When thinking of stealth video games,Thiefis probably not the first franchise that will come to most gamers' minds. The series has, after all, largely faded into obscurity over the last several years. The franchise’s most recent game, 2014’sThiefreboot, was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful, which thus caused it to go on an indefinite hiatus. Things weren’t always this bad forThief, though. Back in the day, it was a pioneer of the stealth genre and a source of inspiration for many iconic video games. The first entry in the series, 1998’sThief: The Dark Project, was one of the first games to ever utilize light and sound in stealth gameplay sequences, and also feature emergent gameplay systems. Its two direct sequels,Thief 2: The Metal AgeandThief: Deadly Shadows, were similarly innovative, as well.
Looking Glass Studios, the developer behindthe first twoThiefgames, was one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry during the 1990s. Many of its games, fromThief: The Dark ProjecttoSystem Shock, were revolutionary in their respective genres. In spite of that, they didn’t really sell well; Looking Glass Studios was ultimately unable to sustain itself and was shut down in the year 2000. While the company is no longer around, it does live on through other games that are inspired by its works, like the recently-announcedThick as Thieves.
Thick as Thieves Takes a Lot of Inspiration from the Thief Series
Thick as Thieves is a Multiplayer Heist Game That Places a Major Emphasis on Stealth
Unveiledduring The Game Awards 2024,Thick as Thievesis an upcoming multiplayer PvPvE heist game that’s being developed by OtherSide Entertainment and published by Megabit Publishing. One might think that a game with a description like this would have little-to-nothing in common with a franchise likeThief, but that isn’t the case with this particular title. Unlike the majority of other multiplayer heist games out there, stealth is heavily emphasized inThick as Thieves' gameplay. Players assume the role of (unsurprisingly) thieves in a bustling 20th century metropolis and must climb their way up to the top of the criminal underworld by stealing from the rich.
Thesetting inThick as Thievesis very similar to the one fromThief, since both titles take place in fantasy, steampunk-esque worlds sometime during the 1900s. Their gameplay is also quite similar, as well. AlthoughThick as Thievesis designed to be played with other people, it features many immersive sim elements and,as OtherSide Entertainment describes it, “dynamic storytelling.” Players can complete a heist in several different ways, and they must sneak their way through rooms to avoid getting caught by NPCs or other players. This, from the outset, sounds a lot like theThiefgames, as they were highly reactive and complex in terms of gameplay.
Many of the Developers Behind Thief Are Involved With Thick as Thieves
To put it plainly,Thick as Thievesis proudly wearing itsThiefinspirations on its sleeve. Looking at the creative leads behind the game, though, this should come as no surprise. OtherSide’s upcoming project is being helmed by Warren Spector, the famed game designer behindlegendary immersive simslikeSystem Shock, Deus Ex, andThief: Deadly Shadows. Paul Neurath and Greg Lopiccolo, two game developers that worked on the originalThiefgames, are also involved withThick as Thieves.
Since so many of the creative talents behindThiefare taking part in the development ofThick as Thieves, one could consider it a spiritual successor to the cult classic series. While the game is primarily centered around multiplayer and doesn’t have a dedicated offline mode, it may be the closest fans will get toa proper newThiefgame, at least for the foreseeable future.Thick as Thievesdoesn’t have a release window yet, but it’s currently in development for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PCs.
WHERE TO PLAY
Thick As Thieves, it’s every thief for themselves!Chart your rise to master thief in a glittering, gloomy 1910s metropolis blending industry, magic and intrigue. Your choices unlock unique playstyles and strategies that shape your thief character. Tell your story through a fusion of emergent multiplayer gameplay and dynamic storytelling. Immerse yourself in a living world where no two nights are ever the same, ensuring endless challenges and discoveries.REPLAYABLE EMERGENT STEALTH ACTION PvPvE GAMEPLAYNavigate a realm where every shadow and corner may conceal a fresh challenge—from watchful guards to devious rivals to the ever-shifting, treacherous city itself. Arm yourself with keen awareness and crafty skills to thrive in this unpredictable world.BE THE THIEF YOU WANT TO BEEvery mission is an opportunity, and every opportunity can be approached creatively. Observation, clever planning, and careful execution are essential, but with other thieves around it’ll never be that simple. Improvisation and inventiveness will be key if you are to survive and thrive.THE CITY AND ITS ENDLESS SECRETSDelve into the city, a world rich in characters, stories, and mystery. Learn about the powerful, the criminal, and the craven as you break into their strongholds and steal both their gold and their secrets. Explore your own personal storyline, mission by mission, shaping your destiny and your journey from a nobody to a legend of crime.A THIEVES TOOL KITYour rise through the ranks will open doors - literally. Pick locks, hijack alarms, bamboozle guards, silence civilians, conceal your presence, and escape with your loot bag full. Whether you prefer to play slow and quiet or fast and loud, all the tools are at your disposal. Mastering them will be your challenge as you match wits against diverse hazards and adversaries.LIVING WORLD ALTERNATE HISTORY SETTINGStep into a vibrant alternate-history metropolis at the dawn of the 20th century, where the glow of gas lamps, neon, and magic light the way. Keeping an eye on its inhabitants and their daily habits might just help you.…maybe the housemaid has spoken to her husband, who has spoken to the barmaid after a few drinks…. Understanding the world and its mysteries is vital. The wise thief is the superior thief.
