The acclaimed studio, Quantic Dream, known for crafting deeply immersive, story-driven single-player experiences like Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, and Detroit: Become Human, has just unveiled its inaugural venture into multiplayer gaming.
This new title, ‘Spellcasters Chronicles,’ marks a significant shift for the developer. It’s a free-to-play, competitive team-based 3v3 action strategy game, with a closed beta on Steam scheduled to launch before the year’s end.
David Cage, head of Quantic Dream, assured fans today that the studio remains committed to single-player projects, including the highly anticipated Star Wars Eclipse. However, the company is now expanding its horizons, embracing a multi-project approach. Spellcasters Chronicles represents their first foray into multiplayer game development. An official reveal trailer offers a glimpse into this exciting new direction.
In a statement released today, Cage expressed enthusiasm for this new journey, saying, ‘Stepping into a new genre with a fresh artistic approach has been both a challenge and a source of growth, allowing us to evolve as a team.’ He added, ‘We now look forward to shaping the game further with players’ feedback and to perfecting this journey together.’
Despite being a radical departure from Quantic Dream’s established style, Cage asserted that Spellcasters Chronicles embodies the same ‘creative spirit and technical ambitions guiding Quantic Dream for nearly three decades.’
Cage characterized Spellcasters Chronicles as a captivating fusion of action and strategy, presented with a vibrant animated fantasy aesthetic. He noted that this project also presents an exciting opportunity for the traditionally story-focused studio to ‘explore community-driven narrative.’ Further gameplay insights were shared in a dedicated video.
Matches in Spellcasters Chronicles will feature intense, fast-paced 3v3 battles lasting approximately 25 minutes. Teams will vie for control by capturing altars to expand their territory and ultimately triumph by destroying their opponents’ Lifestones.
Players will embody ‘Spellcasters,’ unique, archetype-driven mages, each boasting distinct identities, fighting styles, powerful spells, and summoned creatures.
Game director Gregorie Diaconu expressed his excitement, stating, ‘After years of development, we can’t wait to finally share the world of Spellcasters Chronicles with players.’ He confirmed that the initial closed beta would focus on arena battles, with plans to introduce ‘community narrative and other elements of our macro-loop’ in subsequent months.
In related news, Cage briefly touched upon the status of Quantic Dream’s highly anticipated Star Wars Eclipse, reassuring fans that development is ongoing. ‘Of course, development of Star Wars Eclipse continues,’ Cage affirmed, ‘and we are eager to share more with you in the future.’
Tom Phillips is a News Editor. You can find him on social media.