In the realm of gaming, a new fantasy IP is preparing to take center stage with the upcoming release of Immortals of Aveum. Crafted by industry veteran Michael Kirkbride and developed by Ascendant Studios, this groundbreaking single-player, first-person magic shooter promises a gripping narrative set in a vibrant fantasy world on the brink of destruction. At San Diego Comic-Con 2023, we had the opportunity to sit down with Senior Art Director Dave Bogan to dive deeply into what brought this ambitious project to life. Coupled with information gleaned from Immortals of Aveum‘s panel, here is everything we learned about the highly anticipated fantasy game.
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In-Game Cinematic Teasers
To provide a taste of the epic story to come, Ascendant Studios released “Securing the Binding Stone,” an in-game cinematic that introduces players to key characters: Jak, Kirkan, and Zendara. Within the War Chamber of the Palathon, a floating fortress in southern Lucium and the headquarters of the Order of the Immortals, the Immortals gather to discuss their fight against the relentless Sandrakk. Jak, an Unforeseen who unexpectedly gains magical abilities, returns from the Front with the artifact, the Binding Stone. The trailer reveals Jak’s inner conflict as he must decide whether to destroy or wield the powerful artifact. This cinematic sets the stage for an action-packed adventure in the world of Aveum.
Michael Kirkbride’s Rich Lore
To create a captivating and immersive fantasy world, an abundance of rich lore is essential. This is where the talents of Michael Kirkbride come into play. Known for crafting iconic AAA narratives for games like The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind and Oblivion, as well as The Walking Dead and Batman: Enemy Within at Telltale Games, Kirkbride joined Ascendant Studios at the inception of the project to breathe life into Aveum. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Kirkbride has shaped the world of Aveum, crafting its characters, kingdoms, and dialogue, setting the foundation for an unforgettable gaming experience.
Bogan explained, “You start out like in any good story, not with very much. Your character has magic because you’re kind of wandering through a little bit in the story. Then this big event happens that’s pretty traumatic, and you’re taken under the wing of Tyrion Magnus Kirkland, who teaches you the ways of magic.”
Magic and Aveum’s World
Magic is not just an aspect of the world of Aveum; it is the core of its existence. Magic is a precious resource that powers the world, existing in three forms: Force (blue), Chaos (red), and Life (green). In the Immortals of Aveum‘s mythology, magic and the world were created simultaneously, intertwined to create a wondrous harmony. However, when humans arrive on the scene, peace becomes elusive, and Aveum becomes a place of perpetual conflict known as the Everwar. The control of magic dictates societal structures, with ruling classes wielding power while others are conscripted into armies. Players will be immersed in a world where pursuing magical prowess is both a privilege and a burden.
Bogan assured fans, saying, “We have a little bit of something for everybody. We’ve been watching the playtesters play the game, and everyone’s got their particular build that they like to do.”
Lucium vs. Rasharn Conflict
At the heart of the narrative lies the enduring conflict between the two superpowers of Aveum, Lucium and Rasharn. The war revolves around the control of magic, and players will learn about the history between the leaders of these powerful kingdoms. For centuries, these kingdoms have been embroiled in the Everwar, each vying for dominance and control over magic. Recently, Rasharn’s Tyrant, Sandrakk, has gained the upper hand, pushing Lucium and its allies to the brink of destruction. The tipping point is on the horizon, and players will witness the ramifications of this struggle while navigating the immersive narrative.
Bogan elaborated, “The war has been going on between these factions fighting for control over magic, which is mostly utilized worldwide. People are fighting over things that are going to help them win or gain control over large areas.”
Character Development and Gameplay Mechanics
Immortals of Aveum boasts a cast of unique and compelling characters, each with their own journeys and growth arcs. The protagonist, Jak, starts as an Unforeseen, a person without magical abilities who later manifests extraordinary powers. Guided by the powerful Magnus Kirkan, Jak reluctantly steps into the endless war for magic’s control. As the story unfolds, players will witness Jak’s transformation from a street thief to an elite Triarch Magnus with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The characters’ relationships and interactions are pivotal to the narrative’s depth. Jak’s bond with Kirkan, who leads the Immortals, shapes the story’s direction. In contrast, his relationship with fellow Immortals, Zendara and Devyn, sparks conflict and camaraderie. Zendara, a royal princess from a fallen kingdom, struggles with her prejudices against the Unforeseen, while Devyn, an aristocrat, becomes Jak’s unwavering supporter. These intricate relationships add complexity to the narrative, making the characters come alive.
Bogan shared, “All the credit goes to the writers and actors. They bring these characters to life and make them interesting. Everyone will have their favorite character, but the fact that they all work together as this group is really cool.”
With its rich lore, cinematic storytelling, spell-based combat, and a world on the edge of destruction, Immortals of Aveum is shaping up to be a thrilling gaming experience. As players explore the depths of Aveum’s troubled past and confront the challenges of the Everwar, they will be drawn into a new world where magic and conflict collide. As the release date approaches, anticipation for this fantastical adventure continues to build, promising an exhilarating journey for gamers seeking a fresh narrative.
Immortals of Aveum is set to release on August 22, 2023, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
