A deep dive into Tenet of the Spark, the debut title from US indie studio ROAR Games: a thrilling cinematic action game with a unique time-bending twist.
Imagine finding yourself in the modern world, immersed in an age of cutting-edge technology, caught in a brutal hand-to-hand fight with a ruthless street gang bent on ending your life. Then, out of nowhere—poof! You’re suddenly transported into the body of a powerful Viking warrior, hammer in hand, fighting your way through the harsh, icy northern wilderness. But the surprises don’t end there—poof! Another temporal anomaly hurls you into the heart of Aztec civilization, where you must dodge the lethal strikes of masked assassin tribes.
This is the gripping, time-bending premise behind Tenet of the Spark, the debut project from US-based indie studio ROAR Games. A cinematic action game that has already generated significant attention within the indie gaming community for its original concept, distinctive artistic vision, and meticulously crafted world-building and character design.
Are you ready to dive deeper into this fascinating adventure, uncover its secrets, and learn everything we know so far? Join us as we delve into the multiple realities of Tenet of the Spark.
The Journey of ROAR Games and the Genesis of the Original Concept Behind Tenet of the Spark
Before diving into the specific features and unique aspects of Tenet of the Spark, it is important to first understand the extensive and often challenging development journey that shaped the game. Gaining insight into this process will offer a deeper understanding of both its creation and the vision of its developers.
As detailed on their dedicated website, ROAR Games is an independent studio founded in 2023 with the goal of creating Tenet of the Spark, an original single-player, third-person action game for PC and consoles. The studio was established by the talented team behind ZHEESHEE — the former name of the studio responsible for the game’s development — a US-based creative studio known for its work in CGI, VFX, and animation.
From this newly rebranded studio, which boasts a dynamic global team with hubs in the US, Tbilisi (Georgia), and team members across Europe and Asia, came the captivating animated short film The Spark, released in January 2023. This marked the beginning of the studio’s active phase and provided an initial glimpse of what would eventually evolve into Tenet of the Spark.
As the developers explain, it is precisely through this vision — masterfully brought to life by Artem Shcherbakov and Otar Berov, who led the writing and direction — that Tenet of the Spark came to fruition. The animated short film was instrumental in igniting the project’s inception, serving as the creative spark that drove its development.
But enough with the spoilers — if you’re eager to uncover the story behind Tenet of the Spark and learn more about the origins of the game, we’ve included the link to the full video below. Don’t miss out — it’s definitely worth watching.
Adrenaline-charged, bone-crushing combat, inventive time-bending puzzles, and breathtaking animation and art direction: the core strengths of Tenet of the Spark
Set across three distinct timelines, interconnected by a profound and mysterious bond among the protagonists, Tenet of the Spark is a breathtaking cinematic action game that allows players to seamlessly switch between eras—modern day, the Viking age, and the Aztec world—to gain a strategic advantage in battle.
While much of the narrative remains shrouded in mystery, it undeniably plays a pivotal role, serving as the unifying thread that ties the three storylines together. Players assume the role of the charismatic Will and his two legendary ancestors—heroes from ancient, long-forgotten civilizations—each bound by a dormant yet extraordinary power that resides within Will himself.
At the heart of this connection lies the Spark—an enigmatic and extraordinary ability that not only allows Will to perceive the world through the eyes of his Viking and Aztec ancestors but also empowers him to interact with it in fundamentally different ways. When brute strength is required, the Viking’s raw power dominates. When stealth and agility are needed, the Aztec’s finesse prevails. By shifting between these identities, Will can uncover hidden city secrets, solve ancient puzzles, and, when conflict arises, draw upon the Viking’s unyielding might or the Aztec’s swift precision to overcome any challenge.
Be warned—do not mistake each timeline for merely an arena, a blood-soaked battlefield where you unleash your abilities, spill the blood of your enemies, and give free rein to your fury, or a simple reflection of reality. Each world is, at its core, a unique realm with its own set of rules, constraints, and logic, governed by distinct laws and customs. It carries a rich cultural backdrop, a carefully crafted environmental storytelling, and a sharply defined identity, all waiting to be unraveled. Only by immersing himself in the Viking and Aztec identities can Will uncover the truth of his own existence. Yet, there is always a danger—he may lose himself in these visions and never return.
This is where the Spark ability takes center stage, serving as both your primary weapon and strategic tool. It turns combat into a dynamic puzzle that Will must solve. Relying on his boxing skills for intense, one-on-one duels, the Viking crushes foes with his massive hammer, while the Aztec strikes with lethal precision using his boomerang. Success doesn’t lie in staying fixed in one timeline; rather, it comes from mastering the shifting logic of time, dynamically switching between timelines to solve problems and overcome challenges.
But that’s not all. The battle arenas within each hero’s world allow players to interact with their surroundings in unique ways. In the Viking’s world, you can throw or push objects to gain an advantage, while in the Aztec realm, height and distance play a key role in positioning. By combining environmental features with your combat strategies, you gain the upper hand, crafting an immersive and highly functional combat experience tailored to the distinct realities of each timeline.
Naturally, many aspects of the game remain deliberately kept under wraps by the team at ROAR Games. However, what has been revealed so far is undeniably promising. The next move is now in the developers’ hands, with high hopes that they will be able to bring their vision to life and unlock the full potential of Tenet of the Spark.
When is Tenet of the Spark set to release, and which platforms will it be available on?
If you’re eagerly anticipating Tenet of the Spark, you’ll need to be patient—there’s still a long road ahead. According to the team at ROAR Games, the title won’t be hitting shelves this year. Instead, it’s currently scheduled for a broad late 2026 release on PC via Steam and consoles, though specific details remain under wraps. It has also yet to be clarified which consoles the game will be available on, or whether the console release will follow an initial PC launch.
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments, keep an eye on our pages, follow the game’s official X account, and join the community on Discord for exclusive insights and real-time updates.
That’s all for today. Until next time!
