Voidwood, a Fantasy Co-Op Survival Horror Game, Announced for PC

Santa Barbara Games, a fresh developer with a roster of ex-Bethesda, Riot, and EA staff, has unveiled its maiden title: Voidwood. This is a 1-4 player fantasy co-op survival horror game that boasts a Studio Ghibli-inspired art style. In the game, players take on the roles of kids trapped in a cursed forest, tasked with gathering resources and crafting tools during the day to survive until nightfall, when an unkillable monstrous entity known as The Beast emerges.

Sound plays a crucial role in Voidwood, as players can communicate through proximity chat. Whispering is the recommended method, as shouting is discouraged as it could draw The Beast's attention. Players can choose to secure the escape of three of them at the cost of one, which is an option available. Regardless of their choice, players can always regroup at a camp where lower-tier monsters won't approach due to the light from the campfire's flame. However, The Beast is not deterred and will charge into the camp if it detects them.

Players can also utilize camouflage by hiding in bushes, provided they maintain silence. Each playthrough is unique, with instances lasting between 20-30 minutes. The game features meta progression, allowing players to evolve their characters over days, weeks, and months of play. Voidwood will be developed for PC and is scheduled for release in 2027.

Interested players can add it to their Steam wishlist. Ryan McCaffrey, IGN's executive editor of previews and host of the IGN weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, and a co-host of Next-Gen Console Watch, expressed excitement about the game on Twitter under the handle @DMC_Ryan.