Bonfire Studios
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Battle royale ARPG Arkheron prepares a cross-platform beta test for PC and consoles September 25
The battle royale ARPG Arkheron will host a cross-platform beta test on September 25th, bringing together players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. The test will feature multiplayer modes like 3v3 Spires and 45-player Ascension, alongside promised game improvements. Signups are available on the game's official site and through Firstlook.
Enter the Tower: Arkheron Closed Beta is Live for XBOX Insiders
Bonfire Studios has launched the closed beta for their new PvP game, Arkheron, for Xbox Insiders on Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC. This technical test, running until July 27, allows players to experience the game's item-based ability system and two modes: Spires (3v3 arena) and Ascension (larger map looting and combat). Exclusive cosmetic progression items are unlockable during the beta.
Rob Pardo’s battle royale tower climb ARPG Arkheron kicks off a two week-long closed beta July 15
Rob Pardo's indie studio Bonfire Studios announced that their isometric PvP team-based brawler Arkheron will begin a two-week closed beta on July 15th. The beta will focus on the Spires mode, with the primary Ascension mode available on Fridays and Saturdays. Players can request access on Steam, and participants from earlier playtests will be able to join.
The Arkheron Closed Beta opens July 15 with numerous updates!
Bonfire Studios announced that the closed beta for their competitive PvP action game, Arkheron, will begin on July 15 and run for two weeks. This beta will introduce new modes like Spires and Learning Spires, cosmetic progression, and incorporate feedback from Steam Next Fest. Players can gain access through Steam and FirstLook waitlists, with invited players receiving additional friend invites.
Arkheron, a competitive PvPvE action RPG, will open its closed beta next week—and I'm getting that Battlerite nostalgia just looking at this thing
Arkheron, a competitive PvPvE action RPG developed by Bonfire Games, will launch its closed beta on July 15 and run until July 26. The game features squad-based gameplay where players climb a tower in the afterlife, combining looting and combat segments with arena showdowns. CEO Rob Pardo and game director Jeremy Craig discussed the evolution of the game's camera mechanics and gameplay.
Arkheron, an isometric Diablo-like battle royale where you ascend a tower, is getting a more forgiving Spire mode to…
Arkheron, an isometric PvPvE battle royale action RPG, is introducing a new 'Spire' mode to offer a more forgiving experience for players learning the game. Developer Bonfire Studios is implementing this mode based on player feedback from recent playtests, aiming to bridge the skill gap between the training and core 'Ascension' modes. The game is slated for a 2026 release.
How to watch the PC Gaming Show 2026, including Exodus extended gameplay reveal highlights
The PC Gaming Show 2026 will air on June 7, featuring over 50 games, including extended gameplay highlights from Exodus. Hosted by Sean "Day[9]" Plott and Mica Burton, with a pre-show hosted by Frankie Ward, the event will showcase world premieres from numerous developers and publishers. The broadcast will be available on multiple platforms including Twitch, YouTube, and Steam.
Perfect Ten: MMOs and other online projects created by ex-Blizzard devs
This article highlights ten notable projects created by former Blizzard Entertainment developers and leads, focusing on MMORPGs and other online games. It details various ventures, including Jeff Kaplan's 'The Legend of California,' Greg Street's 'Project Ghost,' and Ben Brode's successful 'Marvel Snap.'
Rob Pardo says 'love' is the most important development milestone
Bonfire Studios boss Rob Pardo believes that 'love' is the single most important development milestone for a game. He suggests this is the only true measure of potential during the production process.
Blizzard vet Rob Pardo closed this year's GDC keynote by urging executives to cool it with the layoffs: 'The game team is more valuable than the game itself'
Former Blizzard executive Rob Pardo delivered the GDC keynote, urging industry leaders to prioritize retaining development teams over short-term gains, especially after successful game launches. He argued that the team's collective experience and ability to navigate development challenges are more valuable than the game itself, citing recent layoffs despite strong sales as a detrimental practice.
Blizzard veteran Rob Pardo says 'love' is the most important development milestone
Blizzard veteran Rob Pardo stated that a team's 'love' for the game they are developing is the most crucial milestone for success. He explained that when developers become more invested in playing and improving their own game than anything else, it signals a project's potential for widespread player appeal.
The Best Games Under $5 on the PS Store Right Now (Limited Time)
Rob Pardo, Bonfire Studios manager and former Blizzard chief creative officer, will deliver a keynote address at GDC's Festival of Gaming. The article also briefly mentions a list of games under $5 on the PlayStation Store.
Evening Gatherings and Events
Gamescom 2026 has seen a 15% increase in registered exhibitors, with participation from over 40 countries. Industry veteran Rob Pardo, founder of Bonfire Studios and formerly of Blizzard Entertainment, is set to deliver keynotes at the event.
Former Blizzard CCO and Bonfire CEO Rob Pardo to present keynote address at GDC Festival of Gaming
Rob Pardo, former Chief Creative Officer at Blizzard Entertainment and current manager at Bonfire Studios, will deliver a keynote address titled "An Odyssey in Building Games That Last" at the GDC Festival of Gaming. The presentation will cover his decades of experience in the industry, including his work on StarCraft, World of Warcraft, and Diablo, and his approach to game development at Bonfire Studios.
Influential Game Designer Rob Pardo Hosting GDC Festival of Gaming March 12
Influential game designer Rob Pardo will deliver a keynote titled “An Odyssey in Building Games That Last” at the GDC Festival of Gaming on March 12. Pardo, known for his work on StarCraft, World of Warcraft, and Diablo, will reflect on his career and discuss his current project, Arkheron, with Bonfire Studios. The GDC Festival of Gaming runs from March 9-13 in San Francisco.
