute to the game's unique roguelite experience, ensuring that each playthrough is distinct. Combat itself offers a similar level of freedom, with a versatile magic system that allows players to mix and match elemental forces like fire, water, and lightning. These spells interact dynamically, offering varied strategic applications, such as shocking enemies in water or setting fire to tar-covered mobs.

As a roguelite, Wartorn includes a progression system where upgrades carry over between runs, making subsequent attempts at completing the journey progressively easier. The game's visuals aim to capture a painterly aesthetic, enhancing the drama of its setting. To ensure accessibility, Wartorn will allow players to slow down the on-screen action, providing the opportunity to give precise commands amidst the chaos.

With its innovative blend of real-time strategy and roguelite elements, coupled with a compelling narrative and dynamic gameplay, Wartorn is poised to be a standout title upon its early access launch in spring 2025.