Indie GTA in London? ENDS takes a different approach

Concrete Realm has released a new development update for ENDS, showcasing several notable additions. The video features pre-alpha gameplay, new characters, additional items and improvements to the game world and atmosphere. Rather than a traditional trailer, it is intended to give fans a look at the current state of development – after all, ENDS is being made by a team of just twelve people. There is no release date yet.

ENDS features an open-world version of modern-day London and deals with themes such as gangs, drug crime and violence, so GTA comparisons are never far away. According to the developers, however, the similarities largely end with the basic framework. Instead of presenting crime as an entertaining gameplay element, ENDS aims to focus on its consequences. Concrete Realm describes the project as a story about people living in troubled London neighborhoods and wants to portray social challenges as authentically as possible. Crime is not meant to be glorified, but shown as a dead end.

The developers are also putting a strong focus on realism in the game world. Faithfully recreated street signs, typical vehicles, authentic architecture and London’s changeable weather are meant to make the British capital feel as believable as possible. Concrete Realm is also working with local musicians and a well-known graffiti artist to capture the city’s atmosphere and culture. According to the studio, the story is already fully planned and includes a prologue, three acts and an epilogue.

One of the most exciting indie projects of the coming years

The mood in the comments under the latest video is largely positive. Many viewers are impressed by what the small team has already put together and describe ENDS as one of the most exciting indie projects of the coming years. There is some criticism, though: several users point to the still-unpolished AI, weaknesses in the stealth system and occasionally stiff melee animations. Given the early pre-alpha status, however, these currently feel more like expected areas for improvement than serious red flags.

Comparisons to GTA also keep appearing in the comments. The developers seem to take them as a compliment, even though they repeatedly emphasize that ENDS is intended to take a much more realistic approach.