DARKTIMES Launch

Overview

Darktimes is a free-to-play, Nordic-inspired Brawler Royale set in a harsh medieval world where brutality and blood-magic reign. The game features a physics-based combat system that offers a realistic experience, whether you're engaging in ranged attacks, wielding magic, or fighting in close quarters with freestyle tactics. Every item in the game has a purpose, and nowhere is safe as you battle to survive.  Darktimes is developed by Big Kid Studios in partnership with Blowfish Studios (Animoca Brands) and is set for alpha release in late 2024.

Game Lore

The world of Darktimes is divided into the Seven Realms, each with its own distinct culture, history, and challenges. These realms range from the intellectual stronghold of Salmark, known for its towering structures and scholarly inhabitants, to the treacherous marshes of the Low Places, where the Sythi people have thrived despite the region's dangers.

Each realm is a reflection of its people, shaped by their struggles and achievements over centuries. The looming presence of the Darklands, ruled by the enigmatic Red Order, casts a shadow over the entire world. This mysterious group has begun to exert influence across the realms, calling the bravest warriors to participate in deadly competitions that promise both glory and peril.

The lore of Darktimes is rich with tales of ancient heroes, tragic conflicts, and the constant push and pull of power. Whether it’s the Mountain People of the Silver Mountains, who have tamed the mighty ice-bears, or the seafaring Nuraka of the Three Fjords, every corner of this world is steeped in history and myth. The rise of the Red Order in the Darklands threatens to tip the balance, drawing in warriors from across the realms to test their mettle in a fight for survival and dominance.

Gameplay and Features

Darktimes offers a brutal mix of fast-paced action and RPG elements, with up to 36 players entering each match with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As they explore the dark, atmospheric world, they must scavenge for weapons, armor, and items that give them an edge in combat. The game’s physics-based combat system ensures that every strike, spell, and tactic has weight and impact, making every battle feel visceral and intense.

Players begin as Peasants, armed with nothing but the tattered rags on their backs, and must fight their way to the top in high-stakes, winner-takes-all tournaments. The world of Darktimes is an ominous, gothic landscape, filled with violence, mistrust, and unrest. In the distant Darklands, a dormant power stirs, casting a malevolent gaze over the commonfolk. Players can develop their characters through skill trees, allowing for a range of playstyles and strategies that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

The game’s world is divided into the Seven Realms, such as the Coast of Bones and the Golden Plain, each with its own unique geography, native populations, and legends. For instance, the Vymar Delta is home to the Regent’s Army, known for their distinctive tridents and royal-emblem shields, marking them as formidable opponents in battle.

In the game’s first season, players choose from five characters: The Old Man, The Mammoth, The Huntress, The Noble, and The Exotic. Each character has their own backstory and abilities, providing different gameplay experiences.

As players progress, they can further individualize their characters through skill choices and the equipment they acquire. Combat in Darktimes is more than just melee, a magic system based on elemental forces allows players to incorporate spells into their strategies, adding a new dimension to the battlefield. Each game session begins with the player choosing a league to fight in, ranging from beginner levels to the elite Immortal League. The higher the league, the greater the rewards, but also the stakes. 

Team

Blowfish Studios is an Australian game development and publishing company founded in 2010 by Benjamin Lee and Aaron Grosman. Based in Sydney, Blowfish Studios has built a diverse portfolio of games across various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

Known for their focus on both developing original titles and supporting indie developers through publishing, Blowfish Studios has released games like Gunscape, Morphite, and Storm Boy. Within web3, they are known for being the team behind Phantom Galaxies as well.

Token Utility

Tokenomics

Roadmap

For more information and the full DARKTIMES pitch deck - click here.