Development Update #1 - The Road to The Four Kingdoms
As you might have noticed, we’ve been silent since the last major events Alaloth took part in: the PC Gaming Show and Gamescom. Alaloth received a lot of interest at the PC Gaming Show in June and was written about by PC Gamer and PCGamesN. Gamescom was a great success too. At the event we released a new gameplay trailer, were featured in an IGN article, announced new platforms (PlayStation and Nintendo Switch), and made a 2021 release official.
So with Christmas on the way, we felt that now was the right moment for a new wall of text! We’re back with a massive update on Alaloth’s development and a peek at what’s been going on for us behind the scenes during this crazy year.
First things first, we’d like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your interest and support. More and more people have been joining in the wait for Alaloth and our Discord server has been growing as fast as our amazing community! We’re so glad that you’re as excited about Alaloth as we are. It’s definitely kept our spirits lifted during 2020.
When we started working with our publisher last winter, we shared another wall of text explaining how complex 2019 had been for us, how many unpredictable (and tragic) problems we had to face, and how we successfully turned all of this into a new fresh start with a new plan, extra resources available, a clear path in front of us.
This year we had a great time at PAX and we had the chance to move into a new office, hire new people, and finally be able to bring our vision to life the way we’d always imagined. But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses—something unpredictable happened once again; the pandemic. We were just starting everything afresh, so we had new employees stuck in Airbnb rooms, with no way to access the studio, no way to work remotely. Some even had to move back home, when lockdown was suddenly announced on the Monday morning when we were supposed to have one of our first operative meetings. We entered our new venue at the end of February and employees were expected to move in by March 5th. We had to leave on March 8th...yet to return.
We use our office for business meetings only when necessary, but the whole team is still scattered and it’s hard to imagine returning to normal any time soon. Despite all of this, we’ve been working harder than ever while thinking on plan B. We have received full support from All in! Games who’ve helped us as much as possible. Collaborating together, we reworked our whole masterplan and found a way to make the best of the situation. We had huge plans for 2020, but worry not! We have every intention of seeing all of our cool ideas become a reality in 2021! Game development is about continuously adapting and despite the surprises we had this year, we can finally say that our pipeline is working smoothly.
Anyway, let’s talk about the cool stuff that’s happening. One of the biggest updates is that , we are going to start sharing regular updates about the game from now on, with news every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday*! These updates will consist of two main types of information; updates on the lore of Alaloth and updates on its development.
LORE UPDATES
Over the past few months we’ve been introducing you to the world of Alaloth, focusing on each kingdom at a time. Now we’d like to go deeper into Alaloth’s lore (something we are really proud of!). Lore updates will be posted on Steam and on our Discord server every Wednesday and will introduce key characters, companions, guilds, places, monsters, stories, gods, legends, and so on, to give you the full picture of the work we’ve done to bring this epic world to life. A brand new piece of art will be available every Monday as well!
DEV UPDATES
Be sure to check Steam every other Friday* to get an update on Alaloth’s development.The updates will give a general overview of in-game content, explain gameplay features, give insight into the tech as well as reveal other game related content.
Last but not least, we have tons of cool stuff for you on the way, including something related to Alaloth’s recently announced comic book and contests, AMA’s, and other community activities set through our Discord server. The server is also going to be updated. We’ll share more information on that soon.
*Based on external and internal factors, the frequency may change. Join us and stay tuned, the best is yet to come!
Hot winds are blowing in from the Desolation of Baga, bringing the smell of the blazing sun and the promise of a story. Will you be enticed to journey to the desert and listen to the tale of the orcs?
Often referred to simply as the “orc homeland” and currently called The Desolation of Baga, the name of the kingdom changes with every era a great hero or tyrant appears, always in motion like the shifting sands.
When The Tempest swept the land, a great hero by the name of Baga attempted to enter the Valley of Storms to defeat Alaloth and claim the land for the orcs. Some say Baga heard the screams of his suffering ancestors in the Tempest and sought to set them free. Regardless of the truth, the story always ends the same way. The hero failed and the region around the breach became tainted, while the vegetation and cities were destroyed by a second storm. It is rumored that Baga was cast back into his homeland and swallowed by the earth.
