Blue Dot Games’ title is currently planned only for PC, though it would not be surprising if it eventually made its way to consoles later on…
Set in an alternate 1983 where the Cold War has escalated into full-scale war, ’83 is the spiritual successor to Rising Storm 2: Vietnam, developed by members of that original team under the Blue Dot Games banner. ’83 places players in the boots of a soldier in this alternate history, where massive 40v40 matches unfold with authentic Cold War weapons, vehicles, and squad-based objectives. Coordinate with teammates, capture critical points, and dominate the battlefield through smart tactics and teamwork.
’83 is built around the principle of accessible realism, respecting the player’s time while still portraying how a historical battle might have played out. Matches last around 30 to 40 minutes on average, and if you die, you are only removed from the action briefly before respawning. Do not underestimate that seemingly light penalty, because that lost time is enough to turn the course of a battle, as ’83 demands strong communication and teamwork, with team commanders guiding their factions through strategic organization and tense decisions.
Players can choose from a range of roles, from frontline riflemen and vehicle operators to support units, each with their own gear and tactical value. ’83 features period-authentic weapons and equipment whose handling and lethality feel realistic, and every weapon has been carefully designed and animated according to its real-world counterpart. Each weapon behaves in a believable way: barrels and suppressors overheat under rapid fire, machine guns need a stable surface for accuracy, and bullets do not magically teleport between magazines when reloading a half-empty one. With its focus on realism, coordination, and large-scale intensity, ’83 aims to deliver a raw, grounded experience in a world balanced on the edge of nuclear war.
“Our motto for ’83 was accessible realism, where everything, from the uniforms to the unique sounds and animations of each weapon firing, was thoroughly researched in order to create a historically accurate shooter, while at the same time making sure the game stayed fun thanks to forgiving respawn times. Do not let the accessibility fool you; anyone can pick up ’83 and have a good time, but teams still need to communicate and perform their roles properly to win. ’83 carves out dedicated commander and squad leader roles for veterans to lead their squads, while newcomers can learn the ropes on the front line until they know the game well enough”, wrote Blue Dot Games CEO Tony Gillham in the press release.
’83 launches in Early Access on PC on April 23. This version will include three maps, each with two game modes. On top of that, there will be two factions with tanks and jeeps, along with more than a dozen weapons per faction. Most of the core gameplay systems will already be in place, including commander and squad leader features. According to current plans, the full release is expected around mid-to-late 2027.
Source: Gematsu
