Krafton Montreal Announces Project Windless Open-World RPG

Krafton Montréal Studio has officially unveiled Project Windless, a new open-world action role-playing game for PlayStation 5. The announcement was confirmed in Sony’s Feb 12, 2026, State of Play, along with the game's debut trailer showcasing the Korean fantasy world with “its own complex history.”

Project Windless is inspired by an acclaimed Korean fantasy novel, The Bird That Drinks Tears, written by author Lee Yeongdo.  However, Krafton Montréal Studio informed that the game’s narrative is set  “over a thousand years before” the books take place.

The studio confirmed that, to build a “personal and authentic” open-world experience, the gameplay is developed in a way where players can chart their “own course.” The Project Windless narrative is positioned as a player-driven open-world experience, blending expansive exploration, decision-making, and real-time combat.

While no release date was announced, Krafton Montréal confirmed that the game is currently in development. During launch, it will be available for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

Narrative and Worldbuilding of Project Windless 

According to Krafton Montréal Studio Head and Creative Director Patrik Méthé, the game has been in development for years. The title delves into the complex worldbuilding of The Bird That Drinks, exploring a “turning point” that shapes the birth of a new kingdom in the narrative. The game narrative features four distinct races: Rekon, Tokkebi, Nhaga, and Humans.

Each race has its own specificities, worldview, and combat style. Rekons are nomadic humanoid birds, with attributes for one-versus-many combat. The game’s protagonist hails from the Rekon race.

To make the character memorable, the development team imbued humane qualities such as strong beliefs and vulnerabilities, including “fear of water,” within the protagonist.

According to Gematsu, the protagonist takes the role of the Hero King. The combat is dynamic and real-time. Project Windless integrates “Mass Technology,” an innovative mechanic that simulates large engagements where enemies move, flank, and react dynamically.

Project Windless signals Krafton’s continued investment in AAA single-player experiences and its quest to develop new IPs. The upcoming title distinguishes itself by giving players real agency in shaping not only combat encounters but also how history is written within the game narrative.