This shift marks a focused direction for a title backed by creators renowned for shaping the stealth genre. Paul Neurath, founder of OtherSide Entertainment, is known for his work on classics like *Thief and System Shock 2. He is joined by Warren Spector, the creative force behind the Deus Ex series. Their combined legacy sets a high bar for gameplay innovation and immersive world-building within the genre.
Thick as Thieves* transports players to Kilcairn, a fictional Scottish city depicted with a 1910s aesthetic where magic and technology intertwine. Upon release, the game will feature two playable thieves, two distinct maps, and 16 contracts to complete. Players will have access to six unique pieces of gear and can adjust gameplay with multiple difficulty settings that alter level layouts.
Why the Gameplay Focus Changed
The most notable change since Thick as Thieves was first unveiled at The Game Awards in December 2024 is its re-engineered gameplay focus. Originally conceived as a PvPvE experience, the development team made a deliberate decision to pivot to solo and co-op gameplay. OtherSide Entertainment announced this change on Steam on April 2, 2026, a detail first reported by Engadget.
OtherSide Entertainment articulated their reasoning for the pivot in a statement on Steam:
"As development progressed and the world of Kilcairn has come to life, we found that we were having more fun with solo and co-op play. So, we’ve taken a decision we feel is right for the game: Thick as Thieves is now focused on two-player co-op and single player. This sharpened focus has allowed us to double down on what makes Thick as Thieves truly special — dynamic stealth gameplay."This strategic pivot was not without its critics. A segment of playtesters and early fans expressed disappointment regarding the removal of the PvP element. Such shifts are common in game development, often reflecting a team's evolving vision or response to internal playtesting data. Focusing on a core strength, like dynamic stealth, often leads to a more polished and cohesive experience, even if it means narrowing the audience.
— OtherSide Entertainment, Steam Announcement
What This Means for Players and the Future
For players, this means an experience tailored specifically for cunning stealth and coordinated two-player heists, rather than the unpredictability of competing against other players. The absence of PvP allows designers to craft more intricate environments and encounter designs, ensuring the AI and environmental challenges are the primary obstacles. This choice targets players seeking a pure stealth experience, reminiscent of the developers' past works.
While the game launches as a solo and co-op title, a developer did offer a glimmer of hope for those missing PvPvE, indicating it "may come further down the line." This suggests the door is not entirely closed, but for now, the focus is firmly on the refined core mechanics. Similarly, while console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S were initially announced, the immediate release is solely for PC via Steam, with no further details on other platforms available at present.
The decision to streamline Thick as Thieves into a focused solo and co-op stealth title highlights a commitment to gameplay depth over feature breadth. For fans of classic stealth games, this concentrated effort from two genre pioneers aims to deliver a meticulously crafted experience that stands on its own.
