Former Blizzard chief creative officer Rob Pardo has unveiled the first trailer for Bonfire Studios’ debut game, Arkheron, after nearly a decade in development. The game is a multiplayer action-RPG that combines competitive team-based gameplay with loot-driven progression.
Arkheron draws inspiration from titles like Diablo, but its core focus is on multiplayer dynamics. In the game, 15 teams of three players compete to ascend a towering structure, looting items that grant special powers along the way. This allows players to adapt their loadouts and strategies dynamically during the match. The gameplay revolves around fast-paced action, resource management, and tactical decision-making in a high-stakes environment.
The lengthy development process was due to extensive iteration, as detailed in a blog post by Pardo. The combat system alone was completely redesigned four times to refine its feel and balance. Pardo highlighted the internal passion that emerged during playtesting, a notable experience for the veteran team. “As we playtested Arkheron internally, something rare happened. The team fell in love with the game,” he wrote. “That might sound obvious, but for experienced developers it isn’t. Many of us have been through projects where the work is meaningful, but the daily playtests feel like a chore. With Arkheron it was different. People didn’t want to miss a session. They got frustrated if servers went down on a holiday. They grumbled when a playtest was canceled.”
This enthusiasm echoes the iterative culture at Blizzard, where Pardo developed his skills. He emphasized the importance of community input moving forward: “Playtesting is how we make Arkheron better. It’s how we’ll continue to play the game to make the game, listen to our community and let the fun guide us toward launch.”
An open alpha playtest is scheduled for September 19th through 21st, offering early access to participants who have signed up on Steam. Pardo cautioned that the build will be “rough around the edges.” The team plans to use feedback from this event and subsequent tests to polish the title.
Arkheron is slated for release on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, although a specific launch date has not been announced. The reveal marks a significant milestone for Bonfire Studios, signaling the end of a long development period and the beginning of broader community engagement for Pardo’s ambitious project.
