Tides of Annihilation Arthurian Knights Concept is Tencent's Appeal to Westerners

In a recent interview with Wccftech, Eclipse Glow Games, the developers behind Tides of Annihilation, revealed the intriguing reasoning behind their choice of Arthurian myths and a London setting. Let's delve into the game's concept and future plans.

Tides of Annihilation: A Western-Focused Adventure

Arthurian Myths and Knights: The Core Concept

At Gamescom 2024, Eclipse Glow Games spoke with Wccftech, discussing Tides of Annihilation's core concept, mechanics, and potential for an anthology. The decision to set the game in a Western context, despite the developers' Chinese origins, stems directly from Tencent's strategic vision. Tencent, the game's financial backer, had distinct expectations for this project compared to Black Myth: Wukong. While Wukong targeted the Chinese market, Tides of Annihilation was designed with a Western audience in mind, leading to the selection of Arthurian legends as the central theme. The game's producer conceived the core concept around the idea of knights, ultimately evolving into the iconic King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Tides of Annihilation unfolds in a post-apocalyptic London, ravaged by an Outworld invasion. The game centers around Gwendolyn, seemingly the sole human survivor. While grounded in a modern-day setting, the game incorporates fantasy elements heavily inspired by Arthurian myths.

Devil May Cry-Inspired Combat and a Host of Bosses

The gameplay reveal immediately highlights the game's Devil May Cry-inspired combat system. The developers confirmed this stylistic influence, emphasizing its accessibility through adjustable difficulty settings. This caters to a broader audience, making the fast-paced action accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers.

Players can customize their combat style using four distinct weapons and over ten Knights of the Round Table as allies. Gwendolyn's ability to command these legendary knights adds a unique strategic layer to the gameplay. With over 30 bosses, each boasting unique abilities, players are promised challenging and engaging encounters. "Players will have to prepare for very challenging boss fights," the developers stated.

Ambitions for an Anthology

Eclipse Glow Games also expressed their interest in expanding the Tides of Annihilation franchise into an anthology. Future installments might explore different settings and mythologies, each potentially featuring a new protagonist. The core concept of the Outworld invasion is expected to remain a consistent element throughout the series. The success of the first game will be crucial in determining the future of this ambitious project.

Currently in beta, Tides of Annihilation is slated for a tentative 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Players will journey alongside Gwendolyn as she confronts destiny and battles to save not only London, but the intertwined realms of reality and Avalon.