We hope you’re all doing awesome! This month, we’re excited to share a Work-in-Progress preview of the City/Relationship Building System with backers. You’ll find the exclusive preview at the bottom of this update.
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Join us on Discord, where backers get access to a dedicated discussion space.
🎨 Art Update
Adam Schumpert continues to bring Shadow City Mysteries to life with striking new character art from the Iron Union. This month’s art preview features Alston Siskin, a powerful Union Boss and key figure within the Iron Union. Siskin ensures the city’s industrial operations run smoothly. When they don’t, he makes sure that anything or anyone causing delays is removed efficiently and without apology.
This key character will appear in both the narrative adventure and our upcoming Visual Novels, along with gracing the pages of the TTRPG.
Alston Siskin- Iron Union Boss
⚙️ Design Update
We’ve been developing systems that help your crew feel truly rooted in Shadow City. This month’s backer preview, the City/Relationship Building System, lets players and GMs map out the power structures, personal ties, and shifting alliances that define their version of the city.
🎲 Actual Play
Our cast has been selected, and preparations are underway for the premiere of the official Shadow City Mysteries Actual Play. Expect behind-the-scenes peeks and cast reveals soon.
Want to follow along? Join us on Discord for early updates and community chatter.
🎮 Gamescom 2025
Our CEO/Creative Director will be attending Gamescom 2025 at the GamingMalta booth, representing Play On Words Studios. We’ll have a playable demo of Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King, along with other sneak peeks.
If you’ll be in the B2B section, stop by: Hall 3.2 | D041g – C040g | GamingMalta 📅 August 20 to 22 (Wednesday to Friday)
📜 Surveys
Thank you to the 95% of backers who have completed their surveys. We truly appreciate it.
If you’re one of the remaining 13 backers, please complete your survey soon. You can still add items to your order if there's anything else you'd like to include.
🛒 Pre-Order Store
Missed the campaign? No problem. Our Pre-Order Store is still open.
This is your chance to grab the game, access exclusive content, and dive into the world of Shadow City. The store is open to new backers and retailers.
🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King
Take control of the Rat King, an underworld mastermind navigating the power struggles of Shadow City’s criminal elite. Forge alliances, crush rivals, and leave your mark.
Unravel secrets in this replayable narrative adventure. As a detective, you’ll peel back the layers of mystery, conspiracy, and supernatural forces hiding in plain sight.
Want more behind-the-scenes content? Check out our weekly dev blogs where we explore game design, world-building, and the broader transmedia vision of Shadow City Mysteries.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We’ll be back next month with more updates, including new mechanics and deeper dives into the evolving world of Shadow City Mysteries.
See you in the shadows, Christopher Mifsud CEO and Creative Director Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game
