At the Gamescom 2025 fair, a title was presented that immediately caught the attention of the gaming community and critics: 1348: Ex Voto, a brutal knightly adventure set in war-torn, plague-ridden, and religiously fanatical 14th century Italy. This is the debut of the new Italian studio Sedleo, in collaboration with the renowned French publisher Dear Villagers.
Heroine in the Age of Darkness: The Story of Aeta
Players take on the role of Aeta, a young knightess who embarks on a personal, spiritual, and physically demanding journey through the heart of Italy after an attack by bandits. Aeta's goal is not only to survive but to find her missing friend Bianca and confront her own calling for honor and redemption. Aeta is voiced by Alby Baldwin, while Bianca is portrayed by Jennifer English.
The campaign promises a deeply personal narrative thread intertwining themes of honor, faith, and inner struggle. As the game's director, Tom Oceano, states, "this title speaks of honor, justice, and sacrifice in times when those words have almost lost their meaning."
Exploration and Combat: The Heart of Gameplay
1348: Ex Voto offers not only an atmospheric narrative but also a highly demanding combat system. The combat is designed in collaboration with historical consultants and is based on the principles of historical European martial arts (HEMA). Each encounter requires a tactical approach, precise timing, and understanding of the opponent.
In addition to combat, exploring the rural landscape of Italy in the year 1348 plays a crucial role. Each village, sanctuary, and ruin brings new clues, choices, and threats. An exceptional emphasis is placed on the authentic visual presentation of the landscape, costuming, and architecture of the era.
Historical Authenticity and Narrative Realism
The context of the Black Death, fragmented Italy, and religious extremism is used not as a backdrop but as an active driver of the narrative. The characters Aeta encounters reflect the moral dilemmas of the time, and many decisions in the game have consequences that affect the development of relationships and the outcome.
Instead of romanticizing the Middle Ages, the authors opted for an approach that showcases the brutality and complexity of that period. The game is not easy either thematically or mechanically, but that is precisely why it leaves a strong impression.
Production and Release
1348: Ex Voto is being developed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a release planned for early 2026. Sedleo, as a new studio, consists of only 15 people, but their pedigree comes from mature indie and AA projects, which is clearly reflected in the level of presentation.
The publisher Dear Villagers, known for titles such as Edge of Eternity and ScourgeBringer, provides marketing and production support, but the authorship remains in the hands of Sedleo. More information is available on the official game website: 1348exvoto.com.
1348: Ex Voto will not be for everyone. It is a dark, stylized, and emotionally charged action-adventure that demands both time and engagement. However, for those seeking a significant story, deep combat mechanics, and historical authenticity, this could be one of the most impressive games of 2026. See for yourself in the trailer.
