Developer Magic Design Studios has officially announced its Steam Early Access release plans for the stunning 2D roguelite Have A Nice Death. Initially shown off during The Game Awards 2021, Have A Nice Death comes from the development crew behind 2019's Unruly Heroes, a Journey to the West-inspired 2D adventure packed with charm. Dead Cells creator Sébastien Bénard is consulting on the project, which could explain the Dead Cells-esque flair present in some of the action.
Have A Nice Death seems to be carving a path all its own, though. As shown in the announcement trailer, Magic Design Studios' latest 2D project will place players in the role of Death. This version of Grim Reaper focuses on a different aspect of the character in that Death feels overworked and underappreciated, thanks in large part to his employees not doing their jobs. This level of incompetence causes an imbalance in the underworld, forcing Death to wield his scythe and restore order by any means necessary.
Those looking forward to the 2D action roguelite will be pleased to learn that Magic Design Studios has set a firm date for Have A Nice Death's Early Access period. The title enters Steam Early Access on Tuesday, March 8, according to reporting from Game Informer. Apparently, the development team plans to host the Early Access phase for at least a year, meaning Have A Nice Death won't launch in full until 2023, though a specific date presently remains unknown to the public. For a refresher on all the hack 'n slash game has on offer, check out the previously released announcement trailer in the video below:
Have A Nice Death serves as the latest in a long line of games to take advantage of the roguelite resurgence in recent years. The likes of Dead Cells and Hades have especially moved the needle in terms of the genre's popularity; the former moved 3.5 million units within two years of its release, for example. Suffice it to say, Have A Nice Death could be well on its way to simiarly taking the world by storm.
Founded in Montpellier, France in 2015, developer Magic Design Studios specializes in CG animation and games. The art style of Have A Nice Death alone shows the team's dedication to its craft, never mind the crisp animation and eye-popping visuals. Steam players are in for a treat come March.
Have A Nice Death enters Steam Early Access on March 8, with a full release slated for sometime in 2023.
Source: Game Informer