Deck13 Spotlight Announces Lair of the Leviathan
The upcoming turn-based role-playing game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam and GOG.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Board Games
Live Poll
Would you choose to play a new role-playing game designed with classic pixel-art style graphics?
Publisher Deck13 Spotlight has officially revealed Lair of the Leviathan, a new turn-based role-playing game designed for PC and consoles. The project is being developed through a partnership between Nostalgic Realms and Whiskeybarrel Studios.
Why it matters
The developers aim to capture the aesthetic and gameplay experience of foundational role-playing classics like Ultima and Pools of Radiance. This project seeks to modernize the genre while maintaining the spirit of titles from the early era of PC gaming.
Lair of the Leviathan is currently open for user wishlisting on digital storefronts Steam and GOG. The collaboration represents a two-year effort between the independent developers at Nostalgic Realms and the team at Whiskeybarrel Studios.
The players
Deck13 Spotlight
This organization is an international video game publisher known for managing a diverse portfolio of indie and AA game titles.
Nostalgic Realms
This indie studio is the original creative home of Lair of the Leviathan and focuses on traditional role-playing mechanics.
Whiskeybarrel Studios
This game development team has shipped a dozen titles and focuses on collaborative projects within the industry.
Oliver Joyce
He is a seasoned developer who has worked in the games industry for two decades and has contributed to hundreds of projects.
Matt Stawicki
He is a professional artist who was commissioned to create the official cover art for the game.
The details
Originally a solo hobby project started by David from Nostalgic Realms, the game evolved after he learned pixel art to build the foundational assets. Oliver Joyce, who has contributed to hundreds of games over a twenty-year career and helped Whiskeybarrel Studios ship a dozen titles, joined the project two years ago to formalize the production.
Timeline
The collaboration between the development studios began in 2024.
Lair of the Leviathan was officially announced on October 15, 2026.
Further details regarding the game are expected in the coming months.
Culture Shift
The game follows a design philosophy established by the Pools of Radiance role-playing series. This development marks a commitment to traditional turn-based mechanics during a period when the industry often shifts toward high-fidelity action or real-time combat systems.
Players interested in the title can secure updates and notifications by adding the game to their wishlists on Steam or GOG. This action ensures that users will be alerted immediately when the studio provides pricing, release dates, or public testing opportunities.
The takeaway
Lair of the Leviathan demonstrates the ongoing appeal of classic turn-based role-playing mechanics in the modern market. Players looking for a retro-inspired experience should track the development progress closely as the studios prepare for upcoming reveals.
What happens next
Fans can expect the release of additional game details, including potential gameplay trailers and specific mechanics, in the coming months.
Further reading
Discover more about current trends in tabletop-inspired design by visiting our Board Games section.
Live Poll
Would you choose to play a new role-playing game designed with classic pixel-art style graphics?
