Fan the Flames: Ashes of Mankind: Citadels

Ever wished you could be there at the beginning, and be a part of bringing a game to life? Well, gamers, you have a chance to do just that; to turn up the heat on a game that’s bubbling under the radar right now. Ashes of Mankind: Citadels is in development, and now is the time to get on board. Adrien David, CEO and Creative Director at Black Ice Studios, dropped by Intel Gaming Access to share some pre-release details, and dish on how his real-life experience informed a radical new dystopian shooter.

“My background,” Adrien explains, “includes experience in the French military, which has had a huge influence on how I approach Citadels. I oversee the game’s development, making sure every mechanic reflects the excitement of an extraction game blended with the grit and realism of a tactical shooter. Our mission? To create an immersive world where every player feels the thrill of battle and the weight of survival.”

“Ashes of Mankind: Citadels is an intense, tactical extraction shooter set in the world of Ortus, where rival factions battle for resources and control,” Adrien continues. “It’s designed for players who crave realistic, high-stakes gameplay and the freedom to adapt skills and loadouts in real-time. If you’re a fan of gritty PvP/PvE combat, stunning graphics, deep strategy, and immersive worlds, Citadels is made for you!”

Citadels is designed to give players what they want—always a smart move—but there’s more here than potential fan service. “Citadels is inspired by a mix of dystopian sci-fi, tactical combat, and my own military background,” Adrien says. “What makes it stand out is our competitive extraction mode, the first of its kind. Unlike other extraction games focused purely on survival, Citadels introduces direct player competition over gear and resources, heightening the stakes and making every decision matter. It’s an evolution in the genre that demands strategic thinking and nerves of steel.”

OK, we’re up to the challenge. A lot is still under wraps, but Adrien agreed to tell us a bit about what’s in store for those reinforced nerves. “Players can expect intense, close-quarters combat and the freedom to build a unique playstyle with our modular loadout system,” he reveals. “Imagine customizing your armor with pouches and utilities that change each mission’s dynamic. It’s like bringing real-world tactical adaptability to your screen. And don’t miss the Citadels themselves: fortified locations guarded by smart AI and packed with valuable resources offering thrilling high-reward challenges.”

Customization is always cool, but what about this aspect is going to shake up the genre? “Our modular armor system is something special,” Adrien says. “It allows players to customize their loadouts in a way that affects both gameplay and aesthetics. Inspired by real military loadouts, where utility is crucial, this feature lets players create adaptable ‘classes’ that evolve based on gear and tactical needs. It’s a whole new level of customization that brings players closer to the battlefield experience.”

Given his military experience, we’re taking Adrien’s word on that. Something we can all attest to, however, is the need to match performance to ambition. “Balancing functionality and visual design in our customization system was a major challenge,” Adrien says. “We wanted each gear choice to impact gameplay meaningfully while looking cohesive. We narrowed it down to essentials like ammo and medical pouches, ensuring realism without overwhelming players. Performance is key to Citadels because tactical engagements need to feel smooth and responsive. Every frame matters when you’re deep in an extraction mission, so a high-spec PC really lets you experience Ortus’s gritty detail and intense combat as we intended.”

Performance is Intel’s area of operations, and where we’re happy to make new allies. “This is our first collaboration with Intel,” Adrien explains, “and integrating Intel^® X^eSS super resolution technology has been transformative. It allows us to push high-fidelity graphics without sacrificing performance, making ou

r richly detailed world of Ortus more accessible across different systems. X^eSS is an ideal fit for Ashes of Mankind: Citadels, balancing high-fidelity graphics with optimized performance. It gives players stunning graphics and smooth gameplay, even in complex, large-scale environments, making every battle feel immersive, no matter their setup.”

To be a part of this journey, keep your eyes peeled for updates. “We’re only just beginning,” Adrien vows. “We’re committed to creating games that people love, with immersive experiences and high-stakes gameplay that push boundaries. To expand our reach and build a strong community around the game, we’ll soon be launching a Kickstarter campaign. Join us by following our channels, and keep an eye out for exclusive rewards available only to our earliest supporters!”

Follow along on Kickstarter.