Isonzo News

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]Today is a very exciting day, as we have a brand new trailer in store for you. This brand new look at Gallipoli focuses on the Siege of Kut, where the Ottomans attacked the British Army holed up in the town of Kut Al Amara in lower Mesopotamia.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]The Siege of Kut[/h2][p][/p][p]The Indian Expeditionary Force (IEF) captured the Mesopotamian town of Kut al-Amara in September 1915. Situated in a horseshoe bend of the River Tigris it provided a base of operations for the British to consider a further advance towards Baghdad. However, after a defeat by Ottoman defenders at Ctesiphon in November of the same year, Major General Charles Townshend’s 6th (Poona) Division retreated back to Kut, where the Ottomans laid siege. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Aerial view of Kut Al Amara, IWM (Q 107237)[/p][p][/p][p]The British built trench lines out across the horseshoe and incorporated an old fortification - what the British referred to as the ‘Mud Fort’ - into their defensive lines. The Ottomans, commanded by Khalil Pasha, made numerous attacks on the outer defenses but could not break through. With the town besieged - and enough rations for around 60 days - the only hope for the British was for a relief force to be dispatched from Basra to break through the Ottoman lines. In order to accelerate this intervention, Townshend misrepresented his supply stores in messages back to Basra, claiming he had less food than he did. As a result, an ill-prepared British force was defeated by the Ottomans at El Hanna.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Charles Townshend and Khalil Pasha after the surrender of Kut, IWM (Q 79344)[/p][p][/p][p]With no prospect of relief, the supply situation became desperate and some defenders began to eat the animals within Kut. Townshend attempted to negotiate with Enver Pasha - then Minister for War - but he refused any terms. Townshend then surrendered the town after 147 days of siege and was taken to Constantinople. However, his army underwent a series of forced marches to prisoner of war camps where an estimated 70% of the British-Indian rank and file soldiers died during their captivity. The Siege of Kut was one of the worst defeats for the Entente of the entire war.[/p][p][/p][h2]Kut Al Amara in Gallipoli[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Kut is a map of two halves. The battle starts out of town in a no man's land of a scorching desert, dominated by the sun and heavy shelling. The other half transitions into full-on urban combat, with alleyways and doorways allowing threats to pop up from around every corner. However, let’s go back to the start of the battle and follow the Ottoman approach.[/p][p]As the Ottomans begin their charge across the open dunes, their first obstacle is the lovingly nicknamed ‘Mud Fort’ and the fortified redoubt connected to its trench network, both of which make up Sector 1. It has been softened up by prior shelling already, but the British will still be able to put up a fight here; they have cover, the Ottomans have not.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Once past the fort, more opportunities for cover arise. On the left, along the river Tigris, you can ditch the sand and opt for mud instead. As the region’s lifeline, the Tigris allows for vegetation in the shape of palm trees to grow, providing you with some much needed cover to mask your approach to the objective. On the right side, the frontal assault option won’t be as punishing as before. The terrain here has a lot more trenches and prominent dunes, leading you to the kilns that mark the other objective of this sector.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Pushing past the palms & kilns, we dive into Kut proper. Entry into the town is divided into a left and a right approach by a large central building, with some sneakier options in the middle. Once beyond this building, we’re a short jog away from the objectives of Sector 3: the historical British Headquarters on the left and the Mosque on the right. Don’t get too comfortable though, as some of the rooftops are accessible and offer prime ambush opportunities. If you don’t see the enemy in front of you, you may need to look up![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As we approach Sector 4, the final sector, a perpendicular road opens up a whole lot of options. You can pick from any of 5 lanes that will take you through or past the Bazaar (or Souq) straight to the final objective, but all will bring chaos. The streets are cluttered, there are fires all over the place and the British have dug themselves in for their last stand. Some doors take you to the adjacent lanes, others are a dead end, while others still allow you to hide to reload or ambush a foe.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The long sightlines are a prime opportunity for machine gun fire, but if you manage to break through, you’ll find the final Headquarters in the warehouse at the docks of Kut.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Arsenal[/h2][p][/p][h3]Martini-Henry Mk.IV[/h3][p]The Martini-Henry is a breech-loading lever action rifle from 1871. As it was replaced by the Lee-Metford, all existing Martini-Henry variants were converted to .45 calibre to limit the amount of different calibres in service, creating the Martini-Henry Mk.IV. [/p][p]Even though the Lee-Metford had also already been replaced by the Lee-Enfield by WW1, the Martini-Henry Mk.IV saw service during the war, as reserves of the newer rifles started to run out – especially on the Ottoman Fronts.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Peabody-Martini M1874[/h3][p]As the Ottoman Empire was unable to purchase Martini-Henry rifles from the British, they bought rifles identical to the Martini Henry Mk.I from the United States. The main difference between the weapons was the lack of barrel rifling that gave the Martini-Henry the ‘Henry’ part of its name. Instead, it took the name of the Peabody action both rifles have.[/p][p]Much like the Martini-Henry, the Peabody-Martini was already replaced long before WW1. However, it continued to play a role in Ottoman culture as the every man’s rifle, appearing in tales of outlaws and folk heroes like Hekimoğlu. During WW1, it reappeared on the battlefield as the Ottomans started to run out of Mauser rifles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Hotchkiss Portative Mk.I[/h3][p]As we’ve established, much of Kut Al Amara provides great opportunities to dig in behind some sandbags or a low wall with a machine gun in hand. So let’s take a look at one of the options for the British Empire!
[/p][p]The Hotchkiss Portative is an Austrian design sold to Hotchkiss in 1893. It was improved upon by the American manager of the manufacturer and saw limited production by Springfield and Colt. Production officially began in the Hotchkiss factory in Paris, but the factory was moved to Lyon when the Germans threatened the city. The following year, Hotchkiss was invited to set up a factory in the UK, where 40,000 units were made. Quite the journey.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s everything for today! We hope you enjoyed the new look at the game and are excited for Kut Al Amara. If you haven’t already, add Gallipoli to your wishlist! It really helps us out by giving us more opportunities to spread the word about the new game.[/p][p]We have some exciting collaborations coming up soon as well as some substantial news next month. See you soon![/p]