Forced to leave their ruined cities, the orcs from this region adopted the use of tents and became a more nomadic people. A high resistance to heat allowed them to quickly adjust to hostile environments and endure the hot winds of The Desolation.
The orcs enjoy tests and trials, such as consuming lethally spiced food and drinks, developing a resistance to poison. They believe that a child must spill blood to be considered an adult, but at the same time, they value life. After all, how can one learn from a challenge that kills them? The orcs consider murder of one’s family and tribesmen a great offense, especially matricide. Hence, they especially despise Alaloth for his deed.
Orcs have a social hierarchy with a ruler who reigns in their capital city Na’Nardur at the top. All the lords of the other orc cities pay fealty to his strength. His rule is determined solely by deed and strength, so the lords of each of the cities always seek to outdo each other. While the hierarchy is based on one’s strength, seeking fame and glory, the society is quietly matriarchal. Female orcs hold significant power in their homeland, albeit not openly. They have an unspoken power network in the Desolation of Baga, and are often powerful magic users and priestesses.
But much has changed since The Tempest hit the Desolation of Baga. Murders have grown in number with many of the orcish murderers exiled. Stronger orcs have held onto their traditions, but the exiled often fall prey to the Alaloth’s cult, The Spectral Circle. The orcs now look at their younger generation with unease, as they seem willing to embrace Alaloth’s teachings and kill to earn power and respect, and many highly respected orcish priestesses have begun to vanish or die under mysterious circumstances.
Orc citizens
Orc savages
The title character, Alaloth, is a dark god who turned on his pantheon and came to the mortal realms. There he lies imprisoned in the Valley of Storms, where the Four Great Kingdoms of humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves intersect. From the Valley’s heart, he spreads evil throughout the kingdoms, determined to extinguish any light of hope for all who call this world home.
Beasts of all kinds thrived well before Alaloth’s coming – it is said his fall to the mortal realms merely awoke some that slumbered – and caused others to go mad, which began their migration back to the Kingdoms. Others, however, are known to have been created by Alaloth himself, especially in places where his blood struck the ground or was carried by the wind.
Storms, monsters, plagues, strife, and great dragons beset the land – it will require strength and courage to unite the kingdoms and defeat Alaloth in his prison.
The world of Alaloth comprises four territories. To the northwest lies The Goldwood Forest and The Republic of Larastir, where the elves live. The northeast is home to the dwarves that inhabit Karak-Hohn. To the southwest, the orcs rule in the Desolation of Baga. The humans from the southeast brought about a golden age of civilization: The Blessed Kingdom of Edherest.
This sums up our series about the kingdoms. You can now act as an expert on races that inhabit the world of Alaloth. If you missed any of previous entries, catch up now: https://steamcommunity.com/games/919360/announcements/detail/2915474027238387350 https://steamcommunity.com/games/919360/announcements/detail/2539416399411216491 https://steamcommunity.com/games/919360/announcements/detail/1700609558255407868 Which realm are you going to choose as your homeland? Drop us a comment in Steam Discussions or join the discussion on Discord.
Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms is getting a comic book!
Champions!
We’re coming to you with the latest news from The Four Kingdoms. Alaloth is going to receive a comic book, Alaloth - The Tempest, which will be a prequel to the game’s main story. The comic book will be released in 2021, in partnership with publisher Edizioni BD, which is taking care of the international licensing.
The story will transport readers to The Four Kingdoms before the arrival of Alaloth. In this new fantasy saga you’ll follow a young girl, Asha, who leaves her home to save her family only to find herself involved in the war for The Fifth Kingdom. With the help of a few fierce warriors of other races, Asha will have to prevent an ancient evil from being unleashed.
You can check out three pages from the comic book below!
Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms will be making its first foray into the Japanese gaming market with an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show Online taking place from September 24-27.
