Former Bethesda game developers have recently unveiled their indie game studio, NearStudios, along with their inaugural game called Hawthorn.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a co-op sandbox RPG featuring animals as characters, offering a mix of cozy gameplay with realistic-looking animated creatures and environments.
Potomac, Maryland-based NearStudios, spelled NEARstudios by the company, is spearheaded by Heather Cerlan, CEO and creative director, along with game director and co-founder Jason Richardson.
In an interview with GamesBeat, Cerlan expressed, “We aimed to combine the appeal and accessibility of a cozy game with the depth and visual allure of a core RPG.”
Early playtesters have likened Hawthorn to an “intimate Skyrim sandbox meets a Stardew Valley village simulation,” promising a captivating and immersive world where players can shape their experience while collaborating towards common goals.
Players can embody characters like a mouse, owl, or more, with unique interactions such as the mouse riding on the back of an owl or eagle. The game’s inspiration stems from the Hawthorn tree, intertwined with various philosophies, outlooks, and superstitions across cultures.
Cerlan shared, “We’re particularly intrigued by its association as the fairies’ tree, believed in some literature to be their protected tree and gateway to their magical realm.”
A seasoned team
The team includes industry veterans like Bruce Nesmith, the lead designer of Skyrim, who has brought his extensive sandbox systems expertise to the project. With developers experienced in triple-A titles such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and more, NearStudios boasts a team capable of delivering a unique and engaging gaming experience.
Hawthorn is a fusion of fairytale-inspired fantasy, drawing from Victorian-era European tales and the spirit of 80s and 90s adventures featuring anthropomorphic characters. It offers a rich fantasy world where players can build villages, form relationships with NPCs, and explore a familiar yet refreshing environment.
Despite its triple-A background, the team at NearStudios operates as a small indie entity, bootstrapping Hawthorn and relishing the freedom to explore creative possibilities while building a strong connection with players.
The company’s commitment to community involvement drives the development of Hawthorn, aiming to create a world where diverse players can collaborate towards shared objectives, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Jason Richardson, cofounder, and game director at NearStudios, highlighted, “In Hawthorn, everything revolves around a living village of NPCs and your co-op friends, evoking the joy of shared adventures reminiscent of timeless stories and simple pleasures.”
A new era of game development
Amid challenges in the gaming industry like funding shortages and studio closures, NearStudios stands as a beacon of innovation, driven by a dedicated team and a supportive community. The future of gaming, they believe, lies in the hands of nimble studios willing to push boundaries.
Explore Hawthorn now on Steam, stay updated on its development progress, gain exclusive insights, and engage with the community through social media or Discord.
Cerlan and the team have poured a year and a half of hard work into Hawthorn, assembling a team of freelancers to reach this stage, with positive feedback from TwitchCon content creators boosting their momentum.
Hawthorn embraces co-op gameplay to cater to a wide range of players, aiming to bridge the gap between different play styles and offer a unique gaming experience for all.
Richardson, known for combat design, collaborated with Cerlan to pivot towards a simpler design for Hawthorn, resonating with a diverse player base and setting new standards in game development.
As the team plans for internal playtesting and upcoming public demos, Cerlan expresses gratitude for the support received, sharing their vision to create a harmonious gaming experience that transcends traditional genres and captivates players.
FAQs
What is the inspiration behind Hawthorn?
The game draws inspiration from fairytale elements, Victorian-era European stories, and 80s and 90s adventures featuring anthropomorphic animals.
How can players engage with Hawthorn?
Players can immerse themselves in a rich fantasy world, build villages, forge relationships with NPCs, and work towards shared objectives in a collaborative gaming experience.
What sets NearStudios apart in the gaming industry?
NearStudios distinguishes itself by blending triple-A expertise with indie creativity, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing player collaboration in game development.
Credit: venturebeat.com
