Towerborne, the latest venture from Stoic, the studio celebrated for its critically acclaimed series, The Banner Saga, is poised to make waves in the gaming community. This upcoming side-scrolling online co-op beat ’em up draws inspiration from classic titles such as Castle Crashers, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe, while infusing a modern twist that promises to engage players in a loot-oriented experience. Players will have the opportunity to hunt for diverse weapon types, upgrades, and equipment, allowing them to craft their unique combatants in a richly detailed world.
Early Access Strategy
At the recent Gamescom event, Stoic unveiled a new trailer for Towerborne, revealing that the game will initially launch on Steam Early Access on September 10, 2024, with an Xbox Game Preview to follow in early 2025. The full version is expected to transition to a free-to-play model sometime in 2025, a strategy that aims to broaden accessibility while maintaining player engagement.
Stoic’s decision to utilize Early Access is rooted in a desire to foster a collaborative environment with its player base. Trisha Stouffer, CEO of Stoic, emphasized the importance of feedback from early players, stating, “It starts with our Founders – players who’ve self-selected to get a first pass at helping us shape the full game.” The integration of account linking will allow players to carry their progress from Steam to Xbox, ensuring a seamless transition as the game evolves.
Game Director Daniel McLaren elaborated on the benefits of the Founders Pack and Early Access, highlighting the dual purpose of identifying and addressing issues while inviting dedicated players to contribute to the game’s development. “The Founder’s pack lets us do two main things: one is that we can slowly see where problems are and get attention onto those areas quickly,” he explained.
Xbox has expressed strong support for Stoic’s approach, with Kristofor Mellroth, Executive Producer at Xbox Games Studios Publishing, noting that the strategy allows for iterative development, ensuring that complex systems are refined to enhance player enjoyment.
What is Towerborne?
Towerborne is crafted with accessibility in mind, featuring short gameplay loops that cater to a wide range of players. The combat system draws from the impactful weapon variety found in titles like Monster Hunter and the Soulsborne genre, yet is designed to be approachable for all skill levels. Stoic co-founder Arnie Jorgensen remarked, “You don’t have to invest hundreds of hours every month to keep up with everybody else.” This flexibility allows players to engage with the game on their own terms, whether through quick missions or extended sessions.
The choice of Steam for Early Access reflects a strategic decision, as the platform offers mature systems for feedback collection, a critical component for the game’s development. While the transition to a free-to-play model raises questions regarding monetization and potential paywalls, the excitement surrounding Towerborne remains palpable. Players are eager to explore its engaging gameplay, which promises to deliver fun and satisfaction even in its early iterations. As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds for what Stoic has in store for its community.