Virtual Alchemy

Virtual Alchemy is an independent game development studio founded in Warsaw, Poland, in 2022 by Dominik Sypnicki and Kamil Mickiewicz. It creates original PC and console role-playing and strategy games, emphasizing player agency, interconnected systems, tactical decision-making, and distinctive hand-painted 3D art. Its production model centers on developing its own intellectual property rather than providing third-party work-for-hire services.

The founders bring a combined development background spanning more than two decades. Members of the team have previously contributed to games including The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077, Gwent, Showgunners, and Tower of Time. These are individual team members’ prior experience, rather than Virtual Alchemy studio credits.

A systems-driven debut

The studio’s debut project, Band of Crusaders, is a dark medieval strategy RPG originally developed under the working title Project Morning Star. These names refer to the same project. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game takes place in a low-fantasy interpretation of 14th-century Europe, where biblical and folkloric demons threaten the world following the fall of the Templars.

Its design combines an emergent overworld campaign with camp development, squad management, and real-time tactical combat. A dynamic tactical slow-motion mechanic draws inspiration from traditional real-time-with-pause RPGs, giving players room to assess encounters and coordinate their party. Historical research and medieval arms and armor inform the setting, while character, creature, and environment art contribute to its hand-painted visual identity.

Development and publishing

In December 2024, NCSOFT made a minority equity investment in Virtual Alchemy and became the global publisher of Band of Crusaders. Ironward contributes as a co-developer. The arrangement supports the studio’s original game production while bringing together development and publishing partners. Public playable demos appeared on Steam and GOG in December 2025 and early 2026.