Games are getting bigger, development teams are getting smaller. This new open-world RPG/RTS hybrid, Northern Shadow, is being developed by two people. That’s right, I said two. Now go read the details below, you’ll want to know about this game if you like RPGs.

The basic premise of the game is that you can create and manage a village in an RTS style but you can also then play the game in first person and set off on your own adventures. So you can be the king of a town but then become an adventurous one who loves to explore. The team behind the game gave a brief introduction to the game on Reddit.

The game will have very strong RPG elements and will pretty much play like one but with RTS elements and city management. You can set food rations, defence status, troop related items, patrolling paths around your town and you can do all of this away from your homestead via a steward. So while you’re out exploring, you can leave orders for your steward exactly how to manage the town.

The RPG elements come into play via skills which you can upgrade the more you use a weapon, potion etc. The RTS elements focus on keeping a tight-knit defence on your land and battles won’t be on an epic scale like Mount and Blade, but rather opting for more strategic gameplay. You can only ever control your own character in the game so switching between units isn’t an option.

The team believes that Early Access will give them the chance to tinker with mechanics and see what works best. The lack of voice-acting, multiplayer or co-op has allowed the team to build their project very quickly and with a very stable base in the hopes to deliver an excellent product. If the trailer is any indication, it looks like they’ll certainly deliver.

Here’s the official details straight from the Northern Shadow from the Steam Greenlight page.

Features Your kingdom, your people

Build and improve your own city. Communicate with other kingdoms, negotiate trade agreements and build alliances. Defend your city and your lands. Classic RPG systems

In combat, depend on your own skills, rather than statistics on your character sheet. Use spells or weapons, you can play the game your way. Craft weapons for your use, or for your troops. Living World

Living economy allows you to see the ripples of your own actions all around the world. Your steward will take care of your city while you are gone. Explore

Discover worlds both above, and beneath the earth. Find precious mineral veins and other treasures.

We hope to have even more coverage for Northern Shadow for you soon so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support the game on Steam Greenlight and be sure to check out their website.