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Press release:
Milan, Italy – October 6, 2026 – Independent game development studio Curtel Games has today officially launched The Ballad Singer: Knights Templar on Steam. The historical strategy RPG invites players to experience the brutal realities of commanding a military order in the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Developed by a micro-team of just two people, The Ballad Singer: Knights Templar offers a hardcore strategic experience that merges medieval settlement administration with tactical dueling mechanics, placing the burden of command and historical discipline squarely on the player’s shoulders.
Command with Faith and Steel in the Holy Land

In The Ballad Singer: Knights Templar, players take on the role of a Templar Grand Master sent to establish, expand, and protect a crusader Chapter in the Holy Land. From managing trade caravans and warehouse stock to assigning daily labor to Brethren based on their former professions, every administrative choice directly impacts the Chapter’s survival.
The Three Pillars of Gameplay

Chapter Management & Historical Discipline: Balancing vital resources such as food, gold, and water is crucial to preventing desertion and collapse. Through the Chapter Council, the Grand Master enforces the original Regula Pauperum code, judging infractions and deciding between strict punishment or merciful leniency.
Dynamic Storytelling & European Politics: A fully narrated and illustrated campaign featuring three distinct narrative branches shaped by relations with the Papacy, the Kingdom of France, and the Crown of England. Political alliances determine resources, military aid, and campaign objectives.
The “Highlight” Combat System: When warriors clash, battle freezes to focus on a single duel resolved through an innovative tactical card system. Weaponry, stance, and individual skills dictate the exchange, with successful strikes capable of inflicting permanent maiming or death on knights.

Authentic Art and Period Instrumentation

The atmosphere of the Crusades is brought to life through the artwork of Federico Musetti, an acclaimed illustrator recognized for his work across international TCGs. The game’s original soundtrack, composed by Michael Firmont, was researched and recorded using authentic instruments from the Templar era to deliver immersive historical audio.

“Creating this game as a two-person indie studio has been the greatest challenge of our lives,” says Riccardo, founder of Curtel Games

“We wanted to build a deeply rewarding strategy game where every button click carries genuine mechanical and historical weight*. We wanted players to feel the true burden of leadership—balancing faith, logistics, and combat in an unforgiving historical setting.”

Product Fact Sheet

Title: The Ballad Singer: Knights Templar
Developer / Publisher: Curtel Games
Genre: Strategy RPG / Historical Management / Tactical Visual Novel
Platform: PC (Steam)
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Supported Languages: Full Audio & Interface in English and Italian, text support for 17 languages.
Steam Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1820400/The_Ballad_Singer_Knights_Templar/