Pressure Cooker Studios, have been signed on as the official Music and Audio partner for Kinstrife, an upcoming historical action RPG set in 13th-century Germany, the first major title from indie developer Finitude.
The studio will be responsible for original composition, sound design, and the integration of audio across the game in close collaboration with Finitude.
In Kinstrife, players step into the role of a wandering knight, securing contracts from noble houses to build fortune, reputation, and influence. With its unique physics-based combat system, dynamic troop management, and strategic diplomacy, the game blends action, role-playing, and strategy in a rich and authentic medieval setting.
For Pressure Cooker Studios, Kinstrife represents the opportunity to shape a sonic world that feels both authentic to its historical roots and emotionally resonant for modern players.
The Music and Audio studio’s work on the Original Soundtrack for Manor Lords, released last year, demonstrates their ruthless pursuit of authenticity and their ability to capture the difference between historically accurate medieval sound and ‘fantasy medieval’.
“Kinstrife’s vision of immersive medieval storytelling is exactly the kind of world we know how to work in,” said Elben Schutte, Lead Composer at Pressure Cooker Studios. “Our approach is to create a sonic world that respects period influences but also carries the cinematic energy needed to keep players emotionally connected through every duel, decision, and diplomatic move.”
By handling the full integration of audio in the game and leaning on the capabilities of Wwise, Pressure Cooker Studios will elevate the role of music and sound design, ensuring they speak to each other dynamically to create a reactive, layered experience that fully immerses the player in the world.
Kinstrife is currently in development and is already garnering attention for its ambitious blend of RPG mechanics and strategy-driven gameplay. This collaboration marks a major step in bringing its world to life.
“We met Ben and Jamie after their 2024 Devcom talk about their work on Manor Lords. We loved the soundtrack before that, but seeing the dedication that went into the process made it all the more impressive, so we had to get in touch. Everything we’ve seen from Pressure Cooker Studios gives us full confidence that they will take the music and sound design of Kinstrife to a stellar level. Working with the team has been an absolute pleasure so far and we’re really looking forward to what’s ahead!” – Christoph Rüger Co-Founder, Finitude
Pictured:
Co-founders of Finitude Christoph Rüger and Khaya Ludidi met with Elben Schutte and James Matthes at Gamescom 2025 to celebrate the announcement of the collaboration over a few beers.
