Microsoft’s highly anticipated strategy game Ara: History Untold has finally made its mark at Gamescom 2023, capturing the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. Developed by Oxide Games and published by Microsoft, this historical grand strategy game has been generating buzz since its initial announcement back in June 2022.
Following a period of silence, the game took center stage a few weeks ago at Gamescom 2023, where it showcased its potential to redefine the genre. Alongside the game’s spotlight at the event, Oxide Games also launched a series of video developer diaries, providing fans with a deeper insight into the game’s development process.
The dev diaries have been steadily released on Ara: History Untold’s official YouTube channel every Friday since Gamescom. In the second installment of the series, Design Director Michelle Menard sat down with host Steven Bell to discuss the unique gameplay mechanics of the game. Menard revealed that Ara: History Untold features true simultaneous turns, allowing players to make their decisions and take their turns simultaneously. This means that there is no distinction between single-player and multiplayer modes, ensuring a seamless experience for all players.
In the most recent dev diary video, Oxide’s Art Director Dorian Newcomb took viewers on a journey through the game’s living world. Newcomb highlighted the meticulous attention to detail that the development team has invested in creating a vibrant and immersive gameplay environment. Players can expect to witness interactions between characters, animals, and other elements that mirror the dynamics of the real world.
While Newcomb acknowledged that some aspects of the development process could be deemed monotonous, such as adjusting grayscale values or creating multiple trees, he emphasized the gratification of seeing everything come together in a cohesive and visually stunning landscape. The team at Oxide Games plans to continue supporting Ara: History Untold post-release, with regular updates based on player feedback.
As of now, Ara: History Untold is slated for release on PC in 2024. To gain early access and be a part of the Ara Insider Program, players can sign up now for a chance to play pre-release builds of the game. With its unique gameplay mechanics, immersive world-building, and ongoing support from the development team, Ara: History Untold promises to be a captivating addition to the strategy gaming genre. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await its release, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to shape history untold.
