Dreamhaven: A New Force in Gaming
Before delving into Sunderfolk, it’s worth exploring the background of Dreamhaven:
- Founded in 2020 by Mike Morhaime, former CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment.
- Comprises two studios: Moonshot and Secret Door, each focusing on different types of games.
- Staffed by industry veterans, many of whom have worked on iconic titles at Blizzard.
- Mission: To create and publish original games that bring players together in positive ways.
The launch of Sunderfolk marks a significant milestone for Dreamhaven, representing their first step into the competitive gaming market as a new entity.
Sunderfolk: Gameplay and Features
Core Concept
Sunderfolk is described as a tactical game inspired by tabletop RPGs, designed to capture the essence of traditional game nights while making the experience more accessible through digital means. Key features include:
- Setting: Players adventure across the diverse lands of the Sunderlands.
- Characters: The game features characterful animal inhabitants, adding charm and personality to the world.
- Gameplay: A blend of exploration, monster battles, and strategic decision-making.
- Control Method: Utilizes phones or tablets as controllers, a unique approach to digital tabletop gaming.
Combat System
The combat in Sunderfolk is designed to be engaging and strategic:
- Turn-based battles that require thoughtful planning and coordination.
- Skill Card System: Players select from a deck of skill cards to perform actions.
- Fate Cards: Introduced each turn to add an element of chance and adaptability.
- Deck Customization: Players can tailor their decks to suit their playstyle and strategy.
- Cooperative Play: Emphasis on team coordination for victory.
Unique Control Scheme
One of Sunderfolk’s most innovative features is its use of mobile devices as controllers:
- Phones or tablets serve as the primary input method.
- Handles everything from inventory management to combat actions.
- Designed to make the game more accessible and intuitive.
- Aims to replicate the tactile feel of managing character sheets and cards in traditional tabletop games.
The Creative Vision Behind Sunderfolk
Mike Morhaime’s Perspective
“The team at Secret Door, and really all of us at Dreamhaven, are all about bringing players together around fun experiences. Sunderfolk is a beautiful game, it’s full of personality and charm, and it also creates epic moments where everyone is engaging directly with each other to work out strategies or celebrate victories. There’s nothing quite like it, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what players think.
Morhaime’s statement emphasizes Dreamhaven’s focus on creating social gaming experiences that foster player interaction and shared moments of joy.
Chris Sigaty’s Insights
Chris Sigaty, the studio head of Secret Door and a veteran of titles like Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Starcraft 2, shared the inspiration behind Sunderfolk:
We have a bunch of dedicated board and tabletop game fanatics on the team at Secret Door – getting together for game night has been a regular highlight for many of us going back years and years. As developers we also like to look at what inspires us and think about how to make those types of experiences easier to get into, so that more people can enjoy them as much as we do. With Sunderfolk, we’re excited to offer players a game that’s easy to pick up and play, while still challenging to master, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.
Sigaty’s comments highlight the team’s passion for tabletop gaming and their goal of making these experiences more accessible to a wider audience through digital innovation.
Visual Design and Art Style
From the released gameplay trailer and screenshots, Sunderfolk boasts a visually striking and charming art style:
- Character Design: The game features wonderfully designed animal characters, adding personality and whimsy to the world.
- Environment Art: Diverse landscapes across the Sunderlands promise varied and engaging settings for adventures.
- UI Design: The interface appears to blend traditional tabletop elements with modern digital design, enhancing the game’s unique appeal.
The attention to visual detail suggests that Dreamhaven is leveraging the artistic talents that made Blizzard games visually iconic, while crafting a unique identity for Sunderfolk.
Potential Impact and Industry Implications
The release of Sunderfolk could have several significant implications for the gaming industry:
- Innovation in Control Schemes: The use of mobile devices as controllers could inspire new approaches to game design and player interaction.
- Bridging Tabletop and Digital: Sunderfolk’s approach might pave the way for more games that blend traditional tabletop elements with digital convenience.
- New Player Demographics: By making tabletop-style games more accessible, Sunderfolk could attract players who might have been intimidated by traditional RPGs.
- Industry Competition: As Dreamhaven’s debut title, Sunderfolk’s success could establish the company as a significant new player in the game development landscape.
Conclusion
Sunderfolk represents an exciting new direction in gaming, blending the strategic depth of tabletop RPGs with the accessibility of digital platforms. As Dreamhaven’s debut title, it showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and quality, drawing on the vast experience of its team while pushing boundaries in game design.
With its unique control scheme, charming art style, and focus on social gaming experiences, Sunderfolk has the potential to carve out a new niche in the gaming market. As players and industry observers alike eagerly await its release, Sunderfolk stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of gaming and the exciting possibilities that arise when veteran developers set out to create something truly new.
Add Comment