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Press release:
Milan, Italy – September 7, 2023.
The Milan-based (Italy) indie games publisher HOOk and indie games developer Shieldbearer Studios (Miles Whittaker), are today very happy and excited to announce that their open-world fantasy ARPG “The Bloodline“, is coming to PC via EA on October 5th, 2023.

“The Bloodline” is a truly Freeform Sandbox RPG that puts players in the role of divine protectors of the fantasy land of Eudros… but it is up to players to decide whether they abide to that fate, because their journeys are not written in stone, but in blood.

A true Sandbox RPG, The Bloodline opens up the world to its players, inviting them to experiment with the game’s mechanics, setting and characters to shape their experience for their own unique playthrough.

Developed by Miles Whittaker, founder and the sole developer for Shieldbearer Studios, The Bloodline is a very personal project:

“Like all indie developers, I have a true, deep passion for gaming. Specifically, RPGs! Ever since I was little, I’ve had an obsession with anything fantasy. Lord of the Rings and the Elder Scrolls were my primary focus. I’d spend countless hours playing Morrowind, crafting spells and potions that would practically break the game.

I’ve craved a game that would scratch that itch for years now, and I haven’t been able to find one that truly felt like a freeform sandbox RPG, so I set out to make one on my own! For the past 3 years, I’ve been hard at work making my first ever game – The Bloodline!

After a year or so of development, the game gained a large following and encouraged me to release a demo, which reached thousands of players and garnered a ton of feedback, encouraging me to push the game further and further! I formed my own solo-dev studio, Shieldbearer Studios, and kept working hard on the game, until the game was spotted by 505 Games – specifically, some dudes from HOOK!

They loved the look of the game, and recognized the potential the game has. Long story short, we’re now working together and Steam Early Access is just around the corner!

My goal is to shape The Bloodline into a true sandbox roleplaying experience. The feeling of freedom I felt from games like Morrowind is something I’ve tried so hard to emulate in The Bloodline. Your character should play *exactly* how you want to play. I find that most RPG’s nowadays pull away from true role playing elements .”

The Bloodline is set to release on Ealy Access in October 5, 2023 featuring:

A vast world to explore! There are different biomes with distinctive flora & fauna filled with impressive landmarks: blooming towns, magnificent castles, mysterious lakes, dangerous dungeons… and much more.

Follow questlines and help the people of Eudros, or roam the world freely at your own pace, allowing organic adventure opportunities to arise – reform bonds between kingdoms, construct your village, and prepare the world for the return of The Unforgiven.

Be rewarded by playing how you want.

Join various guilds, hunt magical creatures or become a bard at the local tavern – the world is yours to enjoy and experience how you desire. Nearly every action you do has a level associated with it. From jumping, climbing and running to ragdolling, wall-running or swimming.

Craft gadgets and equipment, catch rare fish, cook exotic dishes, brew potions, transform yourself into a beast…this world is your playground.

Plan your adventures by using your foresight – the ability to see events that will transpire in the near future. From meteor storms, goblin attacks and even ghostly pirate ships!

Define your own play style! With over 500 skills to unlock and hundreds of different weapons and equipment at your disposal, your character is truly your own. The choice is yours entirely.

The Bloodline will release on Steam Early in October 5, 2023 and is available to wishlist now. Follow and join their communities for more information

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shieldbearerstudios | https://www.tiktok.com/@hookcrew

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShieldBearerDev | https://twitter.com/HOOKcrew

Discord: https://discord.gg/ewtnqCYwDv

ABOUT HOOK
HOOK, a Digital Bros’ subsidiary, is a publishing label focused on offering a unique selection of indie games which stand out for concept, visual, genre or themes.

HOOK provides full-service publishing support (including funding, development support, QA, localization, marketing & PR) to independent development teams with a strong commitment and vision, to help them realize and market their projects globally.

ABOUT SHIELDBEARER STUDIOS
Hi! I’m Miles, solo developer working on The Bloodline. I’ve craved a game that would scratch my Fantasy RPG itch for years now, but I haven’t been able to find one that truly felt like a freeform sandbox RPG, so I set out to make one on my own! There is now a blooming player community providing feedback. Join us on this fantastic journey.