Early Access phase begins tomorrow.
September 24, 2024
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Top Hat Studios :
OLYMPA, WA - September 24, 2024 – Highly anticipated co-op tactical shooter-meets-survival horror title “The Forever Winter” launches tomorrow, September 24th (12PM PST / 3PM EST / 7PM UTC), into Early Access on both Steam and the Epic Store. The game has been generated a significant buzz online over the past few months thanks to viral trailers and announcements generating eight-figure views on YouTube, becoming the #28 most wishlisted game on the entire Steam platform. Created by Fun Dog Studios, an independent game developer formed by industry veterans behind iconic AAA titles like Horizon: Zero Dawn, Killzone, Hawken, and Mass Effect, the “The Forever Winter” aims to create a highly engaging and hardcore experience within a captivating, highly unique world.
The Forever Winter drops players in a post-apocalyptic, war-torn world dominated by gigantic war machines battling over Earth’s dwindling resources. This tactical shooter weaves together survival, horror, scavenging, and edge-of-your-seat combat, emphasizing strategic decision-making, challenge, and cooperation.
The development team’s belief is that the community should help drive the future of the title. Early Access is more than just a way to release the game early; it represents a unique opportunity for collaboration directly with the community. The goal of Early Access is to allow the playerbase to participate in building and refining The Forever Winter. By actively incorporating player feedback, the development team aims to deliver an evolving experience that stays true to the expectations and desires of the players. The title will ship at an initial price-point of $29.99 alongside a 10% discount, which the team hopes to be an accessible and fair price for fans.
Key Features:
No Pay-to-Win Mechanics: All in-game gear is earned through skill or luck, and players will never be charged for new characters, maps, quests, guns, bosses, or additional content.
Dynamic Encounters: The battlefield is unpredictable thanks to The Forever Winter’s Dynamic Encounter system: enemies have their own goals and agendas, operating in coordinated groups, undertaking full-scale battles — and they’ll intelligently react to your actions. The battlefield you leave won’t be the same one you return to.
Nostalgic Roots with Modern Touches: The Forever Winter draws inspiration from the golden age of gaming in the '90s, aiming to recreate the classic experience where players pay once and receive a complete, enriching game without ongoing charges. Fun Dog Studios has taken a stand against the modern trend of microtransactions, ensuring that the game remains fair, enjoyable, and accessible to all.
Community-Driven Content & Player-friendly Design : Players participating in Early Access will have access to exclusive channels where they can vote on which bosses, features, and content will be developed and released next.
Evolving Environments & Maps: Early Access players will be the first to explore a work-in-progress map, providing feedback to help shape its final design over time.
Hosting Flexibility: The game offers local and peer-to-peer hosting to ensure a smooth gaming experience, allowing players to connect with friends or play solo without server issues.
Additionally, an upcoming free demo in October will keep with Fun Dog Studios’ community-first philosophy. The demo will allow players who are on the fence or unsure if their machines can run the game to try before they buy. This demo underscores the studio's commitment to transparency and player satisfaction, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the world of The Forever Winter before committing to the full game.
Links
About Fun Dog Studios
Fun Dog is a new minority-owned, development studio established by a group of experienced AAA game developers with backgrounds as senior leaders on some of the best games published over the last 10 years. Committed to defying convention, challenging players, and taking big risks, their goal is to build worlds that captivate, terrify, and inspire with stories that contemplate the turbulence of the current times.
For more updates on The Forever Winter, visit https://www.fundogstudios.com/. Play The Forever Winter on Steam and Epic Games Store tomorrow and join the Discord to get all the latest updates. Follow the studio on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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