Everybody's Gone to the Rapture team The Chinese Room has been confirmed as the new studio behind the troubled Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, with an updated release window set for late 2024. It's unclear how much of the work original developer Hardsuit Labs put into the project will carry over into the final version, but you can catch a new trailer above.
Originally announced back in 2019, the game has faced a lot of setbacks as multiple projected release windows passed the project by. It had been announced for both PS5 and PS4, but the newest trailer only features a PS5 logo. A gameplay reveal will take place in January 2024.
On taking over production of Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, studio director Ed Daly said it fits "perfectly" into the team's portfolio, which also includes Dear Esther and the upcoming Still Wakes the Deep. "Bloodlines 2 is our most ambitious project to date. Fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting this game, and we are up to the challenge."
He adds: "We are bringing more than 15 years of award-winning experience to the project, creating a game that honours the legacy of its predecessor while bringing its gameplay to the modern era." As for why The Chinese Room was picked for the project, vice president of the World of Darkness brand Sean Greaney explained it was the studio's passion for the source material. "Fans of the franchise can rest assured knowing that Bloodlines 2 is in good hands, and we will have more to share with you in January."
Are you happy to see Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is still alive and kicking? Share your latest thoughts in the comments below.
Comments 19
If Dead Island 2 has taught me anything it’s that a game can still be good even with multiple developers and a troubled development, so I still have high hopes for this.
Although their games aren't my cup of tea, The Chinese Room is a quality studio full of talented people. I don't think they've ever done a combat heavy game or an RPG, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt to this new challenge! I hope they can deliver, and if they do, they will have proven themselves as an incredibly versatile studio.
Well I mean, this is the best case scenario. The Chinese Room is going to absolutely knock it out of the park.
Really worried, the project seems as doomed as it could be. The Chinese Room are a pretty good team though so perhaps they can salvage this. Best case scenario at the moment does feel like it’ll be like the first game in that the basis is there for a great game that gets realised with mods.
I only hope it won't end in abbys of Prince of Persia remake or Beyond Good and Evil 2...
Is this the same studio behind everybodys gone to the rapture? That was an intriguing game and i quite enjoyed it on the ps4. Horrible frame rate but a good looking game.
It's a long shot that this game will turn out to be a stellar experience, but it's still a possibility nonetheless.
I'm hoping it will be released eventually, and it's at least a decent experience for all the turbulent development it's been through.
That new gameplay with the Hokuto style punching really makes it look like a proper vampire power trip.
Can't say the announcement or trailer fill me with a lot of confidence. Ideally, Bloodlines 2 should be a choice-driven RPG with immersive sim elements, combat should not be the main focus. The trailer looks more like Ghostrunner. I know combat looks cooler in trailers than social RPG stuff, but the focus seems all wrong.
Then there's the developer. The Chinese Room is almost exclusively known for atmospheric walking sims. Nothing wrong with that and they're good at what they do, but it's worlds apart from what Bloodlines is supposed to be. Doesn't mean they can't pull this off, but it doesn't strike me as a perfect match.
Honestly, this always had disaster written all over it and nothing in this article is pointing in the other direction.
I thought this was looking a bit DOA, but The Chinese Room are a fantastic, if unexpected, choice. If anyone can, they can craft a moody, atmospheric, taut experience that’ll suit the game perfectly.
Game changing developer shows what a bad state this was in. While I love The Chinese Room this seems very different to their usual work, this is not an obvious partnership. But looking forward to seeing what they can come up with. They are a pretty small studio I assume it will be after their current game Still Wakes the Deep.
This is a complete unknown
-The Chinese Room has never made an RPG or a game with deep gameplay systems
-The Chinese Room at one point fired all their staff, and only one founder remains there
So I don't think citing old works/reputation is going to help assess if the game will be good or bad honestly.
This specific quote is weird:
...studio director Ed Daly said it fits "perfectly" into the team's portfolio.
The Chinese Room is known for walking simulators, so I'm not sure how VTMB2 is a perfect fit for the studio's portfolio.
I'm little concerned that the trailer is too action packed and don't show dialogue options. Hope it's a true RPG sequel to Bloodlines. Its my most anticipated game hope it won't dissapoint
The trailer feels like an overcorrection, trying to reassure people that there will be combat in the game.
I think this is going to be good, I'm just worried that it won't be a worthy sequel to the original Bloodlines game, which 20 years on is still one of my favourite games of all time. I probably play it again about once every other year
I didn't know the development was such a mess. So sad. Ah well, the game will suck then. Bye Vampire
@Yakito1988 I dunno about you, but I want my vampire games to suck!
This is a massive project for them I hope they can pull it off.
The Chinese Room. Nice. I always like Bloodlines the best when it took its time. It was such a great atmospheric experience, and I csn totally see how TCR would be a good fit for this. They know how to create the vibe and how to build worlds.
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