At its core, Dead in Vinland is a management game, but thanks to an engrossing Nordic narrative, survival elements and a turn-based combat system, this indie game manages to carve out a unique and interesting niche. Developed by CCP, this survival management game places players in a rich Nordic landscape and tasks them with surviving on unknown shores. Game play segments are split into three phases, two of which can be spent on various activities, with the last being for relaxation, nourishment and sharing stories around the fire. Some of the activities that must be accomplished to survive in Dead in Vinland include delegating activities, exploring the island, gathering resources and developing new activities.
The key to survival will be the management of all these tasks and each character in the game is best suited towards specific tasks. While players will only begin with a small encampment, they will eventually be joined by other ragged survivors. These characters are fully fleshed out within the story and world of Dead in Vinland and their existence and traits make it hard to ever abandon them.
Nordic-Inspired Survival Games
Dead in Vinland Builds an Impressive World With Engaging Characters
Trend Themes
1. Nordic-inspired Survival Games - There is an opportunity for game developers to create more survival games with rich Nordic narratives and turn-based combat systems.
2. Management Games with Engaging Characters - Building fully fleshed out characters within the story and world of management games can lead to a more immersive gaming experience.
3. Resource Gathering and Delegation Mechanics - Incorporating resource gathering and delegation mechanics into survival and management games can add an additional layer of strategic gameplay that players will enjoy.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - Game developers should take note of the niche that Nordic-inspired survival games fill and consider creating their own unique game with similar gameplay elements.
2. Entertainment Industry - Nordic-inspired entertainment, such as films and television shows, could capitalize on the popularity of the Viking aesthetic by focusing on survival storytelling with interesting and developed characters.
3. Outdoor Recreation Industry - Bringing the Nordic survival experience to the real world through outdoor recreation activities such as camping and survival workshops could be a unique and exciting experience for adventure-seeking customers.