Frostkeep Studios, a newly formed indie studio comprised of seasoned World of Warcraft and League of Legends developers announced today the formation of the new studio as well as their first game as a studio. Rend is a hybrid fantasy survival game that will introduce RPG elements and various other game mechanics to the genre in ways never previously seen. Alongside the announcement of the new studio and game, we also get a new trailer and screenshots, which can be seen below.

The newly formed studio has been working rather silently on the title, gathering other talented developers and landing Overwatch composer Neal Acree to help contribute to Rend.

Mat Milizia, co-founder of Frostkeep Studios had this to say regarding the announcement of their upcoming game:

“With our first game Rend, we are delivering on the fantasy players expect from a survival game while also challenging the traditional mold by introducing new experiences and solving many of the genre’s accepted player pain points. Our team has been fortunate to work at many of the industry’s leading studios throughout our careers so we have learned valuable key lessons along the way that we are now applying to our studio’s development philosophy and game making process.”

The studio has also provided a brief overview of their upcoming fantasy survival game:

Choose your side in this faction-based survival game, pitting groups of players against each other amid hordes of horrific demons in an ongoing epic war. Explore a mysterious and unforgiving world in search of resources and powerful artifacts as you race against the clock to achieve the glory of victory before you are wiped from existence. Carve a unique niche for yourself with RPG-like talent and skill systems, allowing you to tailor your character to any play style. Expand your technology and knowledge with your faction to unlock new heights of power to wield against your foes. Defend your base against an ever increasing onslaught form the unyielding armies of the Lost, and from enemy player factions. Survival is only the first step, as there can only be one victor. Will you be lost and forgotten, or will you emerge as champions?

Three Way Faction Warfare

Engage in a struggle for dominance between three factions: Order, Conclave, and Revenant. You will not survive this war alone, and your faction will be your home in the world of Rend. Together you will build a stronghold to withstand enemy forces and protect your valuable resources and buildings. Only one faction can win this race toward victory, but all may lose.

Play Your Way

Take advantage of deep and engaging talent and skill systems to fully customize your character. Your character will end up with a personalized set of capabilities tailored specifically for you. Find what you love to do and be rewarded for it, no matter your play style.

Defend Your Base

The world is a hostile place, and you will be called upon to defend what is yours. Your home will be protected much of the time, but when the Time of Reckoning strikes, you will be open for attack from the armies of the Lost Ones. Enemy factions may also strike while you are vulnerable, so your guard can never be let down. Just remember, while your base is unprotected, your enemies are also ripe for plunder.

Explore, Craft, and Research

You and your allies will venture forth to explore and collect resource from the world and its dangerous inhabitants. Upgrade your faction's technology in many different directions as you go, giving you the ability to craft more and more powerful weapons and armor. Uncover the secrets of the spirit world to bind vanquished creatures to you as mountable companions, and unlock powerful magics to bolster your abilities.

Conquer Your Enemies

Hiding deep within the frozen hellscape of the Eternal Wastelands lie the keys to victory. Long sealed tombs contain powerful artifacts you can use to turn the tide of war to your favor. You must gather your allies and prepare for a grueling trip through harsh and unforgiving environments, battling against the world's most fearsome denizens. Beware of waiting too long, as your coveted treasure may be stolen by enemy factions before you ever arrive. Of course, you can always take it from their cold, dead hands...

Enter the world of Rend if you dare. Only the strongest and most cunning will last long, and only one side will win. Your survival is not guaranteed...

Rend is currently scheduled for an Early Access PC release beginning Spring 2017.