Longdue announces psychological RPG Hopetown

Longdue, a studio founded by ex-members from the team behind Disco Elysium, has unveiled their upcoming project, Hopetown. This new title is being positioned as the spiritual sequel to Disco Elysium, and they’re planning a crowdfunding campaign. You can secure a spot for the pre-launch by registering on their official website, but keep in mind that slots are limited.

Piotr Sobolewski, who played a key role in the 15-member team that contributed significantly to the acclaimed game ‘Disco Elysium’ over a span of almost six years, both before and after its launch, expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with Longdue to produce an immersive RPG experience tailored for fans of the genre,” said Piotr Sobolewski in a press statement.

Here is an overview of the game, via Longdue:

About

As a gamer, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of this new psychological RPG that seamlessly blends the intense emotional depth and intricate psychology of Disco Elysium with the profound philosophy and compelling narrative of Planescape: Torment. This game promises to immerse me in an extraordinary world where tales serve as powerful weapons, decisions shape the landscape around me, and darkness and light clash—not just among its inhabitants, but within them as well.

Contributors feature Piotr Sobolewski, who was instrumental in significant advancements to the fundamental structures that shaped the unique role-playing game (RPG) experience known as Disco Elysium. These innovative mechanics, renowned for their complexity and creativity, revolutionized how narrative, choice, and player control are managed within RPGs.

Currently, Piotr is leveraging the insights gleaned from “Disco Elysium” to inspire the Longdue team as they create daring, groundbreaking designs within “Hopetown”. In this process, he’s shaping a fresh perspective on what narrative-driven RPGs are capable of.

In the town of Hopetown, your words serve as the most lethal tool, and each decision you make leaves an indelible trace. This story unfolds in a mining community on the brink of change, influenced by ambition, exploitation, and the delicate social structures that hold it together. You assume the persona of a rebellious journalist – a character marked by chaos, self-destruction, and a cynical view of humanity’s inherent selfishness and cruelty. With no apologies for your skepticism and a penchant for agitating wounds, you delight in probing sensitive spots, tugging at loose ends, and observing the ensuing chaos.

A Town of Contrasts

The town is a stage for contrasting realities. Beneath its surface lies the oppressive gloom of the mines, reflecting the hidden secrets and struggles of its people. Yet, above ground, there’s an illusion of prosperity and advancement, tainted by deceit and power struggles. It’s a territory where the one who controls the narrative has the upper hand, and each choice impacts not only the world but also shapes you personally.

Groundbreaking Mechanics

In the spirit of games like Disco Elysium and Planescape: Torment, the innovative game, Hopetown, revolutionizes player control with an intricate psychogeography system. Unlike conventional mechanics such as keys or levers, emotions, memories, and dialogues are the instruments that open doors, modify landscapes, and influence connections in this game world. Instead of focusing solely on puzzle-solving or item acquisition, progress lies in understanding and navigating the protagonist’s fragmented mind and the impact it has on the surroundings.

In this innovative role-playing game, you’ll find yourself with the power to weave tales that influence both the world and your character. Will you thrive on the unpredictability of being a gonzo journalist, crafting sensational stories? Or perhaps you’ll manipulate facts as a conspiracy theorist, shaping events according to your beliefs? Alternatively, you might opt for the methodical approach of an investigator, unearthing truths that can ignite revolution or foster apathy.

A Crucible of Choices

In this mining town, it’s not just a backdrop—it’s a furnace that tests and shapes you. What secrets will you uncover? What tales will you weave? Will your words ignite hope or chaos? Will you redefine the structures of authority, or will they devour you instead?

Every Word Matters

In this game, everything has the power to transform other elements. The words you select are significant and influential. Each choice you make holds consequence, and the narratives you weave can alter not only the world but also the delicate structures that sustain it.

Why Back Hopetown?

Supporting Hopetown isn’t solely about providing financial resources; it’s about fostering a community, endorsing an idea, and making a choice. Longdue is an autonomous studio bravely crafting games that larger studios might avoid or struggle to produce – games that stimulate players intellectually and invite them to question the very games they play. With Hopetown, Longdue is spearheading a movement for role-playing games with narrative depth similar to Disco Elysidum, unafraid of intricacy, emotion, or grandeur.

As a gamer, I can’t wait to jump on the opportunity to secure my spot early for the pre-launch crowdfunding campaign through Longdue’s website. By registering in time, I’ll score exclusive access to a limited batch of rewards that will be privately unveiled just before the public crowdfunding campaign kicks off. It’s all about getting in early and reaping the benefits!

Key Features

  • Contributors from Disco Elysium – Seven people who worked on Disco Elysium across production, narrative and writing, world design, sound, audio, and technical design have contributed to Hopetown to date, bringing their expertise, learnings, and knowledge to this bold new project.
  • An All-Star Team of RPG Talent – Supported by industry veterans with credits on Cult of the Lamb, The Witcher universe, Yes, Your Grace, and more, Longdue is combining the raw creative energy of Disco Elysium with the best talent in the RPG space to deliver something truly extraordinary.
  • A Spiritual Successor – Drawing inspiration from the narrative depth of Disco Elysium and the philosophical complexity of Planescape: Torment, Hopetown redefines what a psychological RPG can achieve.
  • Groundbreaking Mechanics – Introducing innovative systems like psychogeography, where emotions and memories reshape the world, and a journalism RPG system, which empowers players to craft stories that influence perception, inspire rebellion, or enforce complacency.

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2025-01-23 20:01