New Arc Line piqued the interest of quite a few players when it first popped up online. This new RPG comes from Dreamate as it puts players in a fantasy world that is hit with a new fatal magical disease that turns players’ bodies into iron. As we learned this past week, the storyline actually stems from inspirations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recently spoke with Natalia Dobrovolskyi, the project manager, concept artist, and producer at Dreamate Games. During our conversation, Natalia shed a little more light on this game.
Gameranx: Am I correct in that this is Dreamate’s debut title?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: Well, yes, it started as our small project, something we built as a team of enthusiasts. Gradually, it evolved into a complete game, and our future team was formed around this project.
New Arc Line is more than just a job for us. We have a lot of experience in game development and we wanted to create a game that we would play ourselves until dawn. Gradually, we grew into an entire studio. Like a Dream Mate for each other… you know what I mean!
Gameranx: Where did some of the inspiration come from that led to the development of the New Arc Line?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: We are creating a game we love and are confident it will appeal to all our like-minded players — those who appreciate games like Arcanum and similar classic masterpieces.
Our story was heavily influenced by games like Death Stranding, Disco Elysium, and Planescape: Torment. These projects showed us how fascinating it can be to work with a story. How can a narrative have incredible depth and philosophy, and how easily can you talk about things that touch the very essence of existence? They demonstrated that even the most complex ideas can be presented accessibly and engagingly, creating a world that leaves a mark on the heart. We didn’t have a ready-made script or book to adapt simply. It was a long process—sometimes challenging but fascinating. Even our coffee machine seems to have become part of the team…
We strive to create more than just another game storyline. This is should be a story that presents the player with choices capable of altering their fate. It’s a journey where every step is a struggle for survival, and every decision opens a new path. We want every player to feel part of an epic story where their actions impact the world’s development. So, this project is for people who seek a deep narrative, a magical world, and true adventures.
Gameranx: In this game, we play a customized character who escapes a harsh land for a new life and, more importantly, a cure for a fatal disease. What can you tell me about this plague and story?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: When we were working on the plot—it was during the COVID pandemic. And we started thinking: how could this story be interpreted in the world of mages? What would a magical plague look like? Not just the disease itself but its consequences. What could be the root cause of this phenomenon? What would reflect the themes we’re embedding in our project?
We also looked at social behavior during the pandemic and began searching for ways to implement this in the game. Based on our observations, we were able to deepen one of the central elements of the game—the Iron Plague.
It’s a deadly disease that resulted from magitech wars. It turns people’s bodies into iron, and there is no cure. The plague threatens lives and exacerbates social inequality in the game world. The wealthy, supposedly, can buy temporary relief with dragon’s blood, while the poor are left without help.
Gameranx: When creating a customized character, can players tweak attributes to cater to specific playstyles, or are some attributes locked behind specific races?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: Regarding character creation, we tried to maintain balance. We didn’t want the player to spend the first two hours of the game in the character editor, trying to figure out what they need to upgrade, only to end up playing the archetype they’re used to and love. Then, after another two hours of gameplay, they start over, creating a new character based on the experience gained once they have a better understanding of the mechanics.
At the same time, we wanted to offer deep enough customization to allow the character to reflect the player’s style. We’ll soon see how well we succeeded!
The main thing is to determine your path — whether you will play as a master of technology or a powerful mage.
Gameranx: Are we just playing as our customized character, or will we eventually have access to multiple characters in a party?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: The main character won’t walk their path alone. Other characters will gradually join you.
We tried to create the feeling that the player is accompanied by a small society with its own views and beliefs. The approach is quite classic but with attention to issues relevant to us. We aimed to create companions with stories you haven’t encountered before. The player should feel that society fully reacts to their actions, either supporting or condemning them.
We also tried to reflect on some modern issues affecting our society and allow the player to ponder these themes.
Each party member has their own personality, story, goals, and motivations. Additionally, your team members possess unique skills that can be used in combat and interacting with the world. Their help may prove crucial in difficult situations.
Gameranx: Will choices play a role in the storyline? If so, does that mean we are looking at multiple endings, or should players expect to reach the same destination?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: The world’s development is shaped by your decisions, and each step on this path is filled with challenges.
The game has several endings. We didn’t aim to create too many of them, but we ensured each one was climactic. The ending should logically feel like the peak of the player’s actions, leaving them morally satisfied.
Even if there’s some bitterness at the end (if circumstances turn out that way), it should still bring a sense of a fitting conclusion to the story, just as it should be.
Gameranx: Can you update us on where you’re at in the development process?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: Soon… sorry, I can’t tell you more at the moment, but we are publishing more and more dev diaries about the game world on our official game page on Steam.
Gameranx: Lastly, can you confirm the platforms on which New Arc Line is set to release?
Natalia Dobrovolskyi: New Arc Line is currently in active development, and we can’t wait for you to see the first fruits of our labor. The game is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, we will be informing everyone about the release schedule soon. Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!
Again, players interested in New Arc Line will have to keep a look out for its release. Currently, the upcoming title will be available for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
