Digital board games often struggle to capture the essence of their physical counterparts, leaving many enthusiasts feeling unfulfilled. They find themselves caught between the tactile joy of traditional gameplay and the immersive experience offered by true video games. However, for a standout title like Frosthaven, exceptions are made. Following an early preview of its upcoming PC adaptation, there is a sense of cautious excitement in the air.
Exciting Developments for Frosthaven
Publisher Arc Games recently announced during the Future Games Show Spring showcase that Frosthaven, the reigning champion of board games, will be available on PC in early access by the end of 2025. A closed beta version is set to launch even sooner, generating buzz among fans eager to dive into this beloved universe.
Rather than labeling it simply as a digital board game, the developers are positioning it as a full-fledged “dark fantasy tactical RPG” exclusively for PC. This adaptation will allow for both single-player and cooperative online multiplayer gameplay for up to four players. Based on the vastness of Isaac Childres’ original board game, the anticipation for this adaptation seems well-founded.
Wargamer awarded Frosthaven a perfect score of 10/10, making this announcement particularly tantalizing. But there’s much more to explore.
The development is being spearheaded by Snapshot Games, a Bulgaria-based studio founded in 2013 by Julian Gollop, the original designer of the X-COM series. Known for their work on Phoenix Point, Snapshot Games brings a wealth of experience to the table, which bodes well for the Frosthaven adaptation.
During a preview session, Frosthaven Game Director Hristo Petkov revealed that Snapshot has “inherited part of the code base” from the successful Gloomhaven PC game, developed by Flaming Fowl Studios. The collaboration with Childres and his team at Cephalofair has been ongoing, with meetings occurring every two weeks to ensure alignment and quality.
Despite the solid foundation, the task of digitizing a 0 board game that weighs 35 pounds and contains over 2,000 cards is no small feat. Snapshot is not opting for a simplified version; rather, they aim for a faithful adaptation. Petkov stated that “The game is meant to be 95% accurate to the board game,” with the remaining 5% dedicated to quality-of-life enhancements, including an easier “story difficulty” setting.
Some elements from the board game that do not translate well into the digital realm have been omitted, such as certain mechanics that restrict player communication. However, the majority of Frosthaven’s original content is set to make the transition, promising hundreds of hours of gameplay, numerous dungeon scenarios, and a rich world to explore.
Petkov emphasized that Frosthaven introduces new complexities compared to its predecessor, Gloomhaven, including the passage of time and changing seasons, which will enhance the variety of environments players experience. The development team has created multiple biomes, each with summer and winter variations, ensuring a faithful representation of the board game’s vision.
As the team delves deeper into development, they face unique challenges, such as creating visible doors in outdoor environments. The visual style of the game has evolved from cel-shaded graphics to a more realistic approach, maintaining the vibrant and whimsical aesthetic that fans have come to love.
In terms of gameplay, the campaign sections, which involve exploring the world map and managing the town of Frosthaven, look particularly impressive. The appearance of buildings will change based on the player’s Prosperity level, reflecting the growth of the outpost as resources are gathered from successful adventures.
Currently, the game is about 80% complete, with Snapshot expanding its team from 20 to 55 staff members. The upcoming closed beta aims to refine the game further before its full early access release. A significant focus will be on enhancing the user interface to streamline the complex tactical gameplay, minimizing tedious micromanagement and clicks required for each action.
Moreover, the digital version will include features that were cut from the original board game, such as scenarios set in the Metallic Ruins, filled with steampunk-inspired environments and unique challenges. All in-game cards will feature illustrations, a detail that Childres originally envisioned for the board game but could not implement due to scope limitations.
Players can apply to participate in the closed beta starting March 27, which will include six core starter classes, quests, and a structured tutorial, providing a glimpse into the expansive world of Frosthaven.
As development progresses, the gaming community eagerly anticipates further updates and insights into this ambitious project, which promises to bring the intricate world of Frosthaven to life in a new and exciting way.
