Medieval Tactical RPG Band of Crusaders Announces Partnership with NCSoft

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Warsaw-based studio Virtual Alchemy has secured a publishing partnership with NCSoft for the upcoming game Band of Crusaders. The South Korean gaming giant, known for franchises such as Guild Wars and Lineage, will handle global distribution ahead of the game’s launch on Steam at the end of 2025. The studio was founded in 2022 by industry veterans Dominik Sypnicki and Kamil Mickiewicz.

Band of Crusaders is a dark tactical RPG set in an alternate medieval Europe overrun by demonic forces. As the Grand Master of a knightly order, you will lead your warriors in strategic battles against a hellish invasion. The game combines real-time combat with detailed party management, creating a rich sandbox experience inspired by authentic historical and biblical motifs.

For Virtual Alchemy, this partnership with NCSoft represents a major breakthrough. As a small indie studio, they gain access to the global infrastructure of a publisher employing over 5,000 people with decades of experience in publishing and live-service models. The same vision was shared by NCSoft director Byungmoo Park at the end of 2024, stating: “We are committed to diversifying our portfolio with innovative IPs while delivering top-tier experiences to players around the world.”

Band of Crusaders offers a rich combination of strategy and atmosphere. The tactical real-time combat allows pausing the action to issue slow-motion commands. You will lead a group of up to 20 crusaders, each customizable to your playstyle, through a dynamic world where seasons, day and night cycles, and the growing influence of demonic forces shape your journey. Every decision carries weight, the loss of a warrior is permanent, and managing resources in the camp becomes crucial for survival between battles.