Publisher Alawar has officially announced Technotopia, a city-builder roguelike and card game from indie developer Yustas Games Studio. Alawar also released a teaser, which confirmed a release window for 2024.
In Technotopia, players are Iris, an AI who must build the perfect city and then manage its needs and warring factions. Players will use a deck of cards to construct unique districts, resolve crucial disputes between people, and interact with them to maintain balance.
Technotopia does not have a concrete release date yet. It will be available on PC via Steam, where you can wishlist the game now. There’s currently no word on support for other platforms.
Although today’s teaser is unusually short, it does make a distinct visual statement, defining the tone of the game. The Steam page also includes images of pre-alpha footage.
The art design in Technotopia dons a compelling art deco theme, likely a throwback to the classic silent film Metropolis. Judging by the Steam images, this style appears to run throughout the entire city.
Alongside the crisp, gloomy lighting, Technotopia already has gorgeous and distinguishable scenery. This alone might be enough to win over fans of the genre.
Technotopia also has a great premise, and AI is currently at the forefront of many concerning conversations. AI greatly affects the entertainment industry, including gaming.
It’ll be interesting to see if the narrative explores relevant themes about humanity’s relationship with AI. Players will need to deal with unusual citizens like “hackers, oligarchs, criminals and inventors”.
There is a lot of potential for human conflict and intrigue. Constant moral dilemmas should make each city feel more interactive and immersive.
It also offers more than menial design tasks, a tradition in the genre. This might help Technotopia stand out from its many peers. And hopefully the dramatic, dreamy trailer music returns throughout the game.
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