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!

Blue Dot Games has unveiled a new Developer Tapes video for ‘83, revealing how real-time strategy mechanics elevate its 40v40 squad-based tactical FPS.

Set in an alternate 1983 where the Cold War escalated into global conflict, the latest showcase focuses on the Commander role - a strategic position focused on battlefield oversight, tactical decision-making and team coordination.

The video offers an in-depth look at how this RTS-inspired system enhances teamwork and reshapes multiplayer engagements.

In ‘83, every team has the option for a single Commander. These leaders spend the majority of their time in the overhead command view, controlling the battle like a real-time strategy game; managing squads, deploying abilities, and reading the flow of combat from above.

As a Commander, your first order of business is to set up a command post, where you can see squad positions, objectives, enemy markers, and key updates in real time. Think of it as your war room, everything important flows through this interface. From here, you can send attack or defend orders, or place waypoints on the map telling your soldiers where to go. Furthermore, Commanders have a dedicated Commander VOIP channel, available only to them and squad leaders, which can be used to issue orders and plan strategy without the distraction of general team chatter.

In addition to issuing squad orders, Commanders can call in a variety of support options like artillery and rocket barrages to clear areas or suppress enemies, smoke shells to block enemy lines of sight, reconnaissance aircraft that reveal enemy positions from high altitude, or a reinforcement wave tool to call in an instant respawn for your whole team. Abilities cost resources like fuel or munitions and have cooldowns, so timing and prioritisation are key. 

Ultimately, playing the Commander is about situational awareness, team coordination, and tactical decision-making. You influence the shape of the battlefield, direct the momentum of each push, and guide your team toward victory…or defeat.

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 in 2026.