Tencent Targets Western Audience with Arthurian Knights in Tides of Annihilation

In a revealing interview with Wccftech at Gamescom 2024, the developers of Tides of Annihilation, Eclipse Glow Games, discussed the game's unique concept and future plans. The game, which is in its beta phase, is set to launch in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Tides of Annihilation Aims For A Western Audience

The Central Concept Of Arthurian Myths And Knights

Eclipse Glow Games, a China-based studio, has opted for a Western setting in Tides of Annihilation due to strategic directives from their financial backer, Tencent. "This game and Black Myth: Wukong are two projects invested in by Tencent, and there were different expectations set on these two projects. Black Myth: Wukong targeted the Chinese market, but for this project, we targeted a Western audience, so we chose the Arthurian legends," explained the game's producer. The central theme revolves around knights, specifically King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Set in a post-apocalyptic modern-day London, Tides of Annihilation follows the journey of Gwendolyn, the apparent sole human survivor after an Outworld invasion. The game blends modern settings with fantasy elements drawn directly from Arthurian myths, creating a unique narrative landscape.

Devil May Cry-inspired Combat And Over 30 Bosses

The game's combat system draws clear inspiration from the Devil May Cry series, which the developers openly acknowledged. "It's definitely more like Devil May Cry," they stated, emphasizing the inclusion of a difficulty selection feature to cater to a broader audience. This accessibility extends to simpler controls for less hardcore players, ensuring everyone can enjoy the action-RPG experience.

Players can customize their combat style with four weapons and over ten different Knights as sidekicks. Gwendolyn discovers her ability to command the legendary Knights of the Round Table, who assist her in battling through a devastated London to uncover the truth behind the invasion. With over 30 bosses, each boasting unique abilities, the game promises challenging and engaging gameplay.

Plans Of Creating An Anthology

Eclipse Glow Games also expressed interest in expanding the Tides of Annihilation franchise into an anthology. They aim to explore different settings and mythologies, each potentially featuring a new protagonist, while retaining the core concept of an Outworld invasion. "But we would still want to use the Outworld invasion concept that we're using for Tides of Annihilation," they noted, indicating a desire to build a cohesive series around this theme. The success of the initial game is crucial for realizing these ambitious plans.

Tides of Annihilation follows Gwendolyn as she navigates her fate and endeavors to save not only London but also the intertwined fantasy realm of Avalon. As the game progresses through its beta phase, anticipation builds for its 2026 release, promising a rich blend of action, adventure, and mythic storytelling.