Stoic Studio, the renowned creators of the critically acclaimed tactical-RPG franchise Banner Saga, made an exciting announcement today during the Summer Game Fest Xbox Showcase. They unveiled their latest project, Towerborne, a captivating action-RPG brawler that stands in stark contrast to their previous work.
The game immerses players in a fantastical world where humanity has taken refuge in The Belfry, a colossal tower overlooking a realm teeming with monsters and other peculiar adversaries. Towerborne seamlessly blends elements of classic co-op brawling, strategic gameplay, and RPG mechanics, all while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Principal Game Designer, Alex Thomas, expressed the team’s intentions in a blog post, stating, “We really wanted to create a game that we could enjoy with our families, play at conventions, and make it a sit-down-and-have-fun kind of experience. We draw inspiration from classic beat ’em up games and wanted to develop one with longevity, expanding its features and gameplay modes for as long as possible.”
According to Thomas, death is a crucial element in Towerborne’s gameplay. Unlike traditional games where characters simply respawn after dying, the demise of your hero, known as an Ace, holds significant narrative weight. “As an Ace, you are a special force for good, capable of confronting the most perilous challenges, dying, and returning,” Thomas explained. “We didn’t want to treat it as a mere gameplay mechanic; instead, we wanted to explore what that experience would be like for a group of individuals. You don’t embark on these missions simply because you are a superhero; you do it to support an entire civilization during a cataclysmic event.”
Humanity’s cities have fallen. We now seek sanctuary in the Belfry. Venture out with friends and bring back hope. Towerborne, coming in 2024! pic.twitter.com/1vPaZJH7IU
— Towerborne (@Towerborne) June 11, 2023
Towerborne adopts a seasonal approach, with the developers planning to introduce new content over time while unraveling an overarching narrative. Thomas elaborated on the concept, stating, “Our premise revolves around creating a seasonal game that feels organic. We wanted to craft a story where content updates and gameplay changes are intricately woven into the fabric of the world.”
This approach ensures that Towerborne remains a dynamic and ever-evolving experience, keeping players engaged and invested in the unfolding storyline. By delivering regular content updates, Stoic Studio aims to provide a sense of immersion and continuity, allowing players to witness the growth and transformation of the game world alongside their own characters.
Towerborne holds tremendous promise as Stoic Studio expands their creative horizons. Fans can anticipate an enthralling adventure, replete with thrilling combat, strategic decision-making, and a captivating narrative. With its unique blend of cooperative brawling and RPG elements, Towerborne is poised to captivate both long-time fans of Stoic Studio and newcomers alike.
As we eagerly await further details about this exciting project, it is clear that Stoic Studio’s commitment to innovation and storytelling remains unwavering. Towerborne promises to be a remarkable addition to their esteemed repertoire, offering players a new and exhilarating adventure that will leave an indelible mark on the world of action-RPG gaming.
