Project Pantheon Q&A: Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy Extraction ARPG by Wolcen Developers

Introducing Project Pantheon: A Dark Fantasy Extraction RPG

At Gamescom 2024, amidst numerous intriguing titles, one project that captured attention behind closed doors was Project Pantheon, a dark fantasy game that creatively merges the extraction and action RPG genres. Developed by Wolcen Studio, known for their previous work on Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, this upcoming title promises to be a captivating addition to the gaming landscape.

Tech Savvy and Community Focused

Built on the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 technology, Project Pantheon aims to launch on PC, with a dedicated Steam page already in place. Fans will soon have the opportunity to participate in a Closed Alpha Test scheduled for January 25-26 and February 1-2, catering to both European and North American players, with plans to expand to other regions shortly thereafter.

During Gamescom, I had the pleasure of interviewing Game Director Andrei Chirculete, who shared valuable insights into the development process and the studio’s vision. With a workforce of approximately 110 employees across France and Romania, Wolcen Studio is simultaneously developing three projects, among which Project Pantheon is the most advanced, aiming for a Q4 2025 early access release. The game will adopt a seasonal format, with new content released approximately every four months.

Game Concept and Setting

Embracing Community Collaboration

Chirculete emphasized the studio’s commitment to fostering a community-driven development approach, seeking player feedback to shape critical game elements. “Our goal is to create a live game that remains active and engaging in the market for years to come,”he stated, highlighting the importance of replayability, combat fluidity, and competitive elements within both the extraction and action RPG formats.

A Unique Post-Apocalyptic Universe

Distinct from the traditional fantasy landscape, Project Pantheon unfolds within a post-apocalyptic world where various mythologies collide following the mysterious disappearance of all gods. Death, personified as a cosmic entity, takes center stage as he recruits players as new Reapers—tasking them with uncovering the universe’s secrets while managing its chaos.

Players will operate from a sanctuary, a personal space that facilitates crafting and experimentation, before venturing into diverse mythological realms such as Olympus and Valhalla. Engaging in both player vs. player (PvP) and player vs. environment (PvE) encounters, participants will aim to complete objectives, defeat opponents, and ultimately survive to reclaim their rewards.

Sanctuary Customization and Gear Dynamics

This sanctuary serves as a hub for players to build and enhance distinct buildings that provide functionalities such as crafting and storage. A unique aspect of Project Pantheon is the integration of gear into the gameplay style—players gain abilities and skills through the equipment they wear, shifting emphasis from character-based mechanics to gear-centric play. This dynamic intertwines with an in-game economy, cultivating a sense of value and anxiety surrounding items—a signature feature of extraction games.

Project Pantheon Game Screenshot — “You are what you wear. All the abilities, passive and active, come from the gear that the player is equipped with…”

Art Direction and Mythology Integration

The game’s art direction revolves around three key elements: post-apocalyptic aesthetics, grounded fantasy, and mythological narratives. Rather than typical apocalypse scenarios, Project Pantheon features environments that depict the ruin of mythical landscapes like Valhalla and Olympus, focusing on rich storytelling rooted in the fantasy genre.

Initially, players will explore Norse and Egyptian mythologies during early access, with Greek and Aztec mythologies introduced later. Each mythological realm will possess multiple maps, complete with unique bosses and extensive quests, merging narrative with gameplay to maintain player engagement.

Monetization and Community Engagement

As a free-to-play title, Project Pantheon is structured to avoid pay-to-win scenarios, emphasizing player customization through optional purchases such as season passes and cosmetic items. The team is also exploring subscription models reminiscent of Dota Plus, which offer insights into gameplay without providing direct advantages.

Feedback garnered from initial playtests across various regions has revealed distinct player preferences, with Western audiences gravitating towards RPG elements while Asian players favoring the competitive nature of the game.

Final Thoughts

In our conversation, Chirculete expressed enthusiasm for a genre that has yet to see a synthesis of extraction mechanics with action RPG elements. He pointed out, “We found the extraction genre very intriguing… but many players, including ourselves, want to enjoy this gameplay without being confined to shooters.”

With a vision that looks promising, Project Pantheon not only aims to carve out its niche in the gaming market but also seeks to grow alongside its community. The blend of competitive gameplay, immersive world-building, and a fair monetization approach has the potential to attract a wide audience.

To explore more about this exciting title and stay updated on the latest developments, visit Wccftech.

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