From Press Release:
During the annual Next Live showcase, Slitherine premiered the announcement of Bolt Action, a brand-new turn-based WWII strategy game created in collaboration with Warlord Games, the acclaimed publisher behind the world-famous tabletop system and its iconic highly detailed, tabletop miniatures.
In an exceptionally crowded field of World War II strategy titles, Bolt Action stands apart with a singular ambition: to recreate the authentic sensation of commanding miniatures across a real tabletop battlefield. The game captures the tactile, hands-on experience that has made the physical system beloved worldwide — from rotating the turret of an M4 Sherman to bring a German Tiger tank into its sights, to slipping a platoon behind a stretch of bocage or into the cover of a forest, to maneuvering a sniper on its plastic round base through terrain that feels handcrafted and alive.
This digital adaptation brings the hallmark mechanics of the tabletop game to life in a seamless, fully 3D environment. Troops will face morale tests that can determine whether they hold their ground or retreat under pressure, while clever positioning allows players to pin enemy platoons with sustained or crossfire. Close-combat assaults retain the tension of the physical game thanks to reactive defensive fire, and every decision is shaped by a realistic line of sight that depends on terrain, elevation, and battlefield obstacles. All of this unfolds on immersive battlefields inspired by classic miniature wargaming dioramas, complete with woods, buildings, fortifications, and the tactile feel of a true tabletop setup.
And just like on the painting desk, players will be able to take out their virtual brush: Bolt Action features an Army Painter that allows full customization of digital units, echoing the creative hobby core of assembling and painting miniatures.
Developed by Slitherine and Frag Games, Bolt Action promises the first and most faithful digital interpretation of the Bolt Action tabletop rule ever made. Playable solo or in multiplayer, it features a fully dynamic single-player campaign set during the dramatic events of D-Day and the battles of Normandy, alongside meticulously recreated forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“We are thrilled to bring the intensity and depth of Bolt Action to the digital realm,” said Marco Alessandro Minoli, Director of Publishing at Slitherine. “Slitherine has long-standing expertise in adapting major tabletop licenses — as demonstrated by Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector and Field of Glory. Our partnership with Warlord Games allows us to create a game that not only honors the authenticity and spirit of their miniatures, but also introduces the kind of dynamic, immersive strategy mechanics that only a video game can deliver.”
“Warlord Games are hugely excited to be working with Slitherine to bring Bolt Action to the digital realm. We’re looking forward to seeing our award winning tabletop game brought to life on screens all over the world.” said Peter Gosling, Warlord Games, Head of Product.
In Bolt Action, tactical decision-making is paramount. Timing, positioning, and the careful issuing of orders define victory. Commanders will need to deploy their troops wisely, outmaneuver opponents, and strike at decisive moments — just as they would in a competitive tabletop match.
More details will be revealed in the coming months as this groundbreaking adaptation prepares to bring the WWII tabletop battlefield to life like never before. The game is set to release in 2026.
About Slitherine
The Slitherine Group is the world’s leading producer and publisher of digital strategy and wargames. Under the Slitherine (www.
