Warren Spector’s Thick As Thieves Brings PvPvE Stealth Action to Immersive Sims in 2026
OtherSide Entertainment, the studio helmed by legendary developers Warren Spector (Deus Ex) and Paul Neurath (Thief), has officially unveiled its new game, Thick As Thieves, during The Game Awards 2024. Scheduled for release in 2026, this PvPvE stealth action game promises to blend competitive multiplayer with the immersive sim genre's hallmark features: player agency, rich storytelling, and strategic gameplay.
A New Take on Immersive Sims
Thick As Thieves transports players to an alternate-history 1910 metropolis where magic and technology collide amid stark class divides. Players take on the role of daring thieves navigating this treacherous world, weaving through glittering upper-class mansions and the shadowy criminal underworld in their pursuit of riches.
In his statement, Warren Spector emphasized that the game retains the studio’s core immersive sim philosophy:
"With this game, we’re empowering players to create their own stories in a world that values observation, craftiness, and creative problem-solving."
While multiplayer might feel like a departure for fans of single-player immersive sims, Thick As Thieves aims to leverage this dynamic to create unique player-driven stories. Players will compete against rivals and NPCs in a city teeming with secrets, danger, and opportunities for creative thefts and daring escapes.
Gameplay
PvPvE Multiplayer: Players will infiltrate, steal, and escape while dealing with AI guards, NPC inhabitants, and rival thieves.
Dynamic World: The city is alive with characters who have unique routines, habits, and secrets players can exploit.
Immersive Mechanics: Lockpicking, disabling alarms, distracting guards, and improvising with the environment are key to success.
Player-Driven Story: A personal narrative lets players rise from obscurity to crime legend while shaping their destiny.
A Critical Moment for OtherSide Entertainment
Following the mixed reception of Underworld Ascendant and the cancellation of System Shock 3 and an unnamed Dungeons & Dragons game, Thick As Thieves represents a pivotal project for the studio. The game will be published by Megabit, part of Aonic, whose leadership praised OtherSide’s legacy in stealth action games like Thief and Deus Ex.
Thick As Thieves will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X in 2026. With its blend of immersive storytelling, competitive multiplayer, and rich world-building, the game could redefine what an immersive action game can be—while leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
What are your thoughts on blending immersive sims with PvPvE mechanics? Share your take below!
