Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong, developed by Bordeaux-based studio Big Bad Wolf, has finally made its way to Steam after a year of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store. This news comes alongside the recent free game offerings from both Steam and Epic, adding to the excitement for PC gamers.
Upon its release in May 2022, Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong received a mixed reception from players and critics. The game was lauded for its rich lore and potential for immersive role-playing experiences. However, newcomers found it challenging to grasp due to its strong ties to tabletop games and lackluster tutorials. Series veterans also had their share of narrative complaints, and technical issues further hampered the overall enjoyment of the game. Fortunately, the developers addressed many of the major bugs through post-launch updates and DLC releases.
Publisher Nacon announced that Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is now available on Steam, marking the end of its exclusivity deal with the Epic Games Store. To celebrate the occasion, the game is currently offered at a 40% discount, priced at $29.99. The Primogen Edition, which includes all four DLC packs, is available for $34.99. This offer is available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, with the sale ending on June 6.
Fans of the World of Darkness series, on which Vampire: The Masquerade is based, will likely find aspects to enjoy in Swansong. However, those unfamiliar with the franchise may want to familiarize themselves with the tabletop mechanics before diving into the game. The complexity of its systems often leaves newcomers feeling lost, which hindered the game’s ability to appeal to a wider audience.
Although technical issues affected the game’s initial reception, they were not as damaging, considering that previous adaptations of the Vampire: The Masquerade series, such as Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, developed a cult following despite their rough edges. The community has shown a willingness to forgive some lack of polish in the past.
Looking ahead, a sequel to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has been in development at Hardsuit Labs in Seattle since 2019. However, the project has faced multiple delays. While a late 2022 report suggested a potential 2023 release, with June approaching and no concrete release date in sight, it seems increasingly unlikely.
As Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong finds its way to Steam and more players delve into the immersive world of vampires and intrigue, fans eagerly await news about the highly anticipated sequel, hoping for a worthy successor to the beloved Bloodlines game.
