For decades, World War II games have returned to the same familiar frontlines — Normandy’s beaches, North Africa’s deserts, and the cities of Western Europe. Those stories matter, but they are only part of a much larger conflict.
Announced today by 4Divinity, a publishing label of GCL Global Holdings, alongside developer Hoothanes, The Defiant is a story-driven first-person shooter set in the Asian theatre of World War II. The game places players in the heart of China’s War of Resistance against Japan — a vast and brutal conflict that has remained largely unexplored in video games.
The Defiant is currently in development for PC via Steam and consoles.
A Different Lens on World War II
Rather than retelling familiar battles, The Defiant aims to reframe how the FPS genre approaches history. The game focuses on guerrilla warfare, survival behind enemy lines, and the human cost of resistance during occupation.
According to Sebastian Toke, Group CEO of GCL, the project represents exactly what the publisher is aiming to support.
“We are building a portfolio of bold, story-driven games that bring fresh perspectives to familiar genres. The Defiant shines a light on an important and rarely explored chapter of World War II, delivering a cinematic, authentic experience.”
Cinematic Storytelling and Varied Combat
The newly released trailer offers an early look at the game’s tone, locations, and combat, revealing an experience shaped as much by history and cultural identity as by action.
The story unfolds across occupied villages, frozen forests, fortified supply routes, and enemy-controlled urban zones. Each environment reflects the realities of resistance warfare, where survival often depends on careful planning rather than brute force.
Combat scenarios vary widely, shifting between:
- Stealth infiltration and reconnaissance
- Close-quarters firefights
- Sniping and long-range engagements
- Urban espionage and code-breaking missions
- Vehicular combat and sudden large-scale assaults
There are no clear frontlines here — only tension, unpredictability, and moments where strategy can be just as powerful as firepower.
Built with Authenticity at Its Core
Developed in Unreal Engine 5 by a veteran team of filmmakers and game developers, The Defiant takes a restrained, human-centred approach to storytelling. Rather than focusing purely on spectacle, the game aims to convey the emotional weight of resistance, survival, and the fight to protect identity and homeland.
Weapons are treated as historical artefacts rather than simple tools. Players will wield firearms rooted in China’s wartime history, including:
- Hanyang Type 88
- Mauser C96
- Bergmann submachine gun
Each weapon is recreated with attention to its origin and historical role, helping ground the experience in the era it represents.
Release Platforms
The Defiant is currently in development for PC via Steam and consoles. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam to follow its progress.
By shifting the spotlight to a rarely depicted chapter of World War II, The Defiant is shaping up to be a bold, thoughtful take on the FPS genre — one that prioritises perspective, history, and human stories alongside action.
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