Indie Developers The Game Kitchen Bring Unique Spanish Visual Style and Storytelling Flare to PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
During the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024, Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive, announced an exciting addition to its portfolio: The Stone of Madness.
Developed by The Game Kitchen, known for their acclaimed titles Blasphemous and Blasphemous 2, this tactical stealth adventure game is set to launch in early 2025 on multiple platforms, including Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Step Into the Shadows of 18th Century Spain
The Stone of Madness takes players on a dark and immersive journey through an 18th-century Spanish asylum, known as a madhouse. With stunning hand-drawn artwork inspired by the works of Francisco de Goya, players will experience a rich and atmospheric world that echoes the despair and cruelty of its time.
The narrative centers on five uniquely flawed prisoners who share their fates within the dilapidated walls of a Jesuit monastery. Each character possesses their own traumas and phobias, making their escape a journey not only of physical challenges but of mental endurance. As they plan their break from the madhouse, players will find they must rely on one another to confront their deepest fears and navigate the dangers posed by both their captors and their own psyches.
Key Features of The Stone of Madness
- Escape the Monastery: Players will control all five characters individually, aiding each in their escape while managing the paranoia and madness that plague them. Exploration is key; finding tools and clues hidden in the corridors of the monastery will be essential for a successful getaway.
- Manage the Madness: Each character’s unique traumas influence their mental state, requiring players to monitor their sanity closely. Failing to maintain a character’s mental health can lead to debilitating traits such as paranoia or violent outbursts, complicating the escape process.
- Discover the Secrets Within: Players can choose between two unique escape plans, each featuring different stories, objectives, and surprises. A day-night cycle dictates gameplay—actions are typically safer during the day, but night presents its own mix of opportunities and risks “most inmates rarely venture out after dark.”
- Experience Stunning, Hand-painted Art Style: The game’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, with lovingly crafted art that draws heavily from Goya’s iconic works. The isometric perspective allows players to explore the beautifully rendered environments while appreciating the intricate details that make it feel like stepping into a living painting.
Team Collaboration
Maikel Ortega, Game Director at The Game Kitchen, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “The passionate team at Tripwire Presents is a pleasure to work with. The Game Kitchen studio cannot wait for the world to finally discover The Stone of Madness.”
Matt LoPilato, the CEO of Tripwire Interactive, added, “We were big fans of The Game Kitchen and their work on the Blasphemous series. The Stone of Madness shines with a uniquely creative art style, engaging narrative, and gameplay that fans are sure to enjoy. We’re especially excited to help bring this title to all major console and PC platforms at release.”
A Look at Tripwire Presents
Tripwire Presents is committed to promoting independent studios and their creative visions, having previously published games such as Espire 1: VR Operative, Chivalry 2, and DECEIVE INC. The company continues its mission with their latest venture, demonstrating their belief in the potential of unique titles like The Stone of Madness.
For gamers who wish to learn more about The Stone of Madness, the title is currently available for wishlisting on Steam and all other platforms.
With its deep narrative, stunning artwork, and compelling gameplay mechanics, The Stone of Madness promises to be a standout title in 2025. Fans of tactical stealth adventures and those who enjoy psychological storytelling should keep an eye on this haunting game as it approaches its early 2025 release. For the latest updates and more information on The Game Kitchen and The Stone of Madness, be sure to visit their official website.
Stay tuned to discover whether these flawed characters can escape the clutches of madness and uncover the secrets of their confinement!