Our friends at Jackto Studios, the team behind Night of the Dead, has officially announced its next major project — War of Banners. The game marks a bold step into the medieval strategy genre, promising a deep blend of real-time combat, political decision-making, and RPG-style progression.
Set for release in January 2026, War of Banners aims to deliver an expansive experience where players begin with only a handful of soldiers and must rise through the ranks to command entire armies. A free demo was released earlier this year, allowing players to get a first glimpse of the project’s scale and mechanics.
A War of Power, Betrayal, and Ambition
In War of Banners, players navigate a vast continent divided by kingdoms, factions, and guilds — each with its own goals and alliances. The core gameplay revolves around recruiting mercenaries, expanding territories, and forming political relationships that can shift the balance of power.
Choices carry real consequences. Soldiers can betray their commanders, alliances may crumble, and players will have to weigh loyalty against ambition. According to early descriptions, this dynamic system allows for a more organic and unpredictable progression than traditional linear campaigns.
A New Direction for Jackto Studios
While Jackto Studios gained recognition for its survival title Night of the Dead, War of Banners marks a major evolution for the developer. Moving from base defense and horror survival into large-scale strategy suggests a clear intent to broaden their creative horizons.
The game is built with Unreal Engine, and its demo reveals a strong technical foundation, offering real-time battles, open exploration, and a mix of tactical and narrative-driven elements. Players can already test the demo via Steam and provide feedback ahead of the full launch.
A Promising 2026 Release
If executed well, War of Banners could stand alongside notable medieval strategy titles by combining immersive world-building, tactical depth, and RPG progression. With its release date already set for early 2026, fans of the genre won’t have to wait long to see if Jackto Studios can turn its ambitious vision into reality.
