Krafton Unveils ‘Project Windless’ Trailer Based on ‘The Bird That Drinks Tears’ IP

KRAFTON Montreal Studio has pulled back the curtain on “Project Windless,” a new open-world action RPG set within the rich fantasy universe of Lee Young-do’s acclaimed Korean novel series, “The Bird That Drinks Tears.” The reveal, which included a cinematic trailer and details about the game’s development, came during Sony PlayStation’s State of Play presentation on February 13, 2026.

The trailer offered a glimpse into a visually stunning world, showcasing sweeping landscapes and dynamic combat sequences. Set approximately 1,500 years before the events of the original novels, “Project Windless” aims to both honor the source material and carve its own path, offering a fresh entry point for newcomers while appealing to longtime fans. KRAFTON is positioning the game as a standalone experience, expanding the lore rather than directly adapting the existing stories.

Central to the narrative is the “Young Hero King,” a mythical figure belonging to the Rekon race – one of four intelligent species inhabiting the game’s world. The Rekon are described as possessing immense power and avian characteristics. The trailer depicts the Young Hero King wielding two steel swords, issuing a battle cry, and dominating the battlefield. The world itself is presented as a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, populated by fantastical creatures like the “Sky Leviathan,” a massive airborne being.

Patrick Methe, head of KRAFTON Montréal Studio, described the reveal as a significant moment, stating, “It’s a meaningful moment to finally unveil the fantastical world that has only existed in the sentences of the novel.” He further emphasized the studio’s commitment to balancing fidelity to the source material with the demands of creating a compelling gaming experience, aiming for “the optimal balance between the depth that fans of the IP have come to expect and the fun of experiencing it as a game.”

Development of “Project Windless” is a collaborative effort, led by KRAFTON Montréal Studio with support from the KRAFTON team in Pangyo, Korea. This partnership is intended to combine North American AAA game development expertise with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and narrative depth of the original novels. The game is being built using Unreal Engine 5, and boasts a non-linear structure where player choices will influence alliances and the overall conflict unfolding across the continent.

A key technical feature highlighted by KRAFTON is the implementation of Mass Technology, enabling the depiction of massive-scale battles involving thousands of soldiers and colossal creatures in real-time. Players will be able to rally forces and directly impact the course of war. The game is slated for release on both console and PC platforms, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced.

“The Bird That Drinks Tears” holds a significant place in Korean fantasy literature, and KRAFTON’s decision to adapt it into a large-scale open-world RPG represents a notable investment in expanding the reach of Korean intellectual property on the global stage. The game’s success will likely hinge on its ability to capture the unique atmosphere and complex world-building of the novels while delivering a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience. The studio is clearly aiming to create a premium, player-driven experience that allows for significant agency and exploration within a vast and detailed world.

The choice to set the game 1,500 years before the events of the novels allows KRAFTON to establish its own identity within the universe, rather than being constrained by a direct adaptation. This approach also provides creative freedom to introduce new characters, storylines, and interpretations of the established lore. The four races – Humans, Rekon, Nhaga, and Tokkebi – each possess distinct cultures, conflicts, and worldviews, promising a diverse and politically complex game world.

While details remain limited, the initial trailer and accompanying statements suggest that “Project Windless” is an ambitious undertaking with the potential to appeal to both fans of the source material and players seeking a new and immersive open-world RPG experience. The game’s development and eventual release will be closely watched by industry observers as a potential benchmark for adapting complex fantasy literature into interactive entertainment.