Thick as Thieves Shifts Focus to Single-Player and Co-Op Gameplay

Otherside Entertainment has announced a significant shift in the development of *Thick as Thieves*, an immersive sim originally designed as a player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) multiplayer game. The studio, founded by Warren Spector, the creator of *Deus Ex*, and Paul Neurath, has decided to pivot towards a focus on two-player co-op and single-player modes. This decision was made after internal testing revealed that the development team found more enjoyment in solo and cooperative gameplay, leading to a commitment to enhance the game's dynamic stealth mechanics.

Warren Spector's Next Immersive Sim Will Now Be Single-Player Rather Than PvPvE

*Thick as Thieves* was first revealed during The Game Awards in 2024, set in the fictional Scottish city of Kilcairn during an alternate 1910s where magic and technology coexist. Initially, the game aimed to blend stealth mechanics with multiplayer elements, allowing players to engage in heists while being pursued by human-controlled thieves. However, the developers recognized that the original multiplayer concept may not align with the strengths of the immersive sim genre, which has historically catered to more niche audiences.

Immersive Sim Heist Game Thick As Thieves Abandons PvPvE To Focus Only On Single-Player And Co-Op

In a blog post on the game's Steam page, Otherside stated, "When we first revealed *Thick as Thieves*, we intended to focus on PvPvE gameplay. However, as development progressed... we found that we were having more fun with solo and co-op play." The studio emphasized that this new direction allows them to "double down on what makes *Thick as Thieves* truly special—dynamic stealth gameplay." They expressed optimism about the enhanced gameplay experience that this shift will bring.

Deus Ex Creator’s New Multiplayer Immersive-Sim Thick as Thieves is No Longer PvPvE, Moving to Co-Op/Single-Player FocusImmersive Sim Heist Game Thick As Thieves Abandons PvPvE To Focus Only On Single-Player And Co-OpWarren Spector's Next Immersive Sim Will Now Be Single-Player Rather Than PvPvEWarren Spector's multiplayer Thief successor changes direction: Instead of PvPvE, it's now focusing on 2-player co-op and singleplayer

While many in the gaming community view this change positively, some critics express disappointment over the abandonment of the multiplayer aspect. The potential for a competitive multiplayer environment was seen as an intriguing concept, and there are concerns that focusing solely on single-player and co-op may limit the game's appeal. However, Otherside has indicated that PvPvE gameplay could be revisited in future updates, suggesting a possibility for expansion beyond the initial launch.

Warren Spector's multiplayer Thief successor changes direction: Instead of PvPvE, it's now focusing on 2-player co-op and singleplayer

*Thick as Thieves* is set to be featured in the upcoming Triple-I Initiative showcase on April 9, 2026, where a new gameplay trailer will be revealed. This event is anticipated to provide further insights into the game's mechanics and potential release date, which is still expected later this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Immersive Sim Heist Game Thick As Thieves Abandons PvPvE To Focus Only On Single-Player And Co-Op

The decision to shift *Thick as Thieves* towards a single-player and co-op focus reflects a strategic move by Otherside Entertainment to align the game with the strengths of its developers and the immersive sim genre. As the studio prepares for its next reveal, the gaming community awaits to see how this new direction will manifest in gameplay and overall experience.

Warren Spector's Next Immersive Sim Will Now Be Single-Player Rather Than PvPvE