This week, as part of the Women-Led Games Showcase, it was announced that the chilling PSX-style online co-op horror game Blue Ridge Hunting will launch into Steam Early Access this August.
Set deep in the Appalachian Mountains, the debut title from independent studio Jade & Company features two distinct ways to play:
- Narrative-Driven Story Mode: Up to four players can join the Appalachian Investigation Group to investigate, document clues, and hunt terrifying cryptids based on real legends and folklore.
- Freeplay Mode: Up to six investigators can explore and hunt freely across the Appalachian region.
No matter the mode, players must use extreme caution. While communication is critical to survival, the game’s creatures react in real-time to proximity voice chat and radio chatter. A single whisper or an unusually loud step could be your last. Successful investigations yield cash rewards, allowing players to upgrade their gear and better equip themselves against the greater threats lurking in the forests.
Beyond the scares, Blue Ridge Hunting aims for deep atmospheric and cultural authenticity. The game features an original score that blends haunting melodies with traditional Appalachian Bluegrass roots.
The project began in January 2023 as a solo effort by developer Jade Meadows, who set out to create a love letter to the region’s culture, celebrating the community and resilience of West Virginia while acknowledging its more painful history. Through the distinctive lens of Appalachian folklore, the game explores heavy themes of generational trauma, grief, and family. What started as a solo passion project has since grown into an ambitious debut for Jade & Company, which now comprises a full team of artists, composers, and designers.
Blue Ridge Hunting is currently available to wishlist on Steam ahead of its August Early Access launch.
