Description

Bearers is an aetherpunk themed third-person arena brawler, with roots in card collection games, the freedom of expression in RPG-style character and skill bar customization, and the tactical combat of a souls-like. Seeking synergy encourages and rewards experimentation.

History

I started the development of Bearers in June of 2022. An epiphany struck in response to working long hours on both my job and on the research for my Masters degree; I realised I would never achieve my childhood game development dream if I didn't make it my priority.

I withdrew from my Masters and began work on Bearers. It started with the working title Ability Battle (AB) and a simple mission statement, “make a spiritual successor of Guild Wars 1.”

Initial work on the game was focused on abilities/skills, as their purposeful and tactical use were what set Guild Wars 1 apart from its peers. As development continued, it was important to look at the project through the lens of modern gaming sensibilities, and work on how to adapt the concept to something that could have a great scope in the current environment.

The game then moved its primary focus from PvE mobs to PvP arena combat, and incorporated the skill-based and technical action of a “souls-like” to add dynamism and retain its tactical core identity. To support this change, the decision was made to discard the classic inventory system of an RPG in favour of a collectible card system - this would mean ease of access, shuttling players more quickly into the action (in line with the expectation of the modern gamer), and most importantly, encouraging experimentation with builds in discovering synergies, and an overall freedom of expression for the players.

Features

• Follow the story of The Chosen Bearer through Campaign play
• Explore the depths of the Celestial Isles, braving PvE Dungeons overrun with monstrous hordes, either solo or co-op
• Bearers can test their skill, strategy and teamwork in the PvP 3v3 Combat Arena
• Create and Customise your look with styles inspired by Aetherpunk and high fantasy aesthetics.
• Choose a Primary and Secondary Profession from which your Bearer can utilise weapons, armour, ability and spell cards.
• Develop Builds that encourage and reward experimentation through individual and team synergy
• Leave behind the grind of levelling and endless inventory management. Bearers uses Card Collection to alleviate busy work, allowing players freedom to experiment and transition swiftly into the action.
• Use card combinations to Realise Synergies and increase power and effectiveness.
• Feel the intensity of souls-like Skill-Focused Combat, enhanced by the dynamism of real players and tactics.
• Uncover the Lore and shrouded mystery of The Eight Gods and how the Bearers were empowered. Not everything is as it seems…