Whispers of Taiji: Newsletter
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"Why Would You Add PvP to a Co-op Game?"

"Why Would You Add PvP to a Co-op Game?"

KS Sneak Peek: Map Cartography Magic

Studio Munbou
July 28, 2025

Truth Hidden in Verse

You’ll need this later

Hard work, they say, keeps the soul clean.
All we do is guide the gifted toward their destiny.
It’s a noble thing, helping the worthy ascend.
Little do they realize—they're part of something grand.

Mekhi’s will flows through every floor, every test.
Even their struggles are orchestrated with care.
Keep climbing, dear chosen—your purpose awaits.
He watches with pride. So do we.
In service to balance, all plays their part.

- Anonymous, Tower Administrator

These words are more than what meets the eye. Decipher them and you’ll have the key for even greater rewards. Hold tight to that key until the doors open.

We’ll let you know what to do with it…

WILL YOU FOLLOW THE PATH TO GLORY →

A WELCOME TO ASTRA:

WHY WOULD WE INTRODUCE PVP TO A CO-OP GAME?

We’re going to answer this since we’ve been asked so many times: isn’t D&D inherently a co-op game? It sounds strange to add PvP, and maybe even a little risky. But that's exactly why we're doing it.

Whispers of Taiji was heavily inspired by psychological thrillers like Liar Game, a manga series where alliances, trust, and betrayal constantly shift. Players in that story must cooperate to survive, but they're always aware that only one can ultimately win. It creates an electrifying psychological dynamic we couldn’t resist exploring in our own game.

When the world is designed to turn you against each other, choice becomes the ultimate test: Will you fight for one another, even at your own cost? Will you fight to win, no matter who falls?

Or will you fight the system and rewrite the game entirely?

In Whispers of Taiji, your party shares a common goal: ascend the Tower of Aeon. Working together is essential. You quite literally wouldn’t be able to scale the tower alone. But beneath every cooperative move lies the tension of knowing only one person can claim the final victory. That single fact transforms gameplay, forcing you to balance genuine trust with strategic caution.

We're not just adding PvP mechanics for the sake of conflict. We're using them to create the kind of deeply engaging, psychological experience we love to play ourselves. Friendship and suspicion intertwine. Choices matter more. The stakes feel higher, because trust itself becomes your most valuable, and most dangerous, asset.

That's why PvP exists in our co-op game. Because the strongest bonds form under pressure, and we're here for every thrilling moment of it.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN THE KICKSTARTER GOES LIVE →

KICKSTARTER UPDATES

The World Expands: The Map of Veloras

Veloras, the Capitol City of Astra

We’re beyond excited to be working with the incredible Svetlana (@smitchellarts), a self-taught environment artist known for her richly detailed fantasy cities, mystic landscapes, and labyrinthine dungeons. Her work brings entire worlds to life—and our shared vision for Whispers of Taiji couldn’t be more aligned.

We just recently shared the map of Veloras, home of the Tower of Aeon… and it's stunning. With her on board, the world of Astra is shaping up to be something truly magical.

Keep an eye out, more maps to be revealed soon!
(And if you want to dive deeper into her art, check out her Patreon.

GET NOTIFIED ON OUR KICKSTARTER LAUNCH →

LORE WHISPERS

New Sub-Class: Warriors

Sub-class of Fighter.

The Warrior is the embodiment of battlefield versatility, an elite fighter whose training has pushed the limits of adaptability, focus, and efficiency. While others rely on brute strength or arcane tricks, the Warrior refines every movement, every strike, every breath. Their strength lies not in flashy techniques but in perfect form, changing tactics mid-battle, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and enduring through sheer grit.

With each encounter, the Warrior reads the flow of combat like a master tactician, knowing when to press, when to pivot, and when to stand unyielding. They are not simply fighters, they are combat incarnates.