Alaloth’s latest gameplay trailer came with an announcement that the game will now be coming to Nintendo Switch and PS4 in addition to PC and XBOX, and will aim for a simultaneous release on all platforms. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s time to catch up:
[previewyoutube="YR8HxNUtlWY;full"]
Speaking of recent updates, have you delved into the dwarven realm yet? Visit (or revisit!) the Expanse of Karak-Hohn in the latest lore article from which you’ll learn about the dwarves’ history, notable houses, and their current situation in the world of Alaloth:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/919360/announcements/detail/2915474027238387350 Join our Discord to discuss all the big news from the Tokyo Game Show and talk about everything Alaloth with other community members. See you there!
The clouds that once hid the high peaks of Karak-Hohn have drawn back, leaving them open for discovery. Do you have the courage to follow the rocky path to the dwarven realm?
Although the dwarves' glory days are far behind them, they are an optimistic and focused race. Settled in one of the most remote regions of The Four Kingdoms, they’ve handled the unrest the arrival of Alaloth caused best of all the kingdoms. They rather see it as a challenge. The dwarves have even welcomed refugees and traders from other realms into their vast halls and promised both safety and shelter—as long as newcomers are willing to work.
While the dwarves may currently be withdrawn from the roiling conflict centered around Alaloth, they have never backed down from a fight to defend their territory. In the past, the dwarves fought in a war against the dragons that spanned generations. Dragons learned to leave dwarven communities alone, for dwarves, though smaller, are very determined in their retaliation and didn’t hesitate to kill a dragon in an array of deadly ways to set an example. Several old dragon traps can still be found in abandoned dungeons. If Alaloth’s minions plan to attack The Expanse of Karak-Hohn, they won’t have an easy fight on their hands.
There is still hope in the battle against Alaloth. When he came to the mortal realms, some of the underground dwarven cities bordering The Valley of Storms were shattered. It is said that some of his essence bled into the stone there and, if mined and retrieved, could be turned into a powerful weapon used to fight the fallen god and his minions. So far, expeditions sent by the dwarves have been stopped by the earth itself, the golems awoken by Alaloth’s blood. Every statue, forge, and stone-carved dwarven hall in the area has either been destroyed or brought to life in the form of elemental monsters that have turned against their creators, the dwarves. Perhaps if a true hero were to venture the dangerous roads to The Valley of Storms and retrieve Alaloth’s essence, the god’s defeat would come nigh…
The title character, Alaloth, is a dark god who turned on his pantheon and came to the mortal realms. There he lies imprisoned in the Valley of Storms, where the Four Great Kingdoms of humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves intersect. From the Valley’s heart, he spreads evil throughout the kingdoms, determined to extinguish any light of hope for all who call this world home.
Beasts of all kinds thrived well before Alaloth’s coming – it is said his fall to the mortal realms merely awoke some that slumbered – and caused others to go mad, which began their migration back to the Kingdoms. Others, however, are known to have been created by Alaloth himself, especially in places where his blood struck the ground or was carried by the wind.
Storms, monsters, plagues, strife, and great dragons beset the land – it will require strength and courage to unite the kingdoms and defeat Alaloth in his prison.
The world of Alaloth comprises four territories. To the northwest lies The Goldwood Forest and The Republic of Larastir, where the elves live. The northeast is home to the dwarves that inhabit Karak-Hohn. To the southwest, the orcs rule in the Desolation of Baga. The humans from the southeast brought about a golden age of civilization: The Blessed Kingdom of Edherest.
Follow Alaloth on Steam for more exciting news. May the stars guide you!
Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms Has a New Trailer and Release Window
Champions! A new trailer for Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms has premiered at gamescom. The trailer focuses on exploration and lets you take a peek into the stunning world of Alaloth.
Watch the video now and explore new locations:
[previewyoutube="YR8HxNUtlWY;full"]
But that’s not all! Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms will now be coming to Nintendo Switch and PS4 in addition to PC and XBOX, and will aim for a simultaneous release on all platforms. Due to these plans, as well as the global pandemic, the game’s release window has been shifted to 2021.
We know you’ve been looking forward to playing Alaloth, but unfortunately, this situation has forced us to postpone its release. We’ll use this time to polish the game, to present you with the most satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience possible. We really value your feedback and support.
