Atlanta-based studio partners with Crytek, AMD to build triple-A RPG Lichdom

Atlanta-based developer Xaviant is working on a new role-playing game called Lichdom that it will release next summer.

Lichdom is a first-person action-RPG. Xaviant is using Crytek’s CryEngine to power the title’s visuals. The studio is also partnering with AMD to squeeze the most out of that hardware manufacturer’s graphics cards.

“We’ve been working on this title for a few years now, and have shown portions of the gameplay to different parties along the way,” Xaviant chief executive Michael McMain. “We really appreciate both AMD and Crytek working with us to showcase it, and can’t wait to finally unleash it on the world next year. We believe RPG and Adventure game fans everywhere will really lose themselves in the action, the incredible story and the world we’ve created.”

Lichdom takes place in a fantasy world where cruel tyrants rule over people. Characters take up the role of the Dragon, a powerful magic user that can fight against the world’s dark magics and evil despots.

“Our mantra is ‘You will feel everything,’ which means that our approach to designing games is focused on immersing the player completely in the game,” McMain said. “When gamers play our games, we want them to forget about things like controllers and keyboards. With Lichdom, we’ve achieved just that.”

Xaviant just showed off the game at AMD’s GPU ’14 Tech Day event. With its goal to immerse the player in the world of Lichdom, the studio’s going for realistic visuals. By working closely with AMD through its Gaming Evolved program, Xaviant hopes to accomplish top-quality graphics.

“The AMD Gaming Evolved program is committed to collaborating with top game developers and their spectacular games,” AMD director of developer relations Ritche Corpus said. “Lichdom by Xaviant is another fine example of that caliber. With DirectX 11 graphics optimized for the GCN Architecture, along with technology like AMD Eyefinity, Lichdom will be a definitive experience for AMD Radeon™ customers.”

Xaviant is also licensing the CryEngine development kit from Crytek and working closely with the Crysis developer.

“The Xaviant team is highlighting the incredible versatility of CryEngine by crafting a unique role-playing combat experience,” Crytek managing director Avni Yerli said. “We are always thrilled when licensees report that our technology allows them to break new ground in terms of game design as well as graphics, and Lichdom is a stunning example in both regards.”