In a significant move poised to make waves in the gaming industry, Neowiz has inked an $8 million publishing deal with the promising Warsaw-based studio, Zakazane, to bring their highly-anticipated neo-Western RPG to life.

According to reports from GamesBeat, this strategic partnership will see the Korean company not only funding the development of the game but also positioning it as a "key addition to [its] portfolio," echoing the desire to establish durable franchises across both PC and console platforms.

Neowiz co-CEO Seung-Cheol Kim expressed immense enthusiasm, stating, "When we first met Zakazane, we felt an immediate kinship around their passion for developing projects that profoundly captivate audiences. Their upcoming neo-Western RPG will indeed be a cornerstone of our ambitions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Zakazane CEO Jan Bartkowicz shared that the collaboration has been characterized by mutual respect and creativity. "We found a great understanding with Neowiz, who became excited about our debut title when we first showed them the demo. What's remarkable is that they allowed us to adhere to our creative vision without trying to compromise our principles," he remarked. “Both parties recognize that games can resonate deeply on a personal level, blending cultural significance with viable business potential.”

Founded in 2022, Zakazane is a burgeoning studio comprising 20 talented developers, many of whom hail from renowned companies like CD Projekt Red and 11Bit Studios. The studio previously gained momentum by raising $1 million in a pre-seed funding round, led by The Games Fund, enabling them to kickstart the development of their inaugural title.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this partnership between Neowiz and Zakazane is a testament to the potential that innovative storytelling and strong collaborations can unlock. Gaming enthusiasts are already buzzing with anticipation to see how Zakazane’s vision will materialize, potentially setting new benchmarks for immersive narratives in the genre. Stay tuned, as more updates on this thrilling venture are sure to follow!