It's 1983. The tensions between NATO and the USSR have reached their breaking point, and the Cold War has quickly turned into an all-out conflict across Europe. Take the side of NATO or Warsaw Pact forces in an authentic, realistic, yet accessible online first person tactical shooter. Welcome to '83!

A spiritual successor to Rising Storm 2: Vietnam, ‘83 puts players in the boots of a soldier in this shadow history, wherein massive 40v40 matches feature authentic Cold War-era weapons, vehicles and squad-based objectives. Coordinate with teammates, capture critical points and dominate the battlefield with smart tactics and teamwork.

Originally announced in 2019, ‘83 was built on the idea of “accessible realism”, where the game is mindful of players’ time, while also offering an accurate portrayal of how a historical battle could play out. Matches average around 30-40 minutes, while dying only takes you out of the match for a short while, before allowing you to respawn. Don’t underestimate this seemingly low-stakes penalty, as that time-out is enough to turn the tide of battle since ‘83 requires thorough communication and teamwork, with Team Commanders guiding their faction through strategic organization and nail-biting calls.

Players can choose from a variety of roles: from frontline riflemen to vehicle operators and support units - each with their own loadouts and strategic value. ‘83 features era-authentic weapons and equipment with realistic handling and lethality, with each armament meticulously designed and animated according to its real life counterpart. Every weapon behaves in a realistic way, with barrels and suppressors overheating when rapid firing, machineguns require a stable surface for accuracy, and bullets don't magically teleport in between magazines when you reload a half-empty one. ‘83’s focus on realism, coordination and large-scale immersion offers players a gritty, boots-on-the-ground experience in a world teetering on the edge of nuclear war!

This latest trailer, Cold War Gone Hot, shows off ‘83’s horrific “what if” scenario where players take the side of NATO or Warsaw Pact forces in sprawling, period accurate battles.

This offers the first look at the Fulda Gap map. Set in Germany between the Hesse-Thuringian border, the Fulda Gap was a strategically important region during the Cold War, as its two narrow corridors of lowlands offered the Warsaw Pact a potential path for its tanks to initiate a surprise attack. That makes it the perfect playground to enact this invasion that very well could have been.

If you’d like to get your hands on ‘83 early, sign up here for the alpha playtest!

“We love war games and our team consists of long-term veterans of the Red Orchestra, Rising Storm and Squad franchises with up to 17 years’ experience on each, and ‘83 is our most ambitious outing yet,” said Tony Gillham, CEO at Blue Dot Games. “We wanted to create a massive war game that captures the spirit and tactical nature of actual warfare with the accessibility and fun of a more casual game that doesn’t require such a huge time commitment to enjoy.”

Key Features:

• 40 vs 40 large scale battles with infantry, vehicles, tanks and fire missions
• 30 to 40 minute matches that take you straight to action
• Objective focused, squad-based team gameplay
• Team Commanders guide their faction to victory in an RTS-style metagame
• Era authentic weapons and equipment with realistic handling and lethality
• Spiritual successor to Rising Storm 2 Vietnam

‘83 is coming to Steam Early Access later this year.