IV Studio has unveiled Alterara, an ambitious new strategy title set in a visually striking mountain city, with a crowdfunding campaign scheduled to launch on Gamefound on June 9.
The Inspiration
The name Alterara is derived from “altura,” the Spanish word for elevation - a fitting choice for a game set in a towering mountain city bursting with culture and life. Within this vibrant setting, players compete to demonstrate their mastery of culture, commerce, and influence during the prestigious Ascension Festival.
Drawing from cultures of mountainous regions and pre-Columbian art, the game’s world combines rich tradition with sleek sci-fi design.
This distinctive aesthetic is brought to life by Chilean illustrator Phippe Dargas, whose work is complemented by creative direction from Mike Dockery. The result is a bold, cohesive visual identity that sets Alterara apart on the tabletop.
Mechanics
At its core, Alterara blends dice-bag building with worker placement mechanics. Players lead a powerful House, sending emissaries across the city to build influence with three key guilds: culture, commerce, and the arcane.
Strategic timing, careful planning, and dice mitigation are central to success. Over the course of seven rounds, players will compete to earn prestige and ultimately secure a coveted place on the High Council.
Built for Replayability
The design team behind Alterara - which includes Toby, Max, Zach, and others - has emphasised a thorough development process, with thousands of hours of playtesting shaping the final experience. The goal is a game that balances strategic depth with accessibility, offering meaningful decisions throughout each session.
On Tour
In the lead-up to its campaign, IV Studio is taking Alterara on tour, with demo events planned across the US, Canada, and Europe. Players will have the chance to try the game early, learn the rules from hosts, and even pick up exclusive promotional content.
