Hawthorn is a very special game. Former developers from Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog have teamed up to bring players a Sandbox RPG that supports co-op or solo experiences as they build their villages. The game also has personality-rich NPCs. The game is set in Windermere Valley, and while the inhabitants are all concerned about the reasons The Village was abandoned, the players have the opportunity to grow their own communities and create a fresh start for everyone. As this is a life simulator, players have the chance to engage with all of the creatures in whatever way they choose. You can be nice, or you can offend them, but each character comes with their own personality and backstory.
As seen during the Insider Gaming Showcase, the latest Gameplay trailer reveals even more of the expansive world to explore, as well as the unique sandbox events that can occur. The beauty of a game like this is that you have full autonomy to create your character the way you want, with a variety of species and backgrounds to choose from. Also, random events will occur throughout your experience that may not happen in someone else’s. Of course, you will have to farm, craft, and sustain your village, but if you so choose, you can do so with friends either online or through local co-op.
What Is Hawthorn?
To find out more about this upcoming open-world experience, Insider Gaming spoke with Heather Cerlan of NEARstudios. Her background includes credits on The Last of Us, Starfield, and Dragon Age. Check out the full interview below:
Key Features
Make an Impact Outside of Gaming
Early in May, it was announced that players will get the opportunity to reserve three exclusive characters that are all inspired by real-world endangered species. Each character will be designed to fit into the world of the game while maintaining their unique Aesthetics and backgrounds. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from every reservation will be donated to conservation efforts and Charities that work to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Your Choices Matter
Whether it’s how you choose to solve conflicts, the way you face weather challenges that will occur, or how you interact with the creations around you, your choices matter in this game, and autonomy is key.
Villagers Help You Build
Harvest, fish, craft, and farm. That’s how you survive. If you don’t want to always get your hands dirty, the NPC villagers can take on tasks you don’t want to do. Build and decorate the homes among the roots of great trees. If you cater to your villagers’ preferences, they will follow you to the end.
Hawthorn Trailer
The Studio Behind Hawthorn
NEARstudios is a group of game developers from AAA studios like Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog who are taking the indie path, developing their first passion project with the help of their players and community. Bethesda, in particular, is known for developing the Fable series, which this game resembles. There’s no release date planned yet, but they’re giving their all to the upcoming experience.
Links & More Information
- Game’s Website: https://playhawthorn.com/
- Dev Team’s Website: https://www.nearstudios.com/
- Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nearstudios/hawthorn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PlayHawthorn
- Discord: https://discord.com/invite/hawthorn
- Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3078150/Hawthorn/
To check out a comprehensive list on Steam of all the games featured at the Insider Gaming Showcase on May 28, click here.
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