Seismic Squirrel today announced that Aether & Iron, a narrative-driven RPG focused on player choice and character-driven storytelling, will launch on PC via Steam on March 31, 2026.
Set in an alternate 1930s New York transformed into a vertical city by the discovery of “aether”, a key component to newfound anti-gravitational technology, Aether & Iron follows Gia, a smuggler navigating crime syndicates, political conspiracies, and fragile alliances. Players shape Gia’s story through meaningful decisions, with every choice influencing relationships, outcomes and the fate of the city itself. The game is fully voiced and features writing talent with credits on Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate, with an original score composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson, best known for their work on the Civilization series.
“Aether & Iron is about finding your own path when the world doesn’t give you many choices, if any at all.” said Tyler Whitney, Narrative Lead at Seismic Squirrel. “Whether you’re talking your way out of trouble, taking a risky job, or deciding the fate of someone who has put their life in your hands, every decision shapes Gia’s story and the future of New York. We’ve spent years building this world and bringing its characters to life, and we’re incredibly excited for players to finally experience it when the game launches this March.”
Gameplay blends narrative-driven role-playing with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat that reflects the risks of life in the city’s underworld. Players customize a fleet of aether-powered vehicles and recruit a diverse cast of companions, each bringing unique talents and personal stories that influence both combat encounters and narrative paths.
As a seemingly simple smuggling job escalates into a conspiracy threatening the entire city, players develop their Hustle, Smarts and Brass – core abilities that shape combat effectiveness, dialogue options and high-stakes decisions. Even the most carefully considered choices carry uncertainty, where success or failure can come down to a single dice roll. Over time, those decisions determine whether New York’s citizens find hope, or remain trapped in corruption and violence.
