NEARstudios, a new indie game developer founded by former employees of Bethesda Game Studios, BioWare, and Naughty Dog, officially announced their debut title, Hawthorn, on October 8.

The studio is determined to innovate in the gaming industry, navigating challenges such as funding shortages and layoffs.

Hawthorn boasts a talented development team, including industry veterans like Bruce Nesmith, the Lead Designer of Skyrim, who have worked on AAA titles such as Mass Effect and The Last of Us.

Set on the picturesque banks of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Hawthorn is a cooperative video game that emphasizes connection and collaboration among players.

In this game, players will embody anthropomorphic animals, working together to build a community and achieve shared goals.

Players will have the opportunity to forge relationships with NPCs while exploring a richly layered fantasy world inspired by Victorian-era European fairytales.

Early play testers have described Hawthorn as a unique blend of 'an intimate Skyrim sandbox' and 'a Stardew Valley village simulation,' highlighting its engaging gameplay.

The game's aesthetic draws inspiration from 80s and 90s adventure stories, further enriching its narrative and visual appeal.

NEARstudios prioritizes creative freedom and community engagement throughout the development process, ensuring player feedback is integral to the game's evolution.

The studio is committed to creating games that foster connection and collaboration among players, aligning with the core themes of Hawthorn.

Players interested in following the game's development can add Hawthorn to their wishlist on Steam.

Hawthorn will be available on Steam for PC players, marking an exciting entry into the indie gaming scene.