With the resounding success of our closed demo and ongoing development of both ‘Harrowed World: Portents In Red’, our modern gothic vampire RPG and the DLC stories for ‘Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’, our gothic vampire visual novel, we wanted to pull back the curtain and share some of the inspirations that shape our world, one steeped in gothic horror, supernatural intrigue, and the eldritch unknown.

The Legacy of Bloodlines & Gothic RPGs
There is perhaps no greater cult classic in vampire RPG history than Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. A game that, despite its age, remains the quintessential experience of navigating the treacherous underworld of the undead. Bloodlines mastered atmospheric storytelling, weaving its narrative through unforgettable dialogue and a darkly immersive Los Angeles. Though time has worn its edges, its spirit still lingers in our hearts, and we seek to carry that torch forward.

Vampyr, in contrast, is a modern (if historical in setting) gothic descent into blood and consequence. While flawed, its haunting atmosphere and gripping moral dilemmas elevate it as one of the finest contemporary vampiric gaming experiences. The tagline ‘Cursed Be the Choice’ encapsulates its core theme, the burden of power and the weight of every decision. This philosophy is one we embrace fully, our game will not just present choices, but make players feel their gravity.

Even The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, though a high fantasy epic, serves as a beacon for RPG accessibility. While its portrayal of vampirism is a mere fraction of its grander world, its ability to draw players into a living, breathing setting is something we greatly admire. We aim to strike a balance, one that welcomes new players while offering the depth and complexity that dedicated RPG fans crave.

The Blood of Myth & the Whispers of the Unknown
Beyond games, our setting is built upon the rich and twisted roots of folklore, mythology, and the eerie pages of classic literature. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is, of course, an undeniable influence, but the true depths of our world reach further, into the lost and forbidden. The apocryphal and the arcane, from biblical texts deemed too dangerous for approved scripture to the ghastly fables of monstrous fairies and legendary horrors lurking at the edges of creation.

The touch of cosmic horror is never far from our world. The works of H.P. Lovecraft whisper from the abyss, reminding us that true horror is not just in the teeth of a predator, but in the unknowable vastness beyond mortal comprehension. The creeping dread of forces beyond human understanding, the insignificance of our place in the universe, and the ever-present lure of forbidden knowledge all weave their way into our storytelling.

Cinema, Television, & the Art of Reimagining Legends
Film and television have also left their mark on our vision. 2004’s Van Helsing reimagined Dracula as part of a grand gothic adventure, intertwining werewolves and a tragic, steampunk-infused Frankenstein’s Monster. Meanwhile, NBC’s Grimm breathed new life into ancient folktales, showing how the past refuses to stay buried. These stories remind us that myths are never truly dead; they simply adapt.

The Vampiric Bloodlines of the UK
At the heart of our RPG lies the blood itself, ancient, cursed, and woven through history. The Legacies, the vampiric bloodlines of our RPG, are deeply tied to the folklore and culture of the United Kingdom. From England’s aristocratic monstrosities to Scotland’s cursed lullabies of the damned and Wales’s snarling horrors, our vampires are not merely creatures of the night but embodiments of their homeland’s most sinister legends. Other lands, too, hold their own secrets, their own rulers of the night. And in time, their stories will be told.

Stay in the Know
Like what you’re reading? This article was first shared with our newsletter subscribers.

Subscribe for free[www.harrowedworld.com] to get exclusive early access to updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights into development.

You can wishlist 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red' here.

Inspiration is the spark, but it is up to us to stoke the flames into an inferno that burns against the ever-encroaching dark. Until next time.

– Alex Burton
Owner of Pennyvale Media.
Creator of Harrowed World.
Project Lead and Writer on Portents In Red.

The shadows stir, and with them, so does our vision. We recently released a closed demo for ‘Harrowed World: Portents In Red’, our modern gothic vampire RPG, to a select group of testers, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect, and share what’s next.

A Look at the Closed Demo
Good news! The feedback from the closed demo has been overwhelmingly positive. Every participant left as excited, or more so, for the full game. That’s the kind of response that keeps the (definitely human) blood pumping in our veins, drives us forward, and reassures us that we’re on the right path. Throughout this article, you’ll find a few short clips from the demo, offering you a glimpse of what’s to come.


What’s Next?
The road ahead is long, but the path is clear. While there’s still work to be done, much is already in motion behind the scenes, we’re simply not ready to pull back the curtain just yet. That said, I want to share our current priorities and the steps we’re taking to bring Harrowed World to unlife.

Key vampire NPCs are already being developed, waiting for their moment in the moonlight, alongside human pedestrians who will populate the streets. These figures will set the tone for the world, giving it the depth and presence it needs. At the same time, the dialogue system is being refined to ensure every interaction feels immersive and meaningful.

The feeding system, the dark heart of any vampire experience, is also taking shape, weaving together mechanics that will make each hunt feel both exhilarating and consequential. The task system, our unique approach to what’s traditionally called quests, is also in the works alongside the reputation and morality mechanics, ensuring that every action leaves a lasting mark on the world.

Player models and character creation are also in progress, allowing for deep customisation of your vampire’s appearance and attire. Combat and vampiric abilities are evolving alongside this, sharpening the tools you’ll wield to survive and thrive in the shadows.

The main storyline is mapped out, with only finer details left to refine. As development continues, plans will shift, and new ideas will undoubtedly emerge. But by keeping our focus sharp and breaking things into manageable steps, we are steadily shaping the game we envisioned.

How Many Developers Are There?
Right now, the development team consists of myself and one other developer. This may expand in the future as the project grows.

We also work closely with a composer, though they are not officially part of the core development team.

Remember, this is an indie game, not a AAA production. We’re a small team, but we’re dedicated to bringing this vision to life, but at some point, we intend to expand the development team to help carry the weight of this ambitious project.


When Will ‘Harrowed World: Portents In Red’ Release?
We won’t set a release date until we have a realistic idea of when the game will be complete. To do otherwise would be to write fate in blood, only to see it washed away, and that is not our way.

We will be open and honest. If things take longer than expected, we’ll tell you. If plans shift, we’ll explain why. Transparency matters, and we won’t make empty promises.

What About Kickstarter?
A Kickstarter campaign has always been an option, but recent shifts may have made it more of a necessity than a possibility.

We have no solid plans yet, but I’m researching both successful and failed campaigns to ensure that, if we go down this route, we do it right. If we take this step, it will be with clear goals, a solid foundation, and a commitment to delivering.

Stay in the Know
Like what you’re reading? This article was first shared with our newsletter subscribers.

Subscribe for free[www.harrowedworld.com] to get exclusive early access to updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights into development.

The shadows are deepening, and the pieces are falling into place. The night is still young, and there’s much more to come.

– Alex Burton
Owner of Pennyvale Media.
Creator of Harrowed World.
Project Lead and Writer on Portents In Red.