A Cold War gone hot reimagined through large-scale tactical warfare
Cornwall, England April 23rd, 2026 – Blue Dot Games are proud to announce that their 40v40 squad-based tactical first-person shooter ‘83 is now available in Steam Early Access for $29.99 / €28.99 / £24.99 with a launch week discount of 10%. Set in an alternate 1983 where the Cold War erupts into full-scale conflict, ‘83 delivers large-scale, team-driven combat inspired by classic tactical shooters, while introducing a modern take on accessibility and realism.
“Our vision for ‘83 has always been to deliver a large-scale tactical shooter that feels authentic to its Cold War setting, while remaining approachable for a wide range of players. From the weapons and uniforms to the pacing of combat, every detail is designed to ground the experience in realism without sacrificing playability. Launching into Early Access is a major milestone for us, as it allows players to step in, experience that vision firsthand, and help shape the game as it evolves,” said Tony Gillham, CEO at Blue Dot Games.
‘83 is available now in Steam Early Access, bringing players into large-scale Cold War combat with a strong focus on teamwork, coordination, and tactical decision-making.
To coincide with the launch, Blue Dot Games has also revealed a development roadmap outlining upcoming content and features planned for ‘83.
More about ‘83
‘83 puts players in the boots of a soldier in this shadow history, wherein massive 40v40 matches feature authentic Cold War-era weapons, vehicles and squad-based objectives. Coordinate with teammates, capture critical points and dominate the battlefield with smart tactics and teamwork.
‘83 was built on the idea of “accessible realism”, where the game is mindful of players’ time, while also offering an accurate portrayal of how a historical battle could play out. Matches average around 30-40 minutes, while dying only takes you out of the match for a short while, before allowing you to respawn. Don’t underestimate this seemingly low-stakes penalty, as that time-out is enough to turn the tide of battle since ‘83 requires thorough communication and teamwork, with Team Commanders guiding their faction through strategic organization and nail-biting calls.
Players can choose from a variety of roles: from frontline riflemen to vehicle operators and support units – each with their own loadouts and strategic value. ‘83 features era-authentic weapons and equipment with realistic handling and lethality, with each armament meticulously designed and animated according to its real life counterpart. Every weapon behaves in a realistic way, with barrels and suppressors overheating when rapid firing, machineguns require a stable surface for accuracy, and bullets don’t magically teleport in between magazines when you reload a half-empty one. ‘83’s focus on realism, coordination and large-scale immersion offers players a gritty, boots-on-the-ground experience in a world teetering on the edge of nuclear war!
About Blue Dot Games
Blue Dot Games is an independent game development studio consisting of industry veterans with a passion for immersive, tactically rich shooters. Known for their work on acclaimed titles such as Red Orchestra and Rising Storm, the team brings decades of combined experience in multiplayer game design, systems development, and historical authenticity.
In 2023, Blue Dot Games acquired the rights to ‘83 following the closure of its original developer, Antimatter Games. Since then, the team has led a full-scale revival and redevelopment of the project, building on its foundations with a clear creative vision and renewed technical direction.