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Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Greatsword Games Studios Announces Funding Round to Launch Ambitious Fantasy MMORPG
06/18/2025, Orlando, Florida // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Greatsword Games Studios, LLC, an independent game development startup, has officially announced its intent to raise $5 million in seed funding. The investment will enable the studio to build a team of approximately 15 full-time developers, artists, and operational staff. The funding will also support the completion of the first alpha build of its flagship massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), under the working title Project: Crimson. In addition, the studio aims to execute large-scale Kickstarter campaigns to generate early community engagement and momentum. Early-stage investors will be offered equity in the company, with an opportunity to help shape a bold new entry into the MMO market. 'We've come this far by bootstrapping and building from the ground up, and now we're ready to take the next step and turn a promising prototype into a living, breathing online world,' says Brian Strigel, founder, CEO, and creative director of Greatsword. 'Our mission is to create an MMO that values player agency, long-term growth, and meaningful community engagement. These are things we believe the genre has been missing.' Greatsword was launched as a solo venture by Strigel, a developer and world-builder who began crafting the lore of its game universe more than a decade ago. Since then, the studio has grown organically through volunteer efforts and internal prototyping. Now, Greatsword is entering a new phase of development. Its debut title, Project: Crimson, is envisioned as a full-scale, AAA fantasy MMO set in a wholly original world. The game unfolds on the fictional continent of Arenti, a land marked by complex geopolitical tension and perpetual conflict among rival kingdoms. At launch, players will choose to begin their journey in one of three distinctive regions, each with its own cultural and aesthetic identity. Treppaneau is a rugged Roman-Scottish-inspired frontier city located in the kingdom of Aequalo. Meanwhile, Agnus is a Viking-themed realm known for its martial traditions. Khazir is an African-influenced kingdom rich in history and environmental diversity. The gameplay aims to set a new standard in player customization and immersion. Project: Crimson introduces a modular vocation system that allows players to construct unique combat classes by mixing and matching abilities, weapons, and gear. Instead of being locked into traditional RPG archetypes, players will be able to define their roles through experimentation and strategic growth. An innovative weapon evolution mechanic complements this feature. It allows weapons to develop over time, gaining new traits and powers and further personalizing each player's path. The game's 'geographical layering' system is also unique, with the world of Arenti visually evolving as development progresses. Greatsword's approach to development is community-driven. Inspired by the passion and loyalty of MMO players, the studio is implementing a development model that brings early adopters into the fold much sooner than traditional AAA studios typically allow. Alpha access won't be limited to narrow testing windows. Players will be able to join the journey early, shape features through feedback, and become stakeholders in the world's unfolding narrative. Project: Crimson is still in its early stages. However, it has already demonstrated signs of market potential. An early Reddit showcase of the game's prototype resulted in numerous unique visitors to the studio's website in a single day. Strigel believes it's an encouraging indicator of unmet demand within the MMO community. Gamers responded positively to the original lore, fresh game mechanics, and the promise of a new fantasy IP that breaks away from genre tropes. Greatsword believes its unique world-building, flexible class systems, and transparent development strategy position it to capture the interest of a loyal and underserved audience. Greatsword Games Studios, LLC offers investors an opportunity to support a large-scale gaming project in its formative stage. The $5 million raise is designed to establish a lean, high-output studio capable of delivering tangible milestones, from early access gameplay to impactful crowdfunding campaigns. With equity on the table, early backers have a chance to align themselves with a passionate team and a game set to become a long-term fixture in the MMO landscape. Media Contact Name: Brian Strigel Email: [email protected] The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. Readers should consult with a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Source published by Submit Press Release >> Greatsword Games Studios Announces Funding Round to Launch Ambitious Fantasy MMORPG
The Verge
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
He was devastated when his favorite Facebook game shut down, but at 10 years old, what could he do? 8 years later, he's got the rights, the original code, and is about to relaunch Dungeon Rampage on Steam
[Link: He was devastated when his favorite Facebook game shut down, but at 10 years old, what could he do? 8 years later, he's got the rights, the original code, and is about to relaunch Dungeon Rampage on Steam | |
Geek Girl Authority
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
F2P Friday: Midnight Snack
Welcome to this week's installment of F2P Friday, where we highlight our favorite Free-to-Play games. The video game market is oversaturated, and sometimes, hidden gems fall through the cracks. This is where we dig for you and feature a new F2P game we know you will enjoy every week. This week, we wake up wanting a little something to eat, but end up running for our lives in a surreal nightmare while playing Midnight Snack . CONTENT WARNING: Midnight Snack is a horror game featuring a suspenseful environment with depictions of blood and gore. RELATED: Check out our F2P Friday archives Midnight Snack The game takes place in the protagonist's recurring nightmare. In this nightmare, the protagonist wakes up hungry in the middle of the night and views the world from a microwave perspective. Before reaching the kitchen, he must navigate through a dark and eerie setting, even being attacked within the dream manifestations of his guilt. Finally, upon reaching the kitchen and opening the microwave on the table, he will find an unpleasant surprise. The Basics Let's get down to the basics of Midnight Snack by Desborde Games. Midnight Snack is an adventure-strategy game with one of the most unique movement mechanics I have ever seen. The controls are integrated into the interface itself, modeled after the dials of a retro-style microwave. The bottom dial controls the camera direction, while the top dial determines how long the player moves. Once the time has been set, the controls are locked until the top dial stops turning, so be careful. A mouse is required to interact with the dials as they need a click and drag motion to operate them, similar to an old rotary telephone. RELATED: May's Most Anticipated Video Games The monster that stalks you is an unseen but real threat on your heels. Navigating tight corners and judging how much distance you need to cover is critical to staying alive. Once you set a time on the dial, you can no longer adjust the camera direction as you move, so move with accuracy and speed. Why Should I Play? So why should you play Midnight Snack ? This fast, surreal horror game is a treat with its retro style and unique moment mechanic. My favorite sections were the hallways with their tight corners that raised the suspense level, but the forest sections are the largest areas of the game. I would love to see it expanded into a longer experience, as the 15-20 minute playtime goes by too quickly. Ready to make yourself a little late-night bite and run for your life? You can play Midnight Snack for free with Steam now and watch the trailer below for a better look at the interface. F2P Friday: THE SECOND SIGHT
