The Land of the Magnates Launches on Steam
Embark on an Epic Journey To Save The Land of the Sun
[Istanbul, Türkiye] August 27, 2024 — Permanent Way Games and independent publishing platform indie.io are proud to announce the full release of The Land of the Magnates on Steam. Combining Near Eastern mythology with meticulous historical research, the game allows players to experience the tale of Shahbaz, a fugitive prince on a quest to clear his name, save the king, and bring light back to the Land of the Sun.
Following the wrongful accusation of poisoning the king –his father– our prince embarks on a journey across the kingdom, blighted by darkness and sorrow. His only companion on this epic journey is his sitar, a magical lute that can defeat the blight with its music. Shahbaz will have to master the sitar as players experiment with its strings; each has a unique property, allowing for magical attacks and combinations with distinct effects. Its magic is further empowered as Shahbaz frees the realms he visits, gaining the elemental might of water, wind, earth, and fire.
Liberation will not be easy, as the realms struggle with challenges of their own. One suffers the loss of love and hope, reduced to a landscape of colorless gray; another is a brass city stalked by clockwork automata. Every realm comes with its unique challenges, tied to the core theme and element, including unique platforming sequences and bespoke environmental puzzles that require the magic of the sitar. Completing them will reward Shahbaz with power and allies, inspired by characters rooted in Near Eastern mythology.
The Land of the Magnates draws from the myths, legends, and folk tales of the region, spanning from Constantinople to Baghdad, with One Thousand and One Nights (commonly known in English as The Arabian Nights) serving as the principal source of inspiration. Permanent Way Games combines this source material with deep historical and cultural work, including field research and consultations with expert historians, to create a unique experience that does justice to the cultural tapestry of the Near East. Every detail, from the vibrant worlds Shahbaz explores to the sitar’s music, has been carefully crafted to bring the ancient Near East to life.
Emad Rahmani, the lead developer at Permanent Way Games, explains the vision behind The Land of Magnates:
“In The Land of Magnates, the forgotten tales of Eastern folklore come to life, underscored by a mesmerizing soundtrack that echoes the heartbeat of a land steeped in mystery and magic. We invite players to immerse themselves in these uncharted cultural narratives, deepening their connection to ancient worlds through each chord and quest. Our goal was to show that, even amidst challenges, excellence can be achieved through dedication and respect for diversity.”
Rahmani further highlights the game’s appeal:
“The Land of Magnates speaks to a spectrum of gamers—from those who seek heart-pounding action and deep narratives to those captivated by the rhythms of music and the allure of cultural exploration. It offers a journey through the unparalleled beauty of Middle Eastern architecture, crafted with extraordinary attention to detail and complemented by the enchanting melodies of Eastern music. For those who appreciate the integration of art and architecture into their experience, this game serves as a canvas where every detail contributes to a majestic tableau.”
Permanent Way Games was founded in 2006 as a domestic company in Türkiye, and expanded internationally fifteen years later, in 2021. Their pedigree includes accolades for filmmaking: the studio’s Sword and Sorrow animated movie received the awards for Best Animation Film at the World Film Festival in Cannes and the Sacramento Underground Film and Arts Festival in 2023.
The Land of the Magnates is now available on Steam. Follow Permanent Way Studio on Instagram for the latest updates and community support.
ABOUT PERMANENT WAY GAMES
Located in the heart of Turkey, Permanent Way Studio is a humble yet ambitious player in video game development. Our journey is grounded in a passion for weaving intricate narratives and crafting games that entertain and resonate. Drawing from a rich tapestry of West Asian cultures and myths, we strive to imbue our work with a sense of uniqueness and depth. While the world of game creation is vast, with significant hubs in Europe, America, and East Asia, we are eager to contribute our voices, offering new perspectives and experiences to the global community. At Permanent Way, we’re dedicated to exploring untold stories and bringing them to life in meaningful and engaging ways. Welcome to our studio, where we aim to make an impactful mark on gaming. Find out more on their official website.
