Sunderfolk: Revolutionizing Tabletop Gaming with a Seamless Digital Experience

When industry veterans from Blizzard Entertainment, including Mike Morhaime, Chris Sigaty, and Alan Dabiri, left the company behind iconic franchises like Warcraft and Starcraft to form a new studio called Dreamhaven in 2020, they pledged to create new, positive communal experiences that could "bring people together regardless of backgrounds or boundaries." After years of relative silence, one of Dreamhaven's development teams, Secret Door, has finally unveiled its ambitious project: Sunderfolk, a co-op tactical adventure video game that aims to revolutionize the way we experience tabletop gaming.

Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Tabletop Gaming

Embracing the Collaborative Spirit of Tabletop Games

Sunderfolk's origins can be traced back to the founders' love for tabletop games like Gloomhaven and Dungeons & Dragons. Recognizing the depth and inclusiveness of these experiences, the team at Secret Door set out to create a game that would capture the essence of collaborative gameplay while addressing the common obstacles that often hinder tabletop gaming, such as lengthy setup and breakdown times, complex rule books, and the need for a dedicated game master.

Seamless Integration of Digital and Physical Realms

Sunderfolk's innovative approach blends the best of both digital and tabletop gaming. The game is designed to be played on a large TV or monitor, with players using their mobile devices as controllers, similar to the Jackbox games. This setup allows for a seamless and accessible experience, as the game's rules and mechanics are handled by the computer, freeing players to focus on the strategic and narrative elements of the game.

Customizable Heroes and Fate Cards

In Sunderfolk, players choose from a diverse cast of anthropomorphic heroes, each with their own unique abilities and strategic roles. As they progress through the game, players can customize their hero's deck of skill cards, creating a well-rounded party that can tackle the challenges ahead. The introduction of Fate Cards adds an element of luck and unpredictability to the gameplay, mirroring the randomness of tabletop dice rolls, while also allowing players to customize the potential outcomes.

Immersive Storytelling and Arden's Respite

Sunderfolk's narrative is woven throughout the gameplay, with the game's voice actor, Anjali Bhimani, serving as a virtual game master. Bhimani's performance brings the game's anthropomorphic characters to life, delivering the story in a captivating and engaging manner. Between missions, players can explore the underground city of Arden, where they can engage in light role-playing, forge alliances, and even develop romances, providing a much-needed respite from the intensity of the battles above ground.

Seamless Remote Play and Accessibility

Sunderfolk's innovative design extends to its remote play capabilities, allowing players to join in the adventure even if they can't physically gather around the same screen. The game's mobile app interface ensures that players can easily participate, regardless of their location, making it a more accessible option for those who may have difficulty attending in-person game nights.

Bringing Back the Joy of Game Night

With Sunderfolk, Secret Door aims to revive the spirit of game night, catering to both seasoned tabletop enthusiasts and those who may have been intimidated by the complexity of traditional tabletop games. By streamlining the experience and leveraging digital technology, the team hopes to make collaborative gaming more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience, while still preserving the depth and strategic elements that make tabletop games so compelling.As Sunderfolk prepares for its release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X in 2025, the anticipation is palpable. With its innovative approach, immersive storytelling, and seamless integration of digital and physical realms, Sunderfolk has the potential to redefine the way we experience tabletop gaming, bringing people together in a way that transcends boundaries and backgrounds.