[p]Hello everyone! Today we’d like to take a look at the movement improvements we’ve made to Gallipoli. Not only have we really improved the animations when switching stance and improved collisions so you don’t run into smaller objects, we’re also making gameplay changes to stamina and sprinting. Let’s get into it![/p][p]Can't see the images? Check out the Reddit version![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Stamina[/h2][p]In Gallipoli, stamina plays a bigger role than before. Many more actions will now drain your stamina: sprinting, meleeing, jumping, vaulting will all tire you out. However, we’ve also changed stamina to be a bit more forgiving. You’ll never be prevented from doing an action if you’re exhausted. Your movement is less rigid, your aim sways more and you’ll sprint slower, but you can still get the job done.[/p][p]Your maximum amount of stamina depends on your state. As you get hurt more and more, the limit is decreased more and more, until about half if you’re downed. This means that if you’re injured, you won't be able to run as far, or keep your weapon as steady as before.[/p][p]The speed at which you regenerate your stamina depends on the equipment and weapons you have on you. Heavy weaponry like the Lewis Gun will slow regeneration down quite a bit, while only carrying a humble side arm will get you back on the road in a jiffy.[/p][p][/p][h2]Sprinting[/h2][p]How fast and far you can sprint varies. If your stamina is nearly full, you’ll sprint faster. As it starts to drain through your actions, like sprinting for a longer time or getting involved in a brawl, you’ll slowly lose speed. Once you’re out of stamina, you’ll still be able to run, but at a slower pace. If you’re not smack dab in the middle of no man's land, it may be better to catch your breath instead of running on.[/p][p]If you’re in need of a momentary speed boost, be sure to take a sip from your water flask. Hydration is important![/p][p][/p][h3]Crouched Sprinting[/h3][p]If you start sprinting while crouched, you’ll no longer stand up automatically. Instead, you’ll sprint while remaining crouched, combining speed and a low profile. Very useful if you’d like to keep your head in the safety of a trench while still keeping pace, but you’ll drain stamina quicker than regular sprinting, and you’re not as fast.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Proned “Sprinting”[/h3][p]You can also “sprint” while prone. I wouldn’t really consider it sprinting per se, but you can get out of a sticky situation while keeping the lowest possible profile a bit quicker, at the cost of much of your stamina. Useful when you’re suppressed![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s it! You’ll be doing a lot of running around in Gallipoli, so we hope these improvements and extra features will make movement more grounded and tactical. 
[/p][p]The keen eyed amongst you may have noticed that Gallipoli is listed in the IGN Fest lineup. ‘Tis true! We have a brand new trailer to showcase live during the event, so be sure to tune in.[/p]

[p]Hello everyone! We’re here to kick off the new year (halfway through January) with one of the biggest new additions to Gallipoli: the Downed State.

