Ukrainian game developer Andriy Kostiushko has announced Threads of War, a roguelite tank game with an art style inspired by Ukrainian embroidery.
Kostiushko is perhaps best known for his design work on soccer strategy game Football, Tactics & Glory, but as you’ve probably guessed, Threads of War has a very different focus.
Inspired by the current war in Ukraine, Threads of War is a collaboration between Kostiushko and his 11-year-old son, who is a programmer. It’s intended to “convey the story of Ukraine’s liberation in the current horrific war”.
Threads of War‘s gameplay mechanics are inspired by the classic Namco tank battler Battle City, although Kostiushko says he and his son have “reimagined and modernized” the mechanics of said game.
The game will feature “roguelite progression”, according to Kostiushko, including a mechanic by which players can unlock new bonuses between runs. Kostiushko says this symbolizes “the ability of the Ukrainian army to grow and learn from its mistakes”.
There’s also a two-player co-op mode (via hot-seat play), as well as a range of boss battles to take on and a soundtrack inspired by Ukrainian folk music.
You can take a look at Threads of War in action right here via the announcement trailer.
Kostiushko says that 25% of the game’s profits will go towards the Ukrainian armed forces, in a move that echoes those made by several publishers and developers at the outset of the war in 2022.
Despite the heavy subject matter, however, Kostiushko says the main priority for Threads of War is “the fun of the gameplay”, so while you’re supporting a good cause, you should also be having a good time.
Threads of War is due to launch on PC via Steam sometime in the fourth quarter of 2024. You can wishlist the game right here if you’d like to keep up with its progress.
