Frostpunk

Frostpunk is a city-building survival game developed and published by 11 bit studios, a Polish video game company based in Warsaw. Founded in 2010 by former CD Projekt and Metropolis Software developers, 11 bit studios is known for creating emotionally resonant games that explore complex themes. Their portfolio includes titles like This War of Mine and Frostpunk, both of which have garnered critical acclaim for their narrative depth and moral complexity.

Released on April 24, 2018, Frostpunk debuted on PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The game was later ported to consoles, launching on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 19, 2019. In the game, players assume the role of the leader of New London, the last city on Earth, tasked with managing resources and making difficult decisions to ensure the survival of its inhabitants amidst a global volcanic winter. The core gameplay revolves around balancing the city's heat, infrastructure, and the citizens' hope and discontent levels, all while navigating moral dilemmas that challenge the player's ethical compass.

Promotion for Frostpunk was multifaceted, leveraging both traditional and digital marketing strategies. The game was showcased at various gaming conventions and received extensive coverage from gaming media outlets. Additionally, 11 bit studios engaged with the gaming community through social media platforms and content creators, building anticipation ahead of the release. The game's unique premise and striking art style contributed to its visibility and appeal.

Upon release, Frostpunk was met with widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its challenging gameplay, atmospheric design, and thought-provoking themes. Players lauded the game's depth and the emotional weight of its decisions, which set it apart from other city-building games. The game's success led to the development of expansions and a sequel, Frostpunk 2, which continues to explore the franchise's core themes in new ways.

In 2024, 11 bit studios released Frostpunk 2, a sequel set 30 years after the original game's events. The sequel introduces new gameplay mechanics and narrative elements, expanding upon the original's foundation while maintaining the series' signature blend of strategy and moral complexity. Frostpunk 2 was initially launched on PC and later made its way to consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, in September 2025. The console versions were accompanied by special physical editions, offering fans collectible items and additional content.

Looking ahead, 11 bit studios is working on a new installment in the Frostpunk series, titled Frostpunk 1886, slated for release in 2027. This upcoming game is set to utilize the Unreal Engine 5, promising enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics. Frostpunk 1886 aims to offer a fresh perspective on the franchise's themes, potentially attracting both new players and longtime fans of the series.