Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients Brings Irish Mythology to Life

Ireland’s ancient legends are getting a new lease on life, this time through an ambitious open-world RPG. Fantasy fans have explored countless mythical kingdoms, but how often do they get to experience the folklore of the Emerald Isle?

A husband-and-wife development team hopes to change that by blending real historical landscapes with supernatural encounters and Irish traditions. Their upcoming adventure promises more than entertainment, although bringing such a massive vision to life won’t be easy.

Irish legends come alive

Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients comes from Alex Mac Uaid and Alison McQuade, a couple from County Kildare, Ireland. Both share a love for games like Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher, but they’ve long wanted something that celebrates their country’s mythology. Their story follows archaeologist Ailbhe O’Sullivan, who investigates a mysterious discovery at the Hill of Tara.

What begins as an archaeological expedition takes her into the Otherworld, a supernatural realm filled with legendary figures and dangerous encounters. Expect familiar names from Irish folklore and history, including the Morrígan, Children of Lir, Aos Sí and Brian Boru. Player decisions will influence the narrative, connecting these ancient tales through an original adventure.

Exploring Ireland’s ancient landscapes

Forget generic fantasy kingdoms. Emerald Blood aims to recreate real Irish landmarks using satellite imagery, LiDAR mapping and Unreal Engine technology. Its planned 20-square-kilometre world spans locations across Kildare, Meath, Louth and Laois. Among the landmarks are Newgrange, the River Boyne and