The independent game studio, The Astronauts, has unveiled an exciting new gameplay trailer for their upcoming dark fantasy roguelite, “Witchfire.” This highly anticipated title, developed by the creators of popular games like “Painkiller,” “Bulletstorm,” and “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter,” is set to captivate players with its immersive world and intense gameplay. The recent trailer, showcased during the Summer Game Fest, not only provided a glimpse into the game’s dark and atmospheric setting but also revealed that “Witchfire” will be launching into Early Access on September 20, 2023. The game will initially be available for Windows players exclusively through the Epic Games Store.
The World of Witchfire
In “Witchfire,” players are thrust into a grimdark fantasy world where a deadly conflict rages between powerful witches and the Church. Within this alternate reality, witches pose a significant threat, but they are countered by witch hunters known as preyers. Armed with a formidable arsenal of guns and forbidden magic bestowed upon them by Vatican sorcerers, players take on the role of these preyers. Their mission is to combat the dark terrors that plague the world on behalf of their enigmatic benefactors.
An Emphasis on Immersive Worlds
In an interview with Epic Games News, Adrian Chmielarz, Creative Director and Co-Founder of The Astronauts, expressed his passion for crafting immersive worlds within video games. He stated, “The thing that excites me the most in video games is the idea of experiencing different worlds.” Chmielarz believes that for a game to resonate with players, its world needs to feel authentic, regardless of whether the focus lies on the story or the mechanics. While “Witchfire” is primarily a shooter, the developers have dedicated significant efforts to building a rich lore and atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for players, even those who may not typically prioritize narrative elements in games.
Early Access and Future Updates
Chmielarz confirmed that while “Witchfire” features extensive lore and backstory, the primary focus during the Early Access launch will be on delivering a polished and atmospheric gameplay experience. The team intends to introduce additional story elements as the game approaches its full release. For players interested in delving deeper into the world of “Witchfire,” Chmielarz has written a short story set in the game’s universe, titled “The Preyer.”
Gameplay Dynamics
Chmielarz clarified that although “Witchfire” features intense combat, the game also incorporates moments of quiet exploration, strategic planning, and contemplation. It draws inspiration from games like “Dark Souls” rather than being a non-stop action fest similar to “Doom.” The latest gameplay trailer aimed to showcase this aspect of the game by beginning with a slower pace, capturing the essence of the game’s deliberate and thoughtful gameplay moments. Chmielarz hinted that the upcoming launch trailer may even further emphasize the quieter aspects of the game.
Immersive Graphics and Dark Fantasy Setting
“Witchfire” is the second release from The Astronauts, following their critically acclaimed title, “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter,” which won a BAFTA award. Despite having a small team consisting of just ten developers, The Astronauts managed to create visuals that rival those found in AAA games. Built using the Unreal Engine, “Witchfire” utilizes advanced photogrammetry techniques to create a stunning and immersive dark fantasy world, enticing players to explore its richly detailed environments.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