In a previous blog, we briefly talked about health and making damage calculations more granular. While before we distinguished between the head, arms and body, it’s now split into neck, belly, pelvis, upper limbs, lower limbs, hands and feet. This is one of the reasons for this change.[/p][p][/p][p]Can't see the images? Try the Reddit version! [/p][p][/p][h2]The Downed State[/h2][p]
Imagine this: you just got shot in the thigh from some distance away. First things first: Ouch! However, the damage is unlikely to be lethal immediately. Instead of you biting the dust immediately, you’ll be downed; you’re lying on the ground, extremely busy bleeding out. If any allies remain close by, they’ll have the opportunity to bandage the wound and get you back into the fight in a severely wounded state.

[/p][p]While downed and shouting for help, you have two options: either lay still and try to slow the bleeding to give your allies more time to pick you back up, or try to crawl to a safer position, hopefully making it easier for your allies to help you. However, crawling around will make you bleed out faster. You can also just give up if you’re done with the war.

[/p][p]You’re unable to pull out your weapon or melee while downed. Your only focus is the fact you’re about to bleed out and need help immediately. Taking any amount of damage or bleeding out will finish you off, giving the person who downed you credit for the kill.

On the other side of the engagement, we’ve made sure this all feels fair. Hitting centermass within a weapon’s intended range, shooting someone at close range, shooting someone in the head or meleeing will kill without downing a target. Your target is more likely to be downed when you use a weapon outside its effective range, or if you hit someone’s arm or leg from medium range onwards. Explosions can down you if you’re outside of their lethal radius, but close enough to take considerable damage.

[/p][p][/p][h2]Our Intention[/h2][p]The Downed State is about giving someone who positions well and works with their squad a second chance if they were grazed by a bullet. If someone is downed in a trench close to their squad, it’s likely they’ll be revived. However, if someone is out in the open with no allies in sight, getting downed will still leave you alone, out in the open, and thus easy to finish off. [/p][p]The one shot, one kill gameplay we’ve always had is still here. This puts a bit more emphasis on being accurate on the shooter’s side, and teamwork & positioning on the target’s side. Balance-wise, killing targets at long range is a bit more of a challenge now, especially if you try to do so with a pistol. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That's it for today! We hope you're excited for this addition. Be sure to wishlist & follow Gallipoli to be the first to know about the many more details coming soon. [/p]

[h2]Welcome soldiers, to The Great Bandage Contest!
[/h2][p]
For the past year, one brave (and slightly insane) soldier, by the name of 'Spacejam on VHS' committed to an incredible challenge:
one bandage kill every single day. No rifles. No bayonets. Just pure medical malpractice.


Last week marked the 365th day anniversary of that streak, as well as his 500th kill with the bandage, and to celebrate, we’re turning it into a full-scale community event:

[/p][h2]The Great Bandage Contest
[/h2][p]
From now until Monday 19th, players will compete to achieve the highest number of kills using the bandage. Yes, the same bandage you usually use to stop bleeding can be used as a weapon by meleeing while holding it. Now is the time to prove your movement skills!

There are no special rules beyond one simple requirement:
[/p]

• [p] At the end of the contest, join our Discord if you haven't already, and post a screenshot of your total kill count in the 'The-great-bandage-contest' channel. You can find your kill count by going to your profile in the main menu.
  [/p]

[h2]The prizes![/h2][p]('Spacejam on VHS' not included)
[/p]

• [p]1st Place: One set of the exclusive WW1 Game Series pin set
  [/p]
• [p]2nd–5th Place: Free Isonzo DLC key of their own choosing!
  [/p]

[p]
[/p][h2]That's all soldiers, good luck, you are going to need it.[/h2][p]
[/p]

