Get ready to spread your wings and embark on an emotional journey through the skies — VORON, an evocative story-driven adventure inspired by Journey, ABZÛ, and AER: Memories of Old, is set to launch on Steam in early November 2025. Developed by solo creator Aleksandr Merkulov under Merk Games, VORON promises a poetic, short-form experience that meditates on life, death, and the quiet beauty of existence.
Currently available to try during Steam Next Fest (October 10–20, 2025), the VORON demo offers players a glimpse into its ethereal Norse-inspired world — one that’s filled with mystery, melancholy, and awe.
An Emotional Flight Through Norse Myths
In VORON, players take on the role of a raven — a spiritual guide entrusted with helping lost souls find their next home. The game’s minimalist open world invites players to soar through majestic skies, uncover hidden meanings, and connect with the lingering echoes of life and death.
It’s not a lengthy epic, but rather a compact, emotionally resonant experience — perfect for players seeking deep storytelling without the 50-hour grind.
What Awaits You in the Skies
Every aspect of VORON is crafted to immerse players in a meditative rhythm of flight and discovery. Among its key features:
- True Flight Freedom: Master the art of flying with intuitive controls that evolve as you play. Every flap and glide feels natural, giving you the freedom to soar or dive at will.
- The Language of Souls: Communication takes time. You’ll gradually learn the mysterious “Souls Language” by interacting with other characters scattered across the world.
- Hidden Secrets and Deeper Meaning: For explorers and lore hunters, VORON hides subtle stories and emotional secrets waiting to be unearthed.
- A Gentle World: There’s no combat, no death — just exploration and understanding. Even collisions are forgiving, letting you continue your journey without penalty.
- Croak With Purpose: Yes, there’s a dedicated “croak” button. Because every raven deserves a voice.
A Message from the Developer
Solo developer Aleksandr Merkulov shared his inspiration behind VORON:
“I love AAA stories, but sometimes you want an emotional punch that doesn’t take a month to get to. With VORON, I wanted to give players that fulfilling, beautiful narrative experience — all while soaring through the skies as a raven. It’s a game about connection, death, and growing.”
Merkulov’s personal touch is evident throughout VORON. From its painterly landscapes to its emotionally charged narrative moments, the game feels intimate and deliberate — a heartfelt project that speaks to the universal human experience.
VORON: Key Details
- Developer: Aleksandr Merkulov / Merk Games
- Release Window: November 6–10, 2025
- Platform: Steam (more platforms planned for the future)
- Genres: Adventure / Story-Driven / Open World
- Languages: English, Russian, German, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and more
Players can request review codes in advance via requestkey.net/voron and try the demo right now during Steam Next Fest.
VORON invites you to take flight — not just through breathtaking skies, but through the emotional depths of what it means to live, die, and move on.
