Dear Villagers and the newly formed Italian studio Sedleo have unveiled 1348 Ex Voto, a third-person action-adventure set during one of Italy’s darkest historical periods, with bandits, mercenaries, and plague threatening every step of the way.

1348 Ex Voto is a cinematic action-adventure game that puts players in the shoes of Aeta (voiced by Alby Baldwin), a young noblewoman fighting to find her missing friend Bianca (voiced by Jennifer English) after their village is raided by bandits. The game is the debut project of Sedleo, an Italian studio founded by game director Tom Oceano and studio head Fabiola Martelli, who brought together a team of international AAA veterans to bring their unique vision to life.

Choosing Italy as a setting was a natural decision for the team. They spent considerable time exploring the country’s rural regions, capturing real-world details to recreate an authentic and believable late medieval world. Their goal was to tell a grounded, immersive story inspired by real history and deeply rooted in their heritage.

The year 1348 was specifically chosen for its grim significance. As the plague spread across the land, medieval society unraveled further into chaos. Bandits and mercenaries roamed unchecked, religious fanatics stirred unrest, and the nobility found itself paralyzed by a power vacuum. It’s in this bleak landscape that Aeta’s journey begins, driven by determination and her knightly training to rescue her dearest friend.

Steel, Strategy, and Survival

The game offers an intense and emotional adventure through war-torn and disease-ridden Italy. Players will journey from desolate villages to crumbling castles, across the lush hills of the Appennino and the ruins of ancient Rome, experiencing a landscape as dangerous as it is breathtaking.

1348 Ex Voto features a unique sword combat system inspired by historical European martial arts, animated using motion capture from trained stunt performers. Players can switch between two combat stances—one-handed and two-handed—to adapt to their enemies. Along the way, they’ll find skill books to unlock new combos and upgrade Aeta’s swordplay using customizable weapon parts.

Exploration plays a key role. The world is filled with hidden objects, relics, and collectible treasures that enrich the narrative and reward curiosity. More than just a brawler, the game combines action, history, and storytelling into a striking journey of courage and loss in a time of plague and despair.

1348 Ex Voto is slated for release in early 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.

Source: Gematsu