Lysward News

[p][/p][p]We have some incredibly exciting news to share: We're going to the Tokyo Game Show 2025![/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][p]For the first time, players will be able to go hands-on with an early demo of our game. We are beyond excited to finally share what we've been building and to see your reactions.[/p][p]
If you're in Tokyo from September 27th to 28th, find our booth in Hall 5 and be among the very first in the world to play Lysward![/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][p]Can't make it to Japan? Don't worry, this is just the beginning. Follow along right here for exclusive updates and all the insights from TGS25 - we’ll have news soon to share.
[/p][p]Your support means everything. Please help us build the hype by wishlisting Lysward on Steam![/p][p]

[/p][p]See you in the next update![/p][p]Snowcastle Games[/p]

[p]Want to dive deeper into the world of our games? Join our official Discord server and become part of a vibrant community where you can:[/p][p]
🔹 Chat with fellow explorers[/p][p]🔹 Get the latest news & updates about events, playtests, and future content[/p][p]🔹 Exclusive spoilers & behind-the-scenes info [/p][p]🔹 Direct feedback to the team – Your voice helps shape the future of our games![/p][p]
Join now:[/p][p]JOIN OUR DISCORD[/p][p]
See you in the next update, Explorers!
Snowcastle Games[/p]

[p]We’re excited to announce that we’ll be running an exclusive closed playtest from August 21st to 25th! This is an invite-only opportunity, so be sure to sign up here if you want to secure your spot. We’re looking for players who enjoy survival games, whether you’re casual or hardcore.
[/p][p]To celebrate this occasion, we’re thrilled to unveil our new key art featuring both Kiran and Gjorna. We wanted this piece to encapsulate the heart of Lysward’s experience: The harsh struggle for survival in the dangerous desert, and the magic Kiran wields through his Amri sleeve. Every detail was thought to make this piece as beautiful and eye-catching as possible. We’re especially proud to have collaborated again with the incredibly talented Jeleynai, who originally brought Kiran and Gjorna to life through their concept art. [/p][p]
Lysward key art.
[/p][p]Your participation in the playtest and feedback will be invaluable in shaping Lysward’s development. Don’t miss your chance to experience the game early and help us refine the survival adventure ahead.
[/p][p]Sign up by August 15th; spaces are limited.[/p][p][/p][p]
See you in the next update, Explorers!
Snowcastle Games[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Today’s update is very special: Meet Kiran, the character you’ll play as in Lysward. After escaping the Notus facility with no memories and a strange device fused to his forearm, Kiran awakens in a desolate cave, forced to survive a desert that wants him dead. His name is pronounced “Kee-ren”.[/p][p] Kiran’s concept art.
[/p][p]Kiran’s visual journey from concept to final character was a long one. His first iteration was created as a style test for our art and animation teams, a placeholder that allowed them to explore movement and tone. 
[/p][p]Old concept.
[/p][p]Creating Kiran demanded more than just concept art: It required weaving his entire story into his visual identity. Our art team worked closely with our skilled narrative designer, Hannah, and the talented artist Jeleynai, using every story beat and gameplay need as the foundation for their concept art. This incredible collaboration began with broad exploratory sketches, each iteration bringing us closer to a character who feels authentically shaped by his harsh world.
[/p][p]Every detail from the functionality of his Amri sleeve to the wear and tear on his clothing had to reflect his harrowing escape and fight for survival.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Kiran sketches.[/p][p]
But a protagonist’s design isn’t just about aesthetics: It’s about making players connect with their struggle. Through dozens of iterations, we refined Kiran into someone players immediately understand yet still want to uncover.[/p][p]
We had to hit a lot of notes, from the Amri-sleeve on his arm hinting at the function we had from the writing, through his outfit needing to fit where Kiran enters the story in the game, to how his face looks to convey who he is as a person. When you first see Kiran, you should feel his history before he speaks a word. That’s the power of thoughtful character design.[/p][p]
We’re thrilled with the result and can’t wait for you to step into his shoes. What do you think of Kiran? [/p][p]
We’ll have a closed playtest coming soon, so stay tuned and wishlist Lysward. See you in the next update, Explorers!
Snowcastle Games[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Today, we have a very special reveal. Meet Gjorna, your mentor and ally in the unforgiving world of Lysward. And in case you’re wondering, the pronunciation of her name is “Yor-na”.[/p][p][/p][p]Character Concept Art.
[/p][p]Gjorna is no ordinary guide. She's a resourceful Hogbunny fugitive, desperately searching for her missing partner Orren after escaping the cruel experiments of Notus Haven. When your paths cross in the desert, you'll work together to uncover the terrible truth behind Notus' exploitation of the land... and what they did to both of you.[/p][p]
Now, if you’ve played Hogworld, EARTHLOCK, Ikonei Island, or read our comics, you might have noticed that Gjorna is a Hogbunny, but her visuals are very different from the others. This happened because we felt Lysward demanded a fresh take on Hogbunnies so they could fit in this environment.[/p][p]Hedda and Gnart variations.
[/p][p]To achieve her final visual, we’ve tested and experimented a lot. We needed more expressive animations, which led to proportion changes, while the art style evolved to match the game's mature themes. After countless iterations, we arrived at her final design: a perfect balance of grit and personality that fits Lysward's harsh environment.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Gjorna Sketches and experimentation.

Gjorna will be your most valuable company in the desert. Every clue she shares reveals more about your shared, painful past and the dark secrets of Notus Haven.

What are your thoughts on Gjorna? Let us know in the comments. [/p][p]
Wishlist Lysward to help us grow our community![/p][p]We’ll see you in the next update, Explorers! [/p][p]Snowcastle Games[/p]