Krafton, the South Korean video game developer, unveiled its new open-world action game, Project Windless, designed as a prequel to the acclaimed fantasy novel series, The Bird That Drinks Tears. The reveal comes amidst a busy period for game announcements, overshadowed by larger titles, but introduces a unique protagonist and a world steeped in Korean mythology.
Based on the four-book series by Lee Yeongdo, The Bird That Drinks Tears depicts a world inhabited by humans, the reptilian Nhaga, the Tokkebi, and the avian Rekon. Project Windless focuses on the Rekon, a bird-like race, and is set a thousand years before the events detailed in the novels. Krafton highlighted the Rekon’s physical attributes – speed, reach, and imposing stature – as ideal for the game’s “one-versus-many combat fantasy,” according to a PlayStation Blog post.
The game’s protagonist, a seven-foot-tall, musclebound bird warrior wielding dual swords, has yet to be named. The reveal trailer showcased the character engaging in large-scale battles, suggesting combat encounters involving dozens, and potentially hundreds, of enemies at once, reminiscent of titles like Dynasty Warriors.
Patrik Méthé, a veteran director known for his work on Ubisoft’s Far Cry series, is leading the development of Project Windless. Krafton has emphasized a design philosophy centered on player agency and exploration, aiming for an open world with “as little hand-holding as possible.” This approach intends to encourage players to “take risks, to forge alliances, to wage war, and ultimately to decide what kind of legend [they] want to become.”
Currently in development exclusively for PlayStation 5 and the forthcoming PlayStation 5 Pro, Project Windless has no confirmed release date. Krafton has not announced plans for availability on other platforms.
