The execution of games based on their own IP, using developed technology, regular publication of new projects, and further development of engaging AI for game production – these are key pillars of the new development strategy for Ice Code Games for the years 2025-2027. Its goal is to maximize the cost efficiency of the company, production processes, and the uniqueness of the titles produced. The partnership announced on February 6th with AImmersive, specialists in interactive narrative using artificial intelligence, is of particular importance.
Following the successful premiere of Rogue Waters, Ice Code Games is announcing a new development strategy, focusing on building a strong portfolio of games based on its own IP, using technologies developed during the production of Hard West 2 and Rogue Waters. Additionally, the company wants to be more flexible in responding to changes in the gaming market. One of the pillars of increased efficiency is using tools created by their partner, AImmersive.
Ice Code Games has long been developing its own tools based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, including the proprietary SUPREMUS system, which supports the quick collection of realistic data regarding gameplay quality through advanced playtests. Licensing the BrainWave tool from Aimmersive, and its future iterations, will significantly increase the speed and efficiency of creating immersive and innovative games. The company is the first studio in the world to implement real-time content generation, using artificial intelligence to analyze and react to player behavior in strategy and RPG games.
“Ice Code Games has been investing in R&D projects involving artificial intelligence for years. Tools such as DEMIURG and the currently developing SUPREMUS are examples of ethical, concrete need-based use of AI to assist creators and multiply their work efficiency. The integration of tools acquired from our partner AImmersive will bring a number of benefits not only on the developers’ side, but also a measurable enhancement of interactivity for the players,” says Mateusz Pilski, CEO of Ice Code Games.
Another innovation in the company’s strategy is the goal to become independent from cooperation with publishers, in order to respond more quickly to changes in the gaming market, including the publishing market, and to regularly release new projects, also in an early-access format.
“After the very positive reception of Hard West 2 by players and even better reviews for Rogue Waters, which we own, we have gained a high position in a certain game niche, built a solid foundation for further development, and our recognizability and trust among players have significantly increased. All of this allows us to look more boldly into the future and think about greater independence – not only in production, but also in publishing our games,” adds Mateusz Pilski.
Building their own game publishing competencies will not exclude cooperation with external publishers. The company will continue to conduct talks and negotiations with potential publishers and analyze every cooperation offer received.
The first title to be implemented under the new strategy is the game under the working title Nightmare Frontier, which is planned for early access at the turn of the second and third quarters of 2025. The game, set in the dark realities of the late 19th century, will combine elements of a shooter with dynamic hand-to-hand combat, distinguished by an innovative mechanism of the “nightmare dimension” that will gradually change the game world.
“Thanks to the use of existing resources and technology, the production of this game will cost only 1.5 million PLN, which is a significant reduction compared to our previous titles. The game will combine a dark atmosphere with exciting action, offering players unforgettable experiences,” announces Mateusz Pilski.
Currently, besides Nightmare Frontier, the company has concepts for 3-4 new games, and in the case of two of them, it has early prototypes.
The new strategy assumes financing the activity of Ice Code Games from their own resources earned from the commercialization of previously released games, debt financing, and resources obtained through share issuance.
The company also continues to support the development of the tactical game Rogue Waters. The title, which debuted on the Steam and Epic Games Store platforms on September 30, 2024, is receiving excellent reviews in gaming services. By virtue of the signed annex, the game’s publisher – Tripwire Interactive – has committed to the implementation of the adopted post premiere update schedule for the title’s development. The release of the game version for Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X took place on February 4, while the game appeared on PCs in the Microsoft Store on all current versions of Windows. Certification of the version for Nintendo Switch is almost complete.
“The annex provides a schedule for critical milestones, such as patches, updates, and content expansion within the time frame up until February 2025, and the simultaneous expansion of the game on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo platforms. In addition, Ice Code Games will receive additional compensation for performing these tasks in the form of advances against future revenues,” adds Paweł Wilk, Vice President of Ice Code Games.
The production and marketing costs of Rogue Waters are fully borne by the American publisher. The price of a single copy of the game is $29.99.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/ice-code-games-stawia-na-ai-i-innowacje-nowe-podejscie-do-produkcji-gier-20120
