The Game Awards 2024 saw its fair share of exciting reveals, and one of the standout announcements came from OtherSide Entertainment. This studio, founded by gaming legends Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, revealed their new game, Thick As Thieves. Set in an alternate history version of the 1910s, this game is set to shake up the stealth genre in ways we’ve never seen before. Let’s dive deep into what makes Thick As Thieves a unique addition to the gaming world.
The Unique Premise of “Thick As Thieves”
The setting of Thick As Thieves is nothing short of fascinating. Imagine a world where the streets of a bustling city blend magic and technology, set against the backdrop of the 1910s. This alternate history creates an environment ripe for intrigue, adventure, and, of course, thievery. The game world is both rich in atmosphere and detail, offering an exciting new perspective on familiar historical periods.
The Development Team Behind “Thick As Thieves”
Founded by two industry veterans, Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, OtherSide Entertainment has a pedigree that makes fans sit up and take notice. Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex and Thief: Deadly Shadows, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Neurath, a key figure in the development of Thief: The Dark Project, lends his expertise to the creation of an immersive sim experience unlike anything seen before. Alongside them are talented team members like Greg LoPiccolo and David McDonough, who bring decades of game design experience to the table.
The Genre-Bending Nature of “Thick As Thieves”
What truly sets Thick As Thieves apart from other games is its bold mix of genres. At its core, it blends stealth, action, and immersive sim elements, but it goes a step further by introducing multiplayer gameplay. Traditionally, immersive sims are a solo affair, but Thick As Thieves turns this expectation on its head by encouraging collaboration and competition between players.
Designing for Player Creativity and Collaboration
One of the key aspects of Thick As Thieves is its focus on collaboration and player-driven creativity. Drawing inspiration from tabletop RPGs, the game emphasizes how players interact with a deeply simulated world, solving problems in creative ways and working together to navigate challenges. This collaboration isn’t just about surviving—it’s about finding innovative ways to outsmart other players and navigate the game’s systems.
A Stealth-Action Gameplay Experience
Unlike most fast-paced action games, Thick As Thieves takes a more deliberate, slow-paced approach. Players are encouraged to assess situations, plan their actions, and execute strategies. The goal is to think like a thief, weighing risks and using tools to achieve objectives in the most creative way possible. This stealth-action hybrid offers a unique gameplay experience that rewards patience and ingenuity.
Core Gameplay Features in “Thick As Thieves”
In Thick As Thieves, players are thrust into interconnected environments filled with NPCs, security systems, and other dynamic elements. Every decision counts, from choosing which tools to bring to the mission to how to interact with the world around you. Each neighborhood is alive with its own set of rules and challenges, and it’s up to the players to navigate these systems to achieve their goals.
Objectives and Missions
Players in Thick As Thieves will face a variety of objectives, from character-specific storylines to larger, more complex missions. The game keeps players on their toes with both primary and secondary goals that require tactical thinking and collaboration. What’s more, these objectives are not unique to one player—other players are vying for the same prize, creating a tense and competitive atmosphere.
Player Interaction and PvP in “Thick As Thieves”
While the game is rooted in stealth, Thick As Thieves doesn’t shy away from player-versus-player (PvP) moments. It’s entirely possible to encounter other players during a mission, and sometimes, confrontation is inevitable. However, these moments are about strategy and ingenuity, not brute force. The game encourages players to think critically about whether to fight or continue sneaking past their adversaries.
Balancing PvP and Stealth Elements
The challenge of balancing PvP interactions with stealth elements is one of the most unique aspects of Thick As Thieves. Players must be constantly aware of their surroundings, adapting to the actions of others while still maintaining the core stealth gameplay. This delicate balance is what makes each encounter so tense and rewarding.
The Impact of Player Creativity
The creativity of the players is a driving force in Thick As Thieves. Rather than relying on combat to resolve conflicts, players can manipulate the game world to their advantage. Whether it’s setting traps, impersonating NPCs, or causing distractions, the possibilities for creative problem-solving are endless. The satisfaction of outsmarting another player with a clever strategy is one of the game’s greatest rewards.
Character Archetypes in “Thick As Thieves”
To further deepen the gameplay experience, Thick As Thieves introduces unique character archetypes. Each character—such as the Hood, Spider, and Chameleon—has their own backstory and abilities. These archetypes not only affect gameplay but also provide an emotional investment as players explore their stories and abilities.
The Meta-Layer: Rewards and Progression
After each 20-30 minute mission, players return to a meta-layer where they can reflect on their performance, change their loadouts, and advance their characters’ skills. This progression system ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same, and players are encouraged to experiment with different strategies and approaches.
The Importance of Adaptability and Reflection
In Thick As Thieves, adaptability is key. Players must constantly reflect on their past missions, analyzing their strategies and adjusting their approach to future encounters. This continuous cycle of improvement makes the game deeply engaging, as players are always striving to outsmart both the game and other players.
Conclusion: The Future of “Thick As Thieves”
Thick As Thieves has the potential to redefine how we think about multiplayer stealth games. By blending genres and introducing a focus on creativity, collaboration, and strategic decision-making, OtherSide Entertainment has created something truly innovative. The combination of immersive sim and multiplayer elements, along with the emphasis on narrative and player choice, sets Thick As Thieves apart from other games in the genre. As development continues, it will be exciting to see how the game evolves and how players embrace its unique systems.
FAQs
- What makes “Thick As Thieves” different from other stealth games?
Thick As Thieves blends traditional stealth gameplay with multiplayer, allowing players to collaborate and compete in a shared world filled with dynamic systems and evolving challenges. - How does the multiplayer element work in “Thick As Thieves”?
Players work together to complete missions while competing for the same objectives. The game encourages both cooperation and strategic PvP moments. - Can you play solo in “Thick As Thieves”?
Yes, you can play solo in Thick As Thieves, but the game’s mechanics are designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration with other players. - What kind of player can excel in “Thick As Thieves”?
Players who enjoy strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving will thrive in Thick As Thieves. The game rewards patience and inventive approaches over brute force. - What are the character archetypes in “Thick As Thieves” and how do they affect gameplay?
Each character archetype—like the Hood, Spider, and Chameleon—offers unique abilities and playstyles, affecting how players approach missions and interact with others.