The highly anticipated controller support has finally arrived in Gloomwood, a game that has been in early access since 2022. While the in-game options menu previously hinted at future controller compatibility, the exact timeline remained elusive. The rise of the Steam Deck certainly accelerated this demand, prompting many players to manually create their own controller configurations for the game.
New Blood Interactive has now officially announced that Gloomwood has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, thanks to the implementation of full controller support. This update not only allows players to map every action to their preferred buttons but also enables complete customization. The in-game tutorials have also been updated to display controller glyphs.
In addition to controller support, the game’s map has seen a slight expansion following a significant update earlier this year. Gloomwood continues its gradual development towards its final release. The early access period, which began in 2022, has been an open-ended process, focusing on realizing the developers’ vision without strict deadlines. Despite its ongoing development, Gloomwood is already a polished experience with substantial content, making it a title worth keeping an eye on.
For those unfamiliar with Gloomwood, it was humorously introduced as “Thief with guns.” This immersive sim emphasizes a fetishistic approach to weaponry. Players are tasked with escaping a grim Victorian city, requiring them to wisely and patiently utilize not only their weapons and tools but also the environment for stealth and evasion. This includes leveraging dark alleys and corners for concealment and even utilizing discarded refuse. As we noted six years ago, even with just a demo, Gloomwood showcased a distinct shift in its latter half, transitioning from urban architecture to a more natural, viscous, and macabre environment that skillfully blended with horror-themed atmospheres. The game has consistently refined its genre without altering its core format. This evolution is reflected in the recent trailer URLs, which now subtly nod to “residenthievil.com,” building upon the original Thief homage.
