The iconic developers behind Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian have finally revealed their latest project, and it’s safe to say the nearly ten-year wait has been worth it.

The World Premiere trailer at The Game Awards 2024 sets an enigmatic tone from the start. It opens with a voice speaking and counting, followed by the roar of crashing waves. A cloaked figure climbs onto the massive shoulder of a colossal robot, while a menacing, ink-black wave looms in the distance.

The protagonist scales the robot’s skull, which then detaches from its shoulders, tearing cables and parts of its spinal structure as it rises into the sky. The encroaching darkness turns the surroundings a ghostly gray, with massive debris colliding against the abandoned body. As the body explodes and vanishes, the screen fades to black, revealing the genDESIGN logo.

Published by Epic Games, this new game will be available through the Epic Games Store, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Speculation surrounding genDESIGN’s next game has been building for years. Hints first emerged in 2018, when a New Year’s image depicted a white figure standing on a pedestal near a massive, hand-like structure. Another teaser followed in 2021—a postcard showing a character beneath a strange mechanical construct. While these breadcrumbs revealed little, fans now finally get to see the fruits of the studio’s long labor.

The anticipation is well-deserved. genDESIGN, previously known as Team Ico, is revered in the gaming world. Under the visionary leadership of Fumito Ueda, the studio has left an indelible mark on the industry with just three iconic titles released over two decades.

Their debut, Ico, launched in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, quietly redefining what video games could achieve. Players explored a haunting “castle in the mist,” unraveling the bond between a young boy with horns and a mysterious girl. Known for its minimalist gameplay and poignant narrative, Ico quickly garnered cult status.

The studio’s second game, Shadow of the Colossus, pushed the envelope even further. Players took control of Wander, a red-haired hero on a quest to defeat sixteen towering colossi in order to resurrect his beloved. With its blend of puzzle-solving and action, the game cemented its place as one of the greatest video games of all time.

The Last Guardian, their third and most ambitious project, took more than a decade to develop. This emotional journey chronicled the bond between a boy and his massive bird-dog companion, Trico. With innovative AI and heartfelt storytelling, the game added another layer to Team Ico’s impressive legacy.

Having transitioned to an independent studio, genDESIGN seems poised to carry forward this legacy with their latest venture. Will it live up to their legendary reputation? Only time will tell, but this first glimpse has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

Source: Epic Games