Archetype Entertainment, established by Wizards of the Coast in 2019, is set to release its first game, Exodus. Staffed by former developers from BioWare, 343 Industries, Naughty Dog, and other major establishments, the studio’s debut is a big and bold sci-fi RPG that explores the concept of time dilation. This phenomenon causes time to pass more slowly during high-velocity travel, resulting in interstellar explorers outliving their friends and family back home.
The game is set in a hostile galaxy where humanity has been forced to leave Earth and establish a new civilization. Players take on the role of the Traveler, tasked with exploring distant solar systems for advanced alien technology. While the Traveler experiences days, the rest of humanity ages over decades. This unique concept means that players’ choices have far-reaching effects on humanity’s new planet, especially in the lives of their loved ones, with these consequences playing out over generations.
Player choice is a significant aspect of Exodus, influencing individual combat moments and shaping the overall story arc. The game features alien weaponry, classic gunplay, a deep progression system, and a variety of companion characters, allowing for romance options. In addition, actor Matthew McConaughey is involved in some capacity, presenting the game at The Game Awards and unveiling its first trailer.
Archetype, a division of Wizards of the Coast, boasts an impressive lineup of sci-fi video game talent, including studio head James Ohlen (Baldur’s Gate, Dragon Age: Origins), executive producer Chad Robertson (Star Wars: The Old Republic), director Chris King (Halo 4), and narrative director Drew Karpyshyn (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2). The team’s focus on time dilation and personal loss in Exodus highlights their commitment to creating an emotional, narrative-driven game with action as an engaging but complementary feature — and their extensive experience makes it clear that they have the capabilities to achieve this. Exodus is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
