Fen Research, the game studio established by the original RuneScape designer Andrew Gower, has introduced Brighter Shores – a “cozy” new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG slated for release on PC and Mac later this year, offering a “relaxing escape from daily routines”.
Brighter Shores, described as a project a decade in the making, transports players to the serene coastal town of Hopeport, initially casting them in the role of town guards. However, as they delve deeper into the game, they’ll embark on journeys beyond the town’s confines, uncovering a looming threat across the fantastical realm of Adothria.
The game promises encounters with “quirky characters, intriguing adversaries, and captivating locales” as players select from three classes: Cryoknight, Hammermage, or Guardian. These choices depart from traditional archetypes like mage, rogue, and warrior, with Fen Research introducing “fresh and innovative twists” to the MMORPG genre, including a deliberate departure from grind-oriented gameplay.
While Brighter Shores adopt a free-to-play model, Fen Research intends to eschew micro-transactions in favor of an “all-inclusive premium pass” that unlocks “additional quests, adventures, and narratives”. Complementing the base game’s “hundreds of hours” of free content, the studio plans regular post-launch updates.
Lead designer Andrew Garfield shares his thoughts on Brighter Shores’ announcement, expressing his excitement about witnessing players explore the meticulously crafted world. “Creating this game has been a true labor of love,” says Garfield. “At times, it felt like an incredibly ambitious endeavor, so seeing it come to fruition as envisioned is incredibly rewarding. I eagerly anticipate players enjoying what we’ve created.”
Although a specific release date for Brighter Shores is yet to be announced, the game is slated for launch in Q3 2024 and will be available on PC and Mac via Steam upon release.