[p]What do you mean you’ve already had way too many recaps this year?[/p][p][/p][p]Hello everyone![/p][p]We hope you’ve had a great 2025! For the WW1 Game Series, it was a very special year. We’ve been very busy behind the scenes preparing for the release of Gallipoli in 2026, but let’s take a moment to look back on everything that happened in 2025.
[/p][h2]The Moschin Expansion & free DLC Upgrade[/h2][p]Isonzo got its final expansion: Moschin! This map is the only night map in Isonzo, set in the burning woods of the Grappa massif. As the Austro-Hungarians attempted to circumvent the Piave river in June 1918, they commenced a heavy bombardment on the Italian defenses. However, the Italians knew what they were up to, and counterattacked at just the right time.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Along with the map came the Beretta M1918, an Italian semi-automatic carbine with an incredible fire rate and capacity, perfect for aggressive manoeuvers. For the Germans looking for a grenade with a bit more bang for your buck, the M1917 Geballte Ladung 6x is all you need!
[/p][p][/p][p]The Avanti Savoia Units DLC that came for free with Isonzo for those who got the game in the first week of launch had a huge uplift. It’s now a fully- fletched DLC with over 50 rare and late-war items. The best part: if you already had the original DLC, this upgrade is completely free. Thank you for your continued support![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Big Gallipoli Announcement[/h2][p][/p][p]Of course, the highlight of the year is the announcement of Gallipoli! This fourth game is taking the series to the Ottoman Fronts, where the Entente, notably including Anzac and Indian forces, open up the attack on the Ottoman Empire.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]For Gallipoli, we put a big focus on the look & feel of the game, taking the immersion and simulation aspects to the next level. It’s set to release in 2026, so be sure to add it to your wishlist if you haven’t already![/p][p][/p][h2]Anniversary Trailer[/h2][p][/p][p]We celebrated the 12 Year Anniversary of the WW1 Game Series with a huge sale and a compilation trailer for a trip down memory lane![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]More Gallipoli Info[/h2][p][/p][p]In the months following the announcement, we started sharing more info about Gallipoli. [/p][p][/p][h3]Expedition Game Mode[/h3][p]We first took a look at the game mode of Gallipoli: Expedition. This mode captures combat as it was like on the Ottoman Fronts, revolving around momentum and all-out assaults. Objectives are now also randomized to a degree, so work with your squad to make decisions on the go!
[/p][p]For the full explanation of the Expedition game mode, check out the blog![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]Ctesiphon & Anzac Cove[/h3][p]Next, we looked at two of the maps coming to Gallipoli! [/p][p]Ctesiphon is set on the Mesopotamian front, where British and Indian forces landed to secure Basra and the oil fields further inland. This is an arid region with vegetation along the banks of the river Tigris, but it’s prone to sandstorms. You may want to take shelter by the Arch of Ctesiphon![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]Anzac Cove is known for the landings by the British and Anzac forces on the shores of Gallipoli. Their goal was to capture Constantinople and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war, but they faced much stronger resistance from the Ottomans than expected. The terrain consists of ridged hills and vegetation that can provide both some cover and make you cross wide-open areas.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h3]First Gameplay Details[/h3][p]Then, we shared some of the work-in-progress gameplay changes planned for Gallipoli. From pacing to animations, damage and ballistics, we showed a lot of the improvements coming to the game. Take a look for yourself![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]Changing the Gallipoli Subtitle[/h3][p]Now with Gallipoli coming together, we’ve taken a close look at the scope of the game. To better reflect the fronts outside of the Middle East that saw Ottoman action, like the Gallipoli campaign itself, we’ve decided to change the subtitle of Gallipoli from “Middle Eastern Front” to “Ottoman Fronts”. [/p][p]In the upcoming months, we’ll reveal more maps coming to Gallipoli at launch. Stay tuned![/p][p][/p][h3]Movember Returns![/h3][p]Back in Isonzo-land, the Movember Handlebar moustache is back! If you’d like to stick this mighty moustache on your upper lip, be sure to get it now. It’s still available until January 5th![/p][p]Proceeds are donated to the not-for-profit Movember Organization in support of their cause.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Christmas Truce starts today[/h3][p]The Christmas Truce just went live! Be sure to join the festivities, throw some snowballs, write a Christmas card and challenge friend and foe for a little game of football. Find out more here:[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Those are the highlights of 2025! We have a lot of Gallipoli news and showcases in the works for early 2026, so please look forward to that. For now, we really hope you have the merriest of Christmases and a great New Year. [/p]