Otherside Entertainment has announced a significant change in the core concept for its upcoming ambitious stealth-action title, “Thick As Thieves.” The game, helmed by renowned game designer Warren Spector – known for his work on the Deus Ex and Thief series – will now prioritize single-player and cooperative gameplay.
Initially, “Thick As Thieves” was positioned as an asymmetrical immersive simulator incorporating PvPvE elements, where players would compete against each other while simultaneously interacting with the game world. However, as development progressed, the team decided to pivot from this idea, choosing instead to focus entirely on solo and two-player cooperative experiences.
“Thick As Thieves” was first unveiled at The Game Awards 2024. The game’s setting is an alternate 1910s Scottish city called Kilkearn, a place where magic and technology coexist. The original vision involved players undertaking elaborate heists, exploring the city, gathering clues, observing NPC behavior, and utilizing various abilities to bypass security – all while competing with rival players also acting as thieves with similar objectives.
Developers have now opted for a complete overhaul of this approach. In an official statement shared on Steam, the team explained that they found greater enjoyment and potential in the single-player and cooperative modes during the development process. As a result, the game will now be designed primarily for either solo play or a two-person co-op experience.
According to the developers, this new direction will allow them to “double down” on creating dynamic stealth gameplay. They report that these changes have already positively impacted the gameplay, making each in-game situation more engaging and rich, whether playing alone or collaboratively with a partner.
It has not been specified whether this conceptual shift will influence the game’s anticipated release schedule.