Square Enix announces new role-playing game: ‘Project Prelude Rune’

Square Enix has both a new role-playing game and a new studio making it. The company announced both today.

"Project Prelude Rune" is the working title of the RPG, and Tokyo-based Studio Istolia is developing it. Hideo Baba, the former producer with Bandai Namco’s popular Tales series — last month’s Tales of Berseria is the series 16th main entry — is president of the studio.

"The project aims to build a new RPG with a new fantasy: unfolding across a vast land teeming with life," Square Enix said in a statement. "Nurtured by the earth, the many peoples of this land dare to dream, fighting for what is just — and this is their tale."

As for the studio's namesake, it's a stylized derivation of the Greek word for "story."

"The aim of the studio is to provide unforgettable stories that will inspire players in their own lives, and bring new game experiences to everyone around the world." Square Enix said.

No platforms or launch window were given for this new project. Square Enix included the following concept art with its announcement.

Studio Istolia/Square Enix

Studio Istolia/Square Enix