Near Studios has recently announced Hawthorn, a sandbox life simulation game that blends elements of Skyrim and Stardew Valley. This debut title from the US-based developers promises a cozy experience mixed with exploration, making it an appealing choice for fans of both genres. Co-founded by former Bethesda employees Heather Cerlan and Jason Richardson, the studio draws from the expertise of developers who have worked at major companies like BioWare and Naughty Dog.
The official announcement came with a short trailer and Steam page, showcasing activities like farming, fishing, crafting, and exploring the fairytale village inhabited by anthropomorphic NPCs. Hawthorn allows solo and co-op gameplay, where players control woodland creatures through four distinct seasons while building a thriving community. Bruce Nesmith, former Skyrim lead designer, has described the game as an "intimate Skyrim sandbox meets Stardew Valley village simulation," emphasizing both its expansive world and peaceful village life.
While Hawthorn targets fans of cozy farming sims, it also offers appeal to exploration and survival enthusiasts with its dynamic world and random events. Players can approach conflicts either peacefully or aggressively, adding depth to the experience. Though it has no release date yet, Hawthorn is part of a broader trend of combining fantasy with life simulation, seen in other upcoming titles like Mirthwood and Fields of Mistria.