In a notable departure from its existing catalog, developer Quantic Dream is making the leap from story-driven single-player games to a free-to-play online multiplayer title with Spellcaster Chronicles. Quantic Dream previously announced that it has been in the process of developing Star Wars Eclipse, but it seems the studio has another trick up its sleeve that will take things in a brand-new direction.
The name Quantic Dream is likely familiar to single-player fans, with games like Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, and Detroit: Become Human among the studio's most popular releases. Each of those titles is known for having a strong emphasis on narrative exposition, character development, and simple yet satisfying gameplay with the occasional QTE. While most of Quantic Dream's previous games all followed a similar formula, its newest project looks to make a drastic shift into the realm of multiplayer.
Star Wars Eclipse Developer Quantic Dream Issues Update Over NetEase Closures
Quantic Dream, the studio working on Star Wars Eclipse, shares a highly awaited update in the wake of closures under parent company NetEase.
What is Spellcaster Chronicles?
Quantic Dream boss David Cage shared a statement regarding the current status of in-development projects at the studio, briefly touching on the status of Star Wars Eclipse and dropping early details for Spellcaster Chronicles. A first-look trailer was dropped simultaneously, giving audiences a taste of what to expect in this upcoming free-to-play multiplayer game. Spellcaster Chronicles will see players leaping into "fast-paced 25-minute" 3v3 battles, where each team "must capture altars to gain territory and destroy their opponents' Lifestones to claim their victory." The titular Spellcasters will be "archetype-driven mages with distinct identities" that grant players unique magic abilities like summoning creatures to fight against the enemy. According to Spellcasters Chronicles game director Gregorie Diaconu, a closed beta is due to launch on Steam by the end of 2025.
Cage acknowledged Spellcaster Chronicles' surprising swap from single-player to multiplayer, noting that the genre shift allowed the studio to "evolve as a team" by overcoming new challenges while "exploring community-driven narrative." There is understandably some hesitation among audiences, with many unsure about getting too excited about a studio well-versed in story-driven single-player games jumping into a multiplayer title that blends action and strategy. As more details are revealed in the coming months and the planned beta readies for launch, interested fans can follow along for updates on the gameplay, story, and development of Spellcaster Chronicles.
While Spellcaster Chronicles will see Quantic Dream temporarily stepping into the world of multiplayer gaming, Cage assured audiences that development on Star Wars Eclipse is unaffected by the new project, as the studio is working towards multi-project operations. He further commented that Quantic Dream will continue to develop story-rich single-player games, but is hoping to broaden the studio's "creative spirit and technical ambitions" with Spellcaster Chronicles.
- Date Founded
- May 2, 1997
- Headquarters
- Paris, France
- Parent Company
- NetEase Games, NetEase, Inc.
Source: IGN