In a press release sent to VG247, Bethesda confirmed that Battlecry is a 32-player online action title that takes place in a post apocalyptic world envisioned by Half-Life 2 and Dishonored designer Viktor Antonov.

Gunpowder has been banned in this world following a cataclysmic world war, so head-on melee and steampunk-based ranged combat are all that remain, and disputes are now settled by elite teams who wage battle in sanctioned WarZones. In short, they have a massive smackdown.

Battlecry Studios was formed in 2012 and is headed up by industry veteran Rich Vogel, who said in a statement, “The BattleCry team is happy to unveil the game that bears our studio’s name

“We have been hard at work to create a fresh experience for gamers that brings together multiplayer action with visually stunning combat and are excited to share details about the game and have people play Battlecry in Bethesda’s booth at E3.”

The game sees players choosing a faction then progressing their warrior through several ranks, with each new rank offering new abilities and status effects that enable them to craft a tailored character. Factions include the Royal Marines and Cossacks, who will be fighting across a range of WarZones featuring great verticality and many weapons that offer interesting alt. uses.

Swords that turn into shields, electrified blades, and powered arrows capable of breaking through steel armour are just a a few of the tools mentioned so far.

The Battlecry beta is coming in 2015. Stay tuned for more.