Raw Power Games Unveils Historically Grounded Sandbox Chronicles: Medieval

Raw Power Games showcased a hands-off demo of Chronicles: Medieval at Gamescom 2026, introducing a hybrid action-strategy RPG. The title aims to merge high-fidelity historical simulation with the accessibility of a sandbox RPG, offering a detailed look at the complexities of medieval conflict.

Set during the Hundred Years' War, the game features a historically grounded version of Europe divided into 209 distinct regions. Developed by the Copenhagen-based Raw Power Games—a studio of approximately 100 employees—the gameplay centers on a duality of command. Players switch between a bird's-eye tactical view for unit placement and pre-programmed maneuvers and a third-person action mode for direct combat. To ensure authenticity, the studio employed historians and HEMA experts, including Björn Rüther, to refine weaponry, armor, and the placement of medieval settlements.

A Commitment to Authenticity

The project is designed for a niche of "history nerds," as described by Lead Producer Sam Millen. This commitment to realism extends to the core mechanics; Senior Game Designer Gareth Bourn noted that the team avoids anachronisms, stating that "silly things like using a lance on foot aren't possible." This rigor is intended to provide a more authentic experience than typical medieval fantasies, focusing on the actual constraints of the period's warfare and the physical limitations of the era's equipment.

Bridging Simulation and Action

By integrating detailed research—such as accurate coats of arms and feudal systems—into a "Mount and Blade-like" sandbox, Chronicles: Medieval attempts to bridge the gap between rigid simulations and action games. The goal is to create a stimulating strategy experience that appeals to both hardcore history buffs and RPG fans, allowing players to rise from rags to riches within a dynamic world where political and military decisions carry weight.

The Path Forward

While the Gamescom demo provided a glimpse of the game's scale and tactical depth, the studio continues to refine the balance between realism and gameplay. Observers will be watching to see how the transition between the tactical overhead view and direct combat feels in a live environment, and how the 209 regions are populated to maintain the promised historical grounding. As the project moves toward a playable build, the integration of these disparate systems will determine if the game can truly deliver on its promise of a living, breathing medieval Europe.