Pithead: Former "Gothic" developers present new project
Björn and Jennifer Pankratz, formerly of Piranha Bytes, are developing a dungeon crawler as Pithead Studio. Now there is a first trailer for "Cralon".
(Image: Pithead Studios)
A dungeon crawler with “Gothic” DNA: Former Piranha Bytes developers Jennifer and Björn Pankratz have presented their first project after the closure of the cult studio in Essen. As Pithead Studios, they are now working on a new title called “Cralon”, which they describe as a “3D dungeon crawler with RPG and adventure elements”.
“Cralon” is also the name of the main character, Pithead writes on the game's Steam page. While hunting demons, he falls into an old mine shaft (hello Ruhrpott) and finds himself in a “labyrinth of corridors and secrets”. A published gameplay trailer shows that “Cralon” is played from a first-person perspective.
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Dubbed dialog and mine horror
In addition to puzzles and crafting, the gameplay elements also include melee and ranged combat. During the game, however, you will also encounter friendly creatures and dialog is fully voiced. Pithead promises a creepy atmosphere and a profound main story with side quests and twists. You also have to watch out for traps as you traverse the underground shafts. It is not yet known exactly how the promised RPG elements will manifest themselves.
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It is also unclear when “Cralon” will be released and how much the title will cost. A Steam page has already been activated. Pithead has not yet revealed whether “Cralon” will be released on consoles apart from the PC. Jennifer and Björn Pankratz left their former studio Piranha Bytes back in November 2023. Last July, the two finally founded their studio called Pithead in Bochum.
Piranha Bytes is best known for its “Gothic” games, which Björn Pankratz played a leading role in developing. Jennifer Pankratz joined the studio later and helped develop games such as “Risen” and “Elex”.
(dahe)
