Saroasis Studios’ Fate Trigger Aims to Redefine the Anime Battle Royale Genre
A new battle royale game offering a unique twist – team-based survival competition featuring visually striking anime heroines – has been unveiled. Saroasis Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent, showcased , its upcoming title, “Fate Trigger: The Novita,” to Korean audiences, ahead of its participation in Steam Next Fest. The development team comprises over 600 shooting and animation experts, many with experience at leading game companies.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Fate Trigger centers around players controlling attractive anime heroines in a fight for survival. Players will form teams and compete, with each heroine possessing distinct skills, blending the tactical depth of a hero shooter with the large-scale conflict of a battle royale.
While core shooting skill remains crucial, the game introduces character-specific abilities capable of shifting the battlefield. These include area-of-effect attacks like a “flame rain” that scorches designated zones, and supportive skills like a “cyonic area” that revives downed teammates and restores health and shield energy. Successful team composition, leveraging synergistic skills, is therefore a key strategic element.
Beyond the standard shrinking safe zone “battle royale” mode, Fate Trigger will also feature a team-based objective mode called “Domination,” where squads cooperate to defend and attack key areas. The game incorporates a weapon chip enhancement system and customizable skill combinations, allowing players to craft unique tactical approaches.
The game distinguishes itself further with its setting: a series of “sky islands” offering significant verticality. Players can utilize features like warp gates, paragliders, hover vehicles, and updrafts for dynamic movement and surprise attacks, creating a more three-dimensional combat experience.
“We have high expectations introducing ‘Fate Trigger’ to the Korean game market, which has produced numerous esports legends,” stated Cage Chen, CEO of Saroasis Studios. “Tencent has been aggressively investing in the Korean market in recent years. ‘Fate Trigger’ represents a new challenge in the anime shooting genre, and the high standards of Korean gamers align perfectly with our development philosophy. We will strive to deliver a game that meets their expectations.”
Fate Trigger will participate in Steam Next Fest before launching into early access on PC and PlayStation 5 in the second or third quarter of 2025. The game will also be available on Xbox Series X|S and mobile platforms.
Addressing Key Concerns: Character Differentiation and Monetization
During a Q&A session, developers addressed concerns about the novelty of combining the subculture aesthetic with the shooting genre, acknowledging the lack of prior success with similar titles. They emphasized a significant investment in refining the game’s shooting mechanics, skill design, and map layout, aiming for a satisfying experience even for players accustomed to high-fidelity shooters.
The team also recognized the importance of character engagement beyond combat. They confirmed plans for in-game content – including character stories delivered through cutscenes and quests – to deepen player connection with the heroines. Regarding monetization, Saroasis Studios stated that new characters will be offered for free each season.
Platform Balance and Anti-Cheat Measures
Developers acknowledged player feedback from previous tests regarding gamepad advantages in cross-play, stating they are actively working to achieve a balanced experience across input methods. They are also prioritizing robust anti-cheat measures, collaborating with Tencent to implement advanced anti-hack solutions from the game’s inception.
The game features an auto-item pickup system designed to be beginner-friendly, but developers noted that skilled players can leverage this to gain an advantage, emphasizing the importance of strategic skill usage and map awareness. They also plan to continuously refine character balance based on player feedback.
Korean Market Focus and Esports Potential
Saroasis Studios highlighted the importance of the Korean market and plans for offline marketing initiatives. Regarding esports potential, the developers believe the game’s team-based gameplay and character skill combinations offer a unique and visually appealing spectacle. While acknowledging the challenges of broadcasting battle royale games, they believe Fate Trigger’s cooperative elements and anime aesthetic could differentiate it within the esports landscape.
The developers confirmed plans to explore a PC bang (Korean internet cafe) presence, recognizing its importance in the Korean gaming culture. They also reiterated their commitment to ongoing testing and balancing to ensure a fair and engaging experience for all players.
