Wizards of the Coast and Archetype Entertainment took to the stage at The Game Awards to debut a significant new look at their upcoming sci-fi roleplaying game, EXODUS.
The trailer offers a deeper dive into the narrative stakes, introduces the protagonist, Jun Aslan, and, perhaps most crucially for those tracking the project’s development, confirms an early 2027 release window. While the pedigree of the studio, staffed by veterans of BioWare, Naughty Dog, and 343 Industries, has generated considerable hype, gamers will need to exercise patience before they can embark on this particular journey.
The new footage focuses on Jun Aslan, a character who rises from humble beginnings as a scavenger to shoulder the burden of a dying world. Jun is revealed to be the heir to a “Traveler” dynasty, possessing a genetic heritage that grants extraordinary abilities. In the trailer, we see Jun tasked with wielding “Celestial tech” to find a cure for their home, a mission described by one character as simply “terrifying”.
You can watch the full trailer below:
Archetype Entertainment is leaning heavily into player agency, a hallmark of the developers’ previous work on franchises like Mass Effect. The press announcement highlights that players will shape Jun’s destiny through “moral choices and conflicting agendas that echo across generations.” This phrasing alludes to the game’s core differentiator: Time Dilation. As players travel at lightspeed, time moves differently for them than for the people they leave behind, meaning choices made in the moment may have consequences that play out over decades or centuries for the rest of the galaxy.
In terms of moment-to-moment gameplay, EXODUS promises a degree of freedom often sought but rarely perfected in action RPGs. Players can approach challenges through stealth or open combat, with both paths designed to be viable and rewarding. The classic RPG staples are present: unlocking weapons, upgrading abilities, and forming bonds with a crew of companions.
“We are the defenders of Leiden’s future,” a companion states in the trailer, reinforcing the team-based dynamic. These companions are described as integral to the experience, bringing their own motivations and secrets to the narrative.
The trailer also provided another look at C.C. Orlev, the enigmatic guide portrayed by Matthew McConaughey. Orlev appears to be a mentor figure, guiding Jun through crucial moments with a mix of gravitas and dry wit—closing the trailer with the quip, “Damn kid, no pressure there.” This marks McConaughey’s first-ever role in a video game.
Chad Robertson, VP of Game Development at Archetype Entertainment, said in a statement, “EXODUS is a story about humanity’s resilience and the heroism that can emerge in our darkest hours. Jun’s journey of discovery will shape entire worlds both now and for generations to come.”
John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, added, “EXODUS transports us through time and space to a future where technology is so advanced that humankind has reshaped itself to harness godlike powers. Archetype is crafting an epic tale set in a faraway galaxy where your choices impact worlds.”
While 2027 is a long wait, tabletop gamers looking to scratch that sci-fi itch in the meantime might find solace in the vast library of space opera RPGs available on Green Man Gaming.
