Vertpaint's first original title, Ritual Tides, is scheduled for release by the end of 2026. Set in the late 19th century, the game follows a female protagonist who awakens on Hortus, a fictional island not found on any map. Players must explore the harsh environment, confront threats on the island, and uncover the reason behind her arrival.
The game is led by James MacLeod, a former Rockstar developer. The island's landscape primarily references the North Cornwall towns of Bude and Priest Cove, while incorporating terrain from South Wales, Scotland, and Devon. Folklore from Victorian coastal regions, fishermen's legends, and tight-knit, isolated communities have been adapted into a story backdrop featuring pagan rituals.
The gameplay draws inspiration from Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and the works of H.P. Lovecraft, while DayZ's scarcity mechanics influence open-area exploration. Supplies lure players into dangerous locations, and climbing requires independent control of each hand to grip rocks or edges, reflecting the protagonist's poor climbing skills and adding operational pressure during escapes.
Ritual Tides features firearms, but ammunition is limited. While players can shoot smaller monsters, larger bosses cannot be defeated with bullets alone, requiring the use of environmental puzzles and climbing mechanics. The developers state that psychological horror is the core of the game, which also includes gore and jump scares.
Vertpaint has chosen to self-publish the title to maintain its dark themes and focus on core gamers. The studio also plans a larger world comprised of six games.