Dark Passenger brings together veterans from The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 in a new project

Based in Warsaw, the Dark Passenger, formed by former members of CD Projekt RED and led by Jakub Ben and Paweł Kuleta (from the CGI studio RealTime Warriors), caught attention with a $3 million funding led by The Games Fund, with support from Blite Fund. The proposal? A first-person multiplayer stealth action PvPvE game set in a universe inspired by feudal Japan and martial arts cinema.

The studio, which currently has a team of 30 people, plans to double that number before launch. The team brings talents from renowned studios such as People Can Fly, Flying Wild Hog, and Reikon, reflecting the strength of the Polish industry, which generates almost €1 billion annually, with 96% exportation (according to the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development).

Among the promises of the project, highlights include an advanced movement system that will allow players to run on walls, jump from rooftops, traverse water surfaces, and create paths with spears and arrows. The combat, dynamic and responsive, aims to redefine the genre by integrating influences from fighting games and classic martial arts.

The arsenal will feature historical and customizable weapons, which also enhance mobility. Players will also be able to create and customize their dojos, equipment, and abilities. Additionally, the game will feature a branching narrative and continuous evolution, designed to expand into other media.

The CEO, Jakub Ben, emphasized the studio's passion for multiplayer: "Despite being known for AAA RPGs, we have always dreamed of multiplayer games that recreate the emotions of LAN parties and tournaments like Quake 3 Arena. This obsession shapes our current project."

The Dark Passenger also embraces the GaaS model, but without predatory practices, prioritizing communication with players and the delivery of meaningful content. According to Ilia Eremeev from The Games Fund, the studio has the potential to offer a "pure and uncompromised" experience. After seeing the first demo, he stated: "The level of quality, considering the size of the team, was impressive. We are excited to support this bold vision."

For those looking for innovation and calculated risk in the industry, Dark Passenger may be the next big promise.