Near Studios Unveils ‘Hawthorn’, a Cozy Sandbox Life Simulator

Near Studios has introduced their inaugural gaming project, Hawthorn, a title described as incorporating elements reminiscent of both Skyrim and Stardew Valley. This new sandbox life simulation game aims to attract gamers seeking a mix of cozy experiences with exploration features, leveraging the substantial fan bases of its inspirations.

Hawthorn represents Near Studios’ first venture into the gaming world. This newly-formed company is based in the United States and consists of experienced developers from major industry players such as BioWare, Bethesda, and Naughty Dog. The studio was co-founded by Heather Cerlan and Jason Richardson, both previously affiliated with Bethesda, among other firms. These developers are keen to apply their extensive expertise to craft a cozy sandbox experience.

The announcement of Hawthorn included the release of a short trailer showcasing activities and exploration within the game. Designed for both solo and cooperative play, Hawthorn enables players to control a small woodland creature character within a village populated by anthropomorphic NPCs, while focusing on building a community. Gamers will be able to explore the surroundings across four distinct seasons, customize their characters, and partake in activities such as foraging, farming, fishing, crafting, and constructing a fairytale village. Bruce Nesmith, who previously served as lead designer for Skyrim, is involved in the project and describes Hawthorn as “an intimate Skyrim sandbox meets a Stardew Valley village simulation.”

This development marks an entry into the increasingly popular trend of blending farming simulations with fantasy elements. Other games in this genre, such as Mirthwood, also combine life simulation with RPG components, allowing players to explore and build communities in fantastical settings.

Hawthorn allows players to engage with a dynamic world featuring randomized events and offers multiple approaches to conflict resolution, ranging from peaceful to aggressive strategies. Despite the game’s promising features, a release date has not yet been announced, leaving gamers eagerly anticipating its availability.

Heather Cerlan, CEO and creative director of Near Studios, alongside co-founder and game director Jason Richardson, leads the studio. Both bring substantial industry experience, having worked on projects at renowned companies such as BioWare and Bethesda. The game development team also includes Bruce Nesmith, who contributes his expertise in sandbox systems to Hawthorn, enriching its development.

Jason Richardson expressed that “in Hawthorn, everything—from crafting to adventuring—is centered around a living village of NPCs and your co-op friends. We want to evoke the nostalgic joy and wonder of shared adventures, much like the timeless stories and simple pleasures that connect us across generations.”