What is BLACKWOOD and why should you share it:

BLACKWOOD is a gritty third-person action thriller set in New York in 2012. By day, players manage a seemingly ordinary DVD store; by night, they enter the city's criminal underworld as Anton Blackwood, a ruthless contract killer caught between survival, morality, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

The ambitious team behind Zero Hour, a critically acclaimed tactical shooter, created it. The team has set out to push the boundaries of what is possible for an indie studio, with BLACKWOOD featuring the nightlife of a contract killer who executes his work with a stylish and grounded combat system that includes gamer-favorite features like slo-mo diving, hard-hitting combat, cinematic cutscenes, and a takedown system with over 70 variations that are reactive to your actions and the environment around you.

On the flip side, players also get to experience the slower, more introspective side of our main character's life. You can play as the DVD store owner he is. On the precipice of his two lives colliding, you get to play this side of his life and experience his 'normal' relationships and life.

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To date, BLACKWOOD has received significant media attention, with strong traction from major outlets like IGN. What little we have shared with content creators has also seen strong numbers. Our wishlists have been skyrocketing before release, and there is a lot of anticipation for people to see more of the game.

We believe that creators featuring BLACKWOOD on launch day will be rewarded with views and engagement as our game is set to challenge larger titles in the year's busiest release month!

Check out our CREATOR GUIDE (and press kit link inside) with more information on BLACKWOOD, containing everything you should know about it.

Release Date and EMBARGO

BLACKWOOD content and streaming embargo is set for September 16th, at 10 am PDT / 6 pm BST / 7 pm CEST.

About the Game

Step into the world of BLACKWOOD, a gritty third-person action thriller that blends smooth, responsive combat with cinematic storytelling.

By day, you are a seemingly ordinary store owner, managing your small DVD shop in an authentic recreation of New York, 2012. When night falls, you descend into the city’s underworld as a contract killer, caught between survival, morality, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

One Epic Story Told In Three Parts.

Anton's story takes place over the course of three Acts. Each Act is a complete part of the overall story, with new missions added in between the major acts.

Current Act Roadmap:

• Act 1: September 16, 2026

• Act 2: March 2027

• Act 3: September 2027

When you purchase BLACKWOOD, you are purchasing the full game. All future acts will be provided as free updates to existing owners. If you buy BLACKWOOD at launch, you will not need to purchase Act 2 or Act 3 separately.

Act One Coming September 16, 2026.

FIGHT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CITY

Gunplay is fast, stylish, and unforgiving. Keep the Action relentless with fluid movement options like dives, rolls, and slides. Every encounter feels cinematic yet responsive, giving you the freedom to create your own moments of chaos.

MASTER BRUTAL TAKEDOWNS

BLACKWOOD’s signature mechanic: countless contextual takedowns. From one-on-one hand-to-hand executions to using the environment around you, every fight is an opportunity to end your enemies with precision and style. Grounded, weighty, and satisfying to master.

A DOUBLE LIFE TO BALANCE

Your store is more than just a front. It's where you live, decorate, and roleplay a “normal” existence. Buy and sell DVDs, change outfits, interact with your apartment, and explore RPG elements that make your dual identity feel tangible. The contrast between day and night defines the world and the choices you make.

CINEMATIC STORYTELLING

BLACKWOOD introduces a cast of flawed, human characters navigating a violent city full of secrets. Every ad, tattoo, and poster tells a story. Every mission pulls you deeper into a web of conspiracies and consequences.

STORE MANAGEMENT

Take control of your DVD shop and decide how hands-on you want to be. Restock shelves, organize inventory, set prices, and jump in at the counter to keep profits high. Let it run on autopilot, and you will get by. Manage it smartly, and you can watch it turn into a powerful source of income