The gaming world is no stranger to time travel and alternate history narratives, but Kingmakers, an upcoming action-strategy sandbox game, promises to push the boundaries of both genres. Developed by Redemption Road Games and published by tinyBuild, Kingmakers blends medieval warfare with modern weaponry and strategic depth, offering a unique gameplay experience that lets you change the course of history. Set in 1400 AD, this third-person action game is poised to captivate players with its innovative mechanics, immersive plot, and engaging co-op multiplayer. Here’s everything you need to know about Kingmakers, scheduled for early access in 2025.
Kingmakers Game Plot: A Time-Traveling Mission to Save the Future
At the heart of Kingmakers lies an intriguing plot: you, as an elite task force operator, are thrust 500 years back in time to medieval Great Britain in 1400 AD. The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster, and it’s up to you to alter the course of history to prevent this grim future from unfolding. Your mission is to tip the scales of power in one of three warring factions—England, Scotland, or Wales—and shape the destiny of the British Isles, all while navigating the intricacies of medieval politics and warfare.
The choices you make in Kingmakers have profound consequences on the game’s world. Will you ally with England’s monarchy, join forces with the rebellious Scots, or fight for the Welsh in their struggle for independence? With multiple possible endings, the game offers a rich, branching narrative that gives players the freedom to influence the outcome of the war and ultimately decide the fate of humanity.
Gameplay: Merging Action and Strategy in a Dynamic Sandbox
Kingmakers offers a unique blend of action and strategy, providing players with the ability to seamlessly switch between two distinct gameplay modes: third-person shooter and top-down strategy. This dynamic combination allows for an engaging experience where combat and tactics work in perfect harmony.
Third-Person Shooter Mode: Wreak Havoc with Modern Weapons
In the third-person shooter mode, you’ll have access to an arsenal of modern weapons that would be considered futuristic by the standards of the 1400s. From assault rifles and shotguns to grenade launchers and armored vehicles, you can rain destruction down on your medieval enemies with an unprecedented level of firepower. Whether you’re mowing down swordsmen with an AK-47 or launching airstrikes on enemy strongholds, Kingmakers lets you experience combat in a way that no other medieval game has.
The game’s combat system features next-gen multi-threaded AI, which controls the actions of thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. This AI governs everything from pathfinding to decision-making, ensuring that each battle is an unpredictable, fast-paced experience. Add in a unique procedural animation system, and you have a level of character and combat fidelity that’s truly cutting-edge.
Top-Down Strategy Mode: Command Your Army with Precision
When you’re not engaging in high-octane battles, you can switch to the top-down strategy mode to command your medieval army. In this mode, you’ll have control over a variety of unit types, including archers, swordsmen, cavalry, and spearmen. You can customize your army’s formations, banners, and colors, allowing you to create a personalized fighting force.
Strategically plan your next move, allocate units to different tasks, and issue direct commands to your soldiers. Whether you’re fortifying a position, laying siege to a castle, or preparing for a massive battle, the strategy mode in Kingmakers gives you the tools to shape the outcome of the war. You can even leave the micromanagement to your officers, trusting them to carry out orders while you focus on more pressing matters on the battlefield.
Seamlessly Switch Between Combat and Strategy
What sets Kingmakers apart is its seamless transition between combat and strategy. At any time, you can switch from actively controlling your character in third-person shooter mode to commanding your army in strategy mode. This fluid mechanic allows you to jump between the intensity of combat and the strategic planning required to lead your army to victory.
This unique feature is easy to learn but offers endless tactical possibilities. You’ll need to think on your feet as you balance direct combat with overarching strategic goals, from constructing fortifications to managing your army’s morale. The choices you make in both modes have a direct impact on the outcome of the war, giving you a deep sense of agency in shaping the game world.
Kingmakers Co-Op Mode: Join Forces with Friends for Epic Multiplayer Battles
While Kingmakers offers an incredible solo experience, the game also supports co-op multiplayer for up to four players. In this mode, you and your friends can each take control of your own army and join forces to break down enemy defenses, defend key strongholds, or tackle massive battles together.
Whether you’re coordinating strategies to storm a castle or fending off waves of enemies, the multiplayer experience in Kingmakers promises to be an epic adventure. Working together with friends enhances the strategic depth of the game, as you can combine your strengths and skills to overcome even the toughest challenges.
Development: A Game Years in the Making
Kingmakers is the result of over five years of development by Redemption Road Games, a studio dedicated to crafting immersive and innovative gaming experiences. The game was first announced on February 20, 2024, by publisher tinyBuild, generating immediate excitement among action and strategy game fans. Redemption Road Games has worked hard to create a title that blends modern technology with the richness of medieval warfare, and the result is a game that feels fresh, exciting, and full of possibilities.
A Film Adaptation of Kingmakers: Bringing the Game to the Big Screen
In addition to its groundbreaking gameplay, Kingmakers is also set to receive a live-action film adaptation. Announced on August 8, 2024, in collaboration with Story Kitchen, tinyBuild, and Redemption Road Games, the movie will bring the game’s time-traveling, history-altering narrative to the silver screen. With the success of other video game adaptations in recent years, fans can look forward to seeing Kingmakers expand into a multi-media franchise that will further explore its rich lore and characters.
Mature Content: Realistic Combat and Warfare
As expected from a game that combines modern warfare with medieval combat, Kingmakers features mature content, including intense battle scenes and violence. Players will engage in combat using an array of weapons, such as swords, combat rifles, grenades, and vehicles. The game presents a gritty, realistic portrayal of warfare, with thousands of soldiers fighting in real-time battles, creating an immersive and chaotic experience that mirrors the brutality of medieval warfare.
Kingmakers Release Date: When Can You Play?
Fans of action, strategy, and history-altering gameplay will not have to wait much longer to dive into Kingmakers. The game is set to enter early access in 2025, giving players the opportunity to experience the game’s world, mechanics, and story before its full release. The early access phase will offer a chance to provide feedback, helping the developers fine-tune the game’s features and ensure a smooth, polished experience upon the final launch.
While an exact release date has yet to be confirmed, players can expect Kingmakers to hit Windows PCs first, with potential expansions to other platforms in the future. The early access period will also give fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic blend of combat and strategy, exploring the game’s medieval setting and experimenting with the game’s time-bending mechanics.
Conclusion: A Revolutionary Game That Changes History
Kingmakers is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and innovative games of 2025. By combining modern military technology with medieval strategy and warfare, it offers a unique gameplay experience that allows players to shape the course of history in ways never before seen in a video game. Whether you’re wielding a rifle in the heat of battle or commanding an army of medieval soldiers from above, the game offers a deep, immersive experience that blends action, strategy, and storytelling.
The addition of a multiplayer co-op mode, the seamless transition between combat and strategy, and the game’s rich, branching narrative make Kingmakers a title to watch in the coming years. With its epic scope and innovative mechanics, it’s clear that Kingmakers will be a game that challenges players to think strategically while delivering fast-paced action. Get ready to alter the timeline and rewrite history when Kingmakers enters early access in 2025.
