Key information
Swedish studio Off-leash Interactive and publisher Fireshine Games have unveiled Trollheim: Gnomes, a survival-crafting title set in a procedurally generated forest inspired by Nordic folklore. Players control a three-inch-tall gnome navigating a world filled with enormous trees and supernatural creatures known as Väsen.
The studio features industry veterans, including director Jojje Dalunde, formerly of DICE, and CEO Jakob Munthe, a former Paradox Interactive executive. The project originates from a narrative universe created by filmmaker Björne Larson, who drew inspiration from his childhood experiences in Nordic woodlands to shape the game's atmosphere.
Gameplay focuses on exploration and building rather than combat. Players can interact with Väsen by offering gifts or calming them with music. While the game supports eight-player multiplayer, it also offers a solo, offline mode. Players can craft gear and build dwellings, with the environment allowing for camouflage against the forest floor.
Reviewer assessments are mixed. While the environment is described as enchanting, the author expressed concern that the building system, which uses holographic templates, feels generic and breaks immersion. However, the developers maintain that the small scale and creative control provide a distinctive experience compared to other survival titles.
