Nowhere [Developer Showcase]

Luke, from Newgrounds to Midnight Forge, crafts Nordic mythology-inspired horror in Nowhere.

Luke’s venture into game development began with crafting stick fighting games on Newgrounds. Balancing university studies with part-time projects, including valuable QA roles at Codemasters and Ndreams, he honed his skills as a passionate game enthusiast. The pandemic marked a pivotal moment, sparking his unwavering dedication to game development.

His experience at a small indie studio and freelance work laid the groundwork for Midnight Forge, originally established as a development support service. Yet, Luke harbored greater ambitions. By late 2023, inspired by his love for storytelling, horror, and Nordic mythology, he began conceptualising Nowhere. This marked the transformation of Midnight Forge from a support service into a thriving game studio.

Nowhere is a Nordic-inspired narrative mystery/horror game set in the haunting forests of Norway. It explores the fate of the Nordic gods post-Ragnarök and the conflicts of the Viking Age during the rise of Christianity. Players step into the shoes of a detective searching for missing tourists, uncovering a tale where ancient myths and modern mysteries intertwine.

In Nowhere, players navigate a non-linear open world from a first-person perspective. The game emphasizes realistic investigation mechanics, requiring players to make connections and deduce clues independently. The tension builds gradually, creating a profound sense of dread without relying on jump scares. The world twists and corrupts as you explore, merging the beautiful with the nightmarish.

Inspired by horror classics like Silent Hill, Alan Wake, Resident Evil, and Outlast, Nowhere aims to offer a unique blend of detective gameplay and survival horror. Luke’s love for storytelling, honed through years of running Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, is evident in the game’s rich narrative.

With the game announced earlier this year, Luke is seeking funding to fully realize Nowhere’s potential. Financial support will allow him to focus on development, enhance the game’s features, and ensure a timely release. Funding will also facilitate localisation and porting, reaching a wider audience.

Nowhere is set to launch on PC, with potential releases on PlayStation and Xbox. A public demo will be available soon on the game’s Steam Page, offering players a sneak peek into its chilling world.

The game promises a deep dive into a narrative rich with Nordic mythology and post-Ragnarök lore. Players will navigate an open world, investigating clues and making their own deductions, while experiencing a slow build-up of suspense. It’s designed to engage players with a true detective experience, interacting with the environment to uncover clues and solve the mystery.

However, be advised that Nowhere contains scenes of intense violence, blood and gore, intense fear, and strong language. It’s designed to push the boundaries of horror, offering an unforgettable experience.

Prepare to enter the world of Nowhere, where mythology and horror converge. Explore haunting landscapes, uncover ancient secrets, and face the terror lurking in the shadows. With its unique blend of detective gameplay and survival horror, Nowhere promises to be an exhilarating journey into the unknown.

Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to embark on this thrilling adventure. Discover what lies in the shadows of Nowhere, where fear is your constant companion, and every clue brings you closer to unravelling the mystery.

Features

Unique Non-linear Progression: Explore an open world without linear constraints, allowing players to revisit locations and uncover clues at their own pace.
Nordic Mythology Setting: Dive into a narrative centered on the fate of Norse gods post-Ragnarök and their interaction with Christianity.
Blend of Detective Gameplay and Survival Horror: Experience a mix of detective work and survival horror elements, focusing on atmosphere and suspense rather than jump scares.
First-Person Narrative Horror: Immerse yourself in a chilling narrative through a first-person perspective, navigating through atmospheric and creepy environments.
Realistic Investigation Mechanics: Engage in detailed investigation by interacting with environments, searching for clues, and piecing together the story independently.