Forget Procedural Generation: Shadowglass Brings Back Handcrafted Stealth
Project Shadowglass is currently a standout project for fans of old-school stealth. While many modern developers lean on procedural generation, Starhelm Studios is doubling down on handcrafted environments. This immersive sim prioritizes logic and player agency over scripted cinematic moments.
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How Shadowglass Redefines the Retro Immersive Sim
The game serves as a spiritual successor to legends like Thief and Deus Ex. Unlike typical pixel art games, this title uses a custom 3D engine that allows for dynamic lighting and complex shadow mechanics. This isn’t just a visual choice; the lighting directly affects how you hide from guards.
Dominick John, the project lead, explicitly stated that no AI-generated assets are used in the game. Every texture and model is built by human artists. This commitment ensures that the world feels intentional and cohesive, rather than generic or repetitive.
Shadowglass Mechanics: The Gameplay Loop
Survival in Shadowglass requires careful planning before you ever draw a weapon. You start each day in a small apartment, using your earned gold to upgrade your secret workshop. Information is your most valuable resource, and you’ll need to scout targets before making a move.
Once night falls, the game shifts into a high-stakes stealth experience. You aren’t a combat specialist; you are a fragile thief who can be taken down in seconds. This creates a genuine sense of tension that many modern “action-stealth” games lack.
The developer recently confirmed a commitment to bringing this experience to Xbox. While PC remains the primary platform, console players can expect a version optimized for their hardware. This logic-first approach to design makes it a smart pick for fans of deep systems.
I’m definitely set on getting this on as many consoles as possible!
— Dominick John (@dominickjohn) January 9, 2026
In Conclusion: What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
Development is currently in the early stages, focusing on the core physics and light-detection systems. The team is avoiding a rushed release to ensure the complex immersive sim elements work perfectly..
A playable alpha mission is locked in for 2026, giving players their first taste of the shadow mechanics. If everything stays on track, Steam Early Access will follow in 2027. This timeline allows the studio to polish the experience based on community feedback.
Would you prefer a handcrafted world over the infinite scale of procedural generation?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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