New Studio Liquid Swords Teases Gritty Open-World Game

Liquid Swords, the newly established game development studio founded by former Just Cause director Christofer Sundberg, has unveiled a brief teaser for its first game, currently referred to as Game 1. The nine-second clip showcases a desolate cityscape characterized by its industrial decay, resembling an abandoned parking lot at night. Sparse traffic can be seen, with a few cars moving swiftly along the empty streets, while muted light flickers on the surface of a nearby river.

In a tweet, Sundberg described the game as one that will evoke the themes of both Mad Max and Max Payne. He noted that while many developers focus on fantasy and sci-fi genres, Liquid Swords aims to create a world grounded in gritty realism. “It’s just not for us,” he stated, setting the tone for what players can expect from the studio’s debut project.

Founded in 2020 and based in Stockholm, Liquid Swords has set an ambitious goal to recruit a team of 100 employees by early 2024. This number is described as optimal for the studio’s vision of “zero-nonsense game development.” Despite its aspirations, the studio faced challenges when it announced in February 2025 that it would have to reduce its workforce, a decision Sundberg characterized as “deeply regrettable.” This occurred before the game had officially been revealed, which Liquid Swords describes as a “narrative-driven, open-world, hardboiled AAA revenge story” built using Unreal Engine 5.

As the studio progresses in its development, it distinguishes itself with a commitment to a healthy work culture, explicitly stating on its website that there will be “no crunch”—a term used in the gaming industry to describe intense periods of overwork. The studio’s mission statement emphasizes accountability, hard work, and humanity, reflecting values that Sundberg believes players will appreciate.

In addition to its focus on game development, Liquid Swords has incorporated a unique cultural element, featuring a display of Air Jordans in its meeting room, symbolizing a blend of creativity and casual flair within the work environment. As anticipation builds for the studio’s first title, it is clear that Liquid Swords is shaping its identity around a commitment to innovation and realism in gaming.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits more information, this teaser marks a significant step forward for Liquid Swords, which aims to carve out a niche in the competitive gaming landscape. With a unique narrative focus and a dedication to fostering a positive workplace, Sundberg’s vision for the studio is set to challenge the norms of game development.