Creating a video game is a bit like casting a spell: it takes talent, daring… and sometimes a little creative chaos. This is exactly the approach taken by the Valais-based company Ezadot SA in creating its game Wizdom Academy. This game, which is linked to the world of magic, will be available in early access from 17 April. Let’s take a look at this promising new addition to the world of video games, which showcases the Valais region’s expertise in this field.
Based in Le Bouveret, within the company Edazot SA, Kipwak Studio was founded in 2023 by Guillaume Mezino, a developer with over 15 years of experience in the video game industry. The studio imagines worlds where technology rhymes with strategy and storytelling.
For its first 3D PC game, ‘Wizdom Academy,’ Kipwak Studio offers an adventure that combines construction, magic and tactics. Players create and run a school of magic in a world where mana, an essential resource for practising magic, is becoming dangerously scarce. They must deal with the needs of staff and students, avoid chaos in the corridors and unravel the mystery of the mana droughts.
Challenges: from magic to reality
Developing a video game involves tackling very real challenges: finding an audience, choosing the right trade shows for promotion, refining gameplay and tirelessly testing features.
In 2024, the studio was selected by Pro Helvetia as part of the SwissGames initiative to join the official delegation of Swiss studios receiving international support.
This strategic support enabled Kipwak Studio to meet experts, get players’ feedback on Wizdom Academy and receive feedback on the user experience.
After several development phases, the game will be released on 17 April in early access on Steam — a crucial step that will allow the gameplay to be further refined thanks to feedback from the community before its official release.
A pleasant surprise: over 50,000 wishlists!
Yes, you read that correctly. In April 2025, Wizdom Academy surpassed 50,000 wishlists on Steam. This milestone is reassuring, as it indicates real sales potential and, above all, a community of players who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take control of their own magic academy.
In terms of innovation, the studio is harnessing the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise its creative process. For example, some of the dialogue for non-player characters (NPCs) was generated using AI, saving the team valuable time while enriching the game world with varied and natural interactions.
To be continued…
Early access to the game is scheduled for 17 April. The game has already been tested by more than 25,000 players via its free demo and will be available in 12 languages. And that’s just the beginning! Over the coming months, numerous updates will enhance the game, including advanced building customisation, dungeon exploration, rivalries between academies and even a darker exploration of black magic.
To increase its international visibility, Kipwak Studio will be hitting the trade show circuit in May, with stops planned at PAX East Boston, Nordic Game in Malmo (Sweden) and Fantasy Basel.
“In 2024, PRISM supported us in finalising our prototype and launching our demo on Steam. In 2025, their support will help us take the next step with the game’s early access release.” – Guillaume Mezino, Kipwak Studio
With Wizdom Academy, Kipwak Studio hopes to consolidate its presence in Valais, continue its development and create new opportunities in the field of video games.
As a bonus
Images from the game and upcoming content available at @kipwakstudio
During a PRISM training course, Guillaume Mezino gave an introduction to video game creation. Watch a replay of the training course.