Let the stars guide you to gamescom 2020 online this weekend. All adventurers are invited to attend the event—you don’t even have to prepare your valiant steed this time!—and enjoy the latest news from the world of Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms.
The event is scheduled for August 27-30. Save the date and take part in gamescom 2020 on gamescom’s website.
The mist is clearing, another part of The Four Kingdoms is being revealed! Are you prepared to venture into The Republic of Larastir, the elven realm?
After The Fall of Alaloth, the elves have retreated from the world. Many have been leaving cities all over the kingdoms, going deeper into the forests and to their capital Thilaris. Rumors are spreading that the elves aim to defend their homeland from the coming war and isolate themselves from the other kingdoms. Others say that the elves are traveling west, to the great ports of The Retreat, to seek a new home.
But the reality is far worse. Blaming themselves and their insufficient faith for the Fall of Alaloth, the elves, once divided, have united against a common enemy and are searching for the means to defeat him. The great withdrawal, however, has left no one to challenge the new darkness which has invaded The Republic of Larastir. Alaloth’s minions now roam the kingdom, lurking in the dark and on the main roads. Once the safest realm, Larastir’s forests have become dangerous and there are places even the elves fear to tread. The journey to the City of The Retreat is not in order to seek a new home, but is a funeral rite of passage. The ships they build there are their coffins, the sea their grave.
Legend says that at a certain time of day, when a ray of light pierces the forest canopy in the darkest part of The Republic of Larastir, a glade appears where Vaizmil’s light lies, one of four artifacts spread about the four kingdoms that are said to have immense powers. Others say this artifact is not tied to any one place but will appear to those who are worthy. Having only legends to go off of, Vaizmil’s light seems impossible to find and time is running out as an ancient gate to the underworld, a shadow continent, has been stirring since the Tempest. Dark elves have been spotted in the forest, confirming the fears that the gate is active. Dark elves, distant cousins of the Larastir elves used to live on the surface, but they favored Alaloth and for that crime were sentenced to spend eternity below the ground. Now free, the dark elves seek to support Alaloth once again. The Spectral Circle, Alaloth’s loyal followers, remain unable to find Vaizmil’s light, but their alliance with the dark elves makes them an even more menacing enemy.
Champions, share your impressions with us! What do you think about Larastir? Will you roam its paths as an elf? Let us know in the comments!
The title character, Alaloth, is a dark god who turned on his pantheon and came to the mortal realms. There he lies imprisoned in the Valley of Storms, where the Four Great Kingdoms of humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves intersect. From the Valley’s heart, he spreads evil throughout the kingdoms, determined to extinguish any light of hope for all who call this world home.
Beasts of all kinds thrived well before Alaloth’s coming – it is said his fall to the mortal realms merely awoke some that slumbered – and caused others to go mad, which began their migration back to the Kingdoms. Others, however, are known to have been created by Alaloth himself, especially in places where his blood struck the ground or was carried by the wind.
Storms, monsters, plagues, strife, and great dragons beset the land – it will require strength and courage to unite the kingdoms and defeat Alaloth in his prison.
The world of Alaloth comprises four territories. To the northwest lies The Goldwood Forest and The Republic of Larastir, where the elves live. The northeast is home to the dwarves that inhabit Karak-Hohn. To the southwest, the orcs rule in the Desolation of Baga. The humans from the southeast brought about a golden age of civilization: The Blessed Kingdom of Edherest.
Follow Alaloth on Steam for more exciting news. May the stars guide you!
Watch the new Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms gameplay trailer
Welcome, Champions.
The new Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms gameplay trailer premiered at the PC Gaming Show. If you missed the event, fear not—you can still watch the video online and discover new locations, new enemies, and dynamic isometric combat.
Watch the video now and explore new locations: [previewyoutube="7MX8Suz35r0;full"]
The trailer focuses on Elves and you can expect even more content from the Elven Republic of Larastir soon!
What do you think of the new footage? Drop us a comment in Steam Discussions or join the discussion on Discord.
The Future Games Show is coming this weekend! Tune in to experience the future of gaming and see some new gameplay highlights from Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms.
The event is scheduled for June 13 at 17:00 EST / 23:00 CET. Watch the transmission on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook.
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