Dishonored Devs Return: Wolfeye Studios Unveils Retro Sci-Fi RPG

Fans of the acclaimed Dishonored series and Prey received a blow earlier this year when Arkane Austin, the studio behind these immersive titles, was shuttered by Microsoft. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged as Wolfeye Studios, founded by former Arkane Studios head Raphael Colantonio, has announced their new project: a first-person action RPG set in a retro sci-fi universe.

This marks the follow-up to Wolfeye's 2022 isometric RPG, Weird West, and represents a return to the immersive sim genre that Colantonio helped define. “We are thrilled to officially confirm that our next game is in active development,” Colantonio stated in a press release. “It's a First Person Action RPG, and fans of previous games I've been involved with, like Dishonored and Prey, will feel right at home. RPG enthusiasts in general will also find a lot to enjoy.”

While details remain scarce, early visuals released alongside the announcement offer a tantalising glimpse into the game's aesthetic. The images, reminiscent of the distinct visual styles of Dishonored and Prey, showcase a steampunk-inspired world filled with intricate machinery and foreboding environments. One image depicts workers tinkering with a complex device adorned with elaborate filigree patterns and a menacing masked visage. Another features sheet metal platforms constructed over a dark, fog-laden canyon, hinting at a world steeped in mystery and intrigue.

Adding to the intrigue is a skeletal drone robot, resembling the Clockwork Soldiers from Dishonored 2, but equipped with twin shoulder-mounted gatling guns. This suggestive image further reinforces the game's potential for thrilling action and strategic combat.

Wolfeye Studios is currently seeking a publishing partner for the game, and those eager to participate in a limited alpha test scheduled for next year can sign up for updates via the studio's website. The announcement arrives amidst a tumultuous year for the games industry, marked by widespread layoffs and studio closures. Nevertheless, Wolfeye Studios' new project offers a beacon of hope, suggesting that the legacy of immersive sims, so closely tied to Arkane Austin, will continue to thrive.