Codename: Islands: A Cooperative Survival Crafting Game
I'm so ready for Codename: Islands. I'm not even sure I can describe how hyped I am for this 100% cooperative survival crafting game, which draws obvious inspiration from Valheim, Terraria, and Minecraft, but also makes me feel nostalgic for old clan servers and Warcraft III multiplayer. Developed by Treehouse Games, a studio founded by former Riot Games veterans, Codename: Islands is a magical, living island, where teams of players will team up with friends to build a settlement, explore surrounding islands, craft gear, battle monsters, and awaken their island spirit.
In the brief teaser above, we see adventurers arriving on a tropical island, before cutting to a shot of one player uncovering a strange, glowing orb near rune stones. “This is how we’re going to play,” says Michael Chu, former Riot Games product manager and Treehouse Games co-founder. “We’re going to socialize, we’re going to have fun with friends. It’s something we all missed.” Chu describes the game as “100% cooperative,” which we can see in the above image, as one player attempts to light a campfire while another is attacked by spiders.
Another Riot veteran, Andrea Sepenzis, emphasizes that each player will play an essential role within their group. “We always knew in our hearts that we were never really lone wolves,” Sepenzis says. “We always needed each other. It’s something that’s built into our DNA as gamers.” Screenshots show cozy bases, serene island views, and intriguing structures in the distance.
Codename: Islands is set to launch in 2024, with a full game announcement and playtest sign-ups expected in late 2023. In the meantime, you can check out our list of the best multiplayer games to play with your friends – and while you’re waiting for Codename: Islands, why not try out some of the best survival games on PC.
