Exciting Developments for Fans of Lovecraftian Horror
After a period of silence, The Sinking City 2 has emerged from the depths with an exhilarating new trailer and the launch of its Kickstarter campaign. This much-anticipated sequel promises to build upon the eerie atmosphere and gripping storytelling that fans have come to love.
First Glimpse at Pre-Alpha Gameplay
One year after its initial announcement, the latest trailer offers a sneak peek at the pre-alpha gameplay. The developers at Frogwares are once again immersing players in a world steeped in Lovecraftian horror. This installment will incorporate elements of survival and investigation, showcasing the unique gameplay style that has become Frogwares’ hallmark. Accompanying the trailer is an in-depth developer commentary that elaborates on the plans for combat, exploration, and optional investigation mechanics.
Kickstarter Campaign: A Necessary Step
To support the development of The Sinking City 2, Frogwares has launched a Kickstarter campaign with a funding goal of $105,000 USD. In a heartfelt statement, CEO Wael Amr shared the challenges faced by the team, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He noted that the funding from Kickstarter was crucial in providing a safety net during turbulent times:
“After three years of this horrid war hanging over our daily lives, we’ve learned to adapt, though it has never been easy. In 2023, when we released Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened with the help of Kickstarter and our loving fans, we built ourselves a safety net that saved us more than once. Given that The Sinking City 2 is a far more complex and demanding game, we’ve decided to take the same route as before.”
Challenges in Development
Frogwares has faced numerous hurdles in the development of both the original The Sinking City and its sequel. Besides the challenges of creating games during wartime, the studio encountered legal disputes over publishing rights with Nacon, the original publisher of The Sinking City. These struggles even led to the game being removed from certain platforms back in 2020. Fortunately, Frogwares successfully regained full publishing rights last year, allowing them to move forward without restrictions.
Join the Journey
The Kickstarter campaign for The Sinking City 2 is now live, inviting fans and newcomers alike to contribute to this ambitious project. With a target of $105,000 USD, every pledge will help bring this chilling adventure to life.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Follow her on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Have a story tip? Reach out at rvalentine@ign.com.
