Vertpaint, a studio comprised of seasoned developers from renowned companies such as Rockstar Games, CI Games, and TT Games, has unveiled its latest project: Ritual Tides. This upcoming horror game, described as “photorealistic” and possessing a “uniquely dark vision,” is set to launch for PC in the third quarter of 2025, with plans to follow up with releases on all major consoles shortly thereafter.
James Macleod, CEO and creative director of Vertpaint, expressed enthusiasm about the project in a recent press release. “At Vertpaint, we’ve earned a reputation amongst developers as innovators,” he stated. “With Ritual Tides, we cannot wait to show the world why as we take players on an escapade that combines the charm of true horror and original character designs, all brought to life through meticulous animation and artful conception.”
Game Overview
In Ritual Tides, players will find themselves washed ashore on a mysterious beach, driven by the singular goal of uncovering the island’s horrific secrets. Gruesomely designed enemies lurk in the shadows, and danger is ever-present, urging players to either hide or flee. The game introduces a “gun” concept that deviates from traditional portrayals, setting it apart from others in the genre. Further details are expected to be revealed in due course, but for now, the team is keeping the suspense alive.
With a development team that boasts a wealth of experience from industry veterans, Ritual Tides aims to make a significant impact within the horror genre. Jonathan Berube, a respected figure in game development, has praised the team, calling them “the seal team of game development,” highlighting the caliber of talent behind the project.
The development process employs a “two stream” approach, prioritizing both design and game mechanics alongside art research and development. This methodology reflects the team’s passion as avid gamers and horror enthusiasts, ensuring that they create an experience that resonates with players long after the game concludes. Central to their ethos is a commitment to enemy variation, promising a diverse array of encounters that will be uniquely terrifying.
In an exciting twist, Vertpaint operates independently, allowing them to maintain their uncompromising vision for Ritual Tides without external publisher influence. The team is dedicated to setting a new standard for visual quality in 2025, aiming to deliver a near-photorealistic immersive narrative that players can truly engage with.
Watch the teaser trailer below.
