Australian production house turned indie game developer We Made A Thing Studios is stepping into game development with Box Knight, its first playable title. The roguelike action RPG will launch on PC via Steam on August 25, just ahead of Gamescom.
Box Knight combines side-scrolling beat ’em up combat with roguelike progression, cardboard weapons, and a deliberately silly take on the corporate workplace. Players take on the role of the titular Box Knight as they battle their former coworkers, who have been transformed into grotesque monsters by a toxic office environment.
The game is designed around fast-paced combat, with players needing to learn enemy patterns and choose the right attacks to survive each run. Different enemies have their own weaknesses, meaning simply charging into battle is not always the best strategy.
Between levels, players can improve their character with new weapons, abilities, and upgrades. Performing well during a run can open up additional upgrade options, allowing players to shape their build as they progress.
Death also feeds into the game’s longer-term progression. Resources earned during runs can be used to unlock permanent upgrades, new weapons, and stat boosts, gradually making the Box Knight more powerful with each attempt.
While the demo focuses on a solo experience, the full release will also feature local couch co-op, allowing two players to take on the corrupted workplace together.
Box Knight also features a comic-book-inspired visual style filled with exaggerated enemies, office environments, cardboard equipment, and over-the-top executions. Players will be able to customize their corporate crusader with different helmets, uniforms, weapons, and other cosmetic options.