Thomas Was Alone and Amberspire developer Bithell Games has announced its next project, a non-linear horror game in which the vampire King of England tasks you with assassinating his enemies. Set in an alternate timeline during the late ’90s–so you’re probably safe from hearing Hanson’s MMMBop on repeat–Vampirium 1997 is billed as an immersive sim boiled to its essence by game director Mike Bithell.
“Dracula is King of England. At his command, master your dark gifts to assassinate his enemies and secure his vampiric empire. Infiltrate locked-down locations, adapt and survive in living environments, and uncover your own unique methods of executing missions,” the synopsis for the game reads.
Gameplay will see players carefully plan their way through each level, observing their surroundings, talking their way out of danger, and upgrading their vampiric powers along the way. Every action has a consequence, and with each environment designed to be a dynamic arena for you to consider which tactics you want to use–from covert bluffing to overt decapitations–you’ll have to carefully consider each move you make.
It’s an area of expertise that Bithell Games excels in, as the studio has released several cerebral and challenging games over the years–including an official John Wick game that was sadly delisted in 2025.
Vampirium 1997 will be launching in early access for PC, but there’s no exact release date for it yet. To set the mood, players can explore the dark fantasy world of the game through a novella that was recently released and runs for eight chapters. Titled “The Last Portrait,” the story follows the artist Hart after they’re commissioned to create a portrait of England’s monstrous monarch.