The British indie studio Concrete Realm is currently developing ENDS, a game set in an open-world version of modern London. Recently, the developers released a new dev diary featuring pre-alpha gameplay footage, showcasing new characters, additional items, and improvements to the game world and atmosphere. Rather than a traditional trailer, the video offers viewers a glimpse into the current state of the project, which is being created by a team of twelve. The game's release date has not yet been announced.

Features of ENDS

ENDS invites players to explore an open world that authentically recreates contemporary London, delving into themes such as gang activity, drug-related crime, and violence. While the game is often compared to the GTA series, the developers emphasize that the similarities are limited to the basic structure. Unlike other games in the genre, ENDS focuses on the consequences of crime rather than its entertainment value. The project is positioned as a story about the residents of London's disadvantaged neighborhoods, aiming for maximum authenticity in depicting social issues. In ENDS, crime is portrayed as a dead-end path.

Realism and Atmosphere

ENDS places a strong emphasis on the realism of its game world. The game features accurate road signs, typical vehicles, architecture, and the famously unpredictable London weather, all designed to make the British capital feel as authentic as possible. To capture the city's atmosphere and culture, Concrete Realm collaborates with local musicians and a renowned graffiti artist. The game's storyline is already fully planned and includes a prologue, three acts, and an epilogue.

Audience Reaction

Comments under the latest video are largely positive. Many users praise the achievements of the small team and consider ENDS one of the most promising indie projects in the coming years. Some feedback points out areas for improvement, such as underdeveloped AI, weak stealth mechanics, and unnatural hand-to-hand combat animations. However, given the early stage of development, these aspects are generally seen as expected areas for refinement rather than serious issues.

Comparisons to GTA continue to appear in discussions, but the developers stress that ENDS is intended to be a more realistic project.