Bithell Games, the studio known for titles like Thomas Was Alone and Amberspire, has unveiled its latest project, Vampirium 1997. This upcoming game is described as a non-linear horror experience set in an alternate late 1990s England, where players are tasked by the vampire King of England to eliminate his adversaries. Game director Mike Bithell is aiming to distill the immersive sim genre to its core elements with this new title.
"Dracula is King of England. At his command, master your dark gifts to assassinate his enemies and secure his vampiric empire. Infiltrate locked-down locations, adapt and survive in living environments, and uncover your own unique methods of executing missions," reads the game's synopsis. Gameplay will emphasize strategic planning and observation, with players needing to navigate levels, utilize dialogue to de-escalate situations, and gradually upgrade their vampiric abilities. Each decision carries weight, and the game's environments are designed as dynamic arenas that encourage players to experiment with various tactics, ranging from stealth and deception to direct confrontation.
Bithell Games has a track record of creating challenging and thoughtful games. The studio's expertise in this area was previously demonstrated in an official John Wick game, which was unfortunately delisted in 2025.
Vampirium 1997 is slated for an early access launch on PC, though a specific release date has not yet been announced. To further immerse players in the game's dark fantasy setting, an eight-chapter novella titled "The Last Portrait" has been released. This story centers on an artist named Hart who is commissioned to create a portrait of England's vampiric monarch.