I have spent countless hours carving through ratman masses in Vermintide, Total War: Warhammer, and other licensed titles, yet I have always harbored a strange affection for the Skaven. Perhaps it is their villainy—born from the cannibalistic pressures of countless gnawing peers and proximity to radioactive hell-rocks—that offers a more material logic than Warhammer’s other antagonists. Or maybe it is simply because I enjoy their unique linguistic habit of saying words twice.
Whatever the reason, I have always welcomed the chance to experience life in the Under-Empire. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster, an upcoming action platformer announced during today’s Warhammer Skulls showcase, offers unprecedented fidelity in leading a Skaven lifestyle. It promises all the skulking, stabbing, and general malevolence that entails.
Leading Clan Eshin’s Darkest Aspirations
In Deathmaster, players assume the role of Vihneek, a would-be archkiller striving to ascend the ranks of Clan Eshin. This is the most ninja-coded of the Skaven clans, where survival demands ruthless efficiency. The game tasks you with climbing this brutal hierarchy through assassination and treacherous brutality.
While Skaven society is often depicted as chaotic, it is arguably profoundly meritocratic in its own twisted way. You must prove your worth through sheer lethality.
As publisher Dotemu describes in the press release:
- Set traps and exploit your surroundings.
- Outwit enemies as you carve your fate through the darkest corners of the Skaven world.
- Slink past threats undetected while devising cunning plans.
- Savagely slaughter any Skaven who stands in your way, from cowering dregs to towering rat ogors.
A Developer with a History of Quality Action Titles
Developing Deathmaster is Old Skull Games, a studio that previously released the well-regarded 2D action roguelike Cryptical Path. Their expertise in tight, challenging gameplay mechanics makes them an ideal fit for the brutal reality of Skaven politics.
Dotemu has recently demonstrated a strong track record of supporting promising action talent. Since July 2025, the publisher has released:
- Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
- Absolum
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion
All three titles received positive reviews, highlighting Dotemu’s ability to elevate solid action games.
Interestingly, Old Skull Games also developed the 2020 iOS platformer SpongeBob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit. One might argue that SpongeBob—a chittering creature with prominent incisors hailing from a deep, unknowable realm below our own—is essentially a Skaven in all but name. This shared DNA suggests Deathmaster could bring a unique, albeit darker, charm to the platforming genre.
Release Date and Availability
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster is scheduled for release sometime in 2027.
You can currently wishlist the game on Steam to stay updated on future announcements and development milestones.
