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 industry veterans from titles like BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires, has announced its first original game: Wartorn. This real-time strategy roguelite, slated for a Spring 2025 Early Access release on Steam and the Epic Games Store, promises a unique blend of tactical combat, challenging moral dilemmas, and destructible environments rendered in a striking painterly style.

Wartorn follows the journey of two elven sisters striving to reunite with their family in a fractured, war-torn world. Their quest will be fraught with peril, demanding strategic combat prowess and forcing players to confront difficult choices with lasting consequences.

Chaos and Choice Define the Wartorn Experience

The game's chaotic fantasy setting isn't just a backdrop; it's a core gameplay element. Wartorn's physics-driven environmental destruction ensures no two playthroughs are alike, adding a layer of unpredictable challenge to each encounter. This dynamic extends to the game's moral choices, forcing players to make tough decisions – who to save, who to sacrifice – impacting the narrative and shaping the overall experience.

Combat is equally dynamic, featuring a flexible magic system that lets players creatively combine elemental forces (fire, water, lightning) for diverse tactical applications. Think shocking enemies submerged in water or igniting tar-covered foes.

Co-founder and Creative Director Paul Hellquist emphasizes the game's deeper themes: "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

As a roguelite, Wartorn incorporates a progression system where upgrades carry over between runs, gradually easing the challenge with each attempt. The game's painterly aesthetic enhances the dramatic narrative, while accessible gameplay mechanics, including the ability to slow down time and issue precise commands, ensure a smooth and engaging experience for all players.

Wartorn is set to launch in Early Access on Steam and the Epic Games Store in Spring 2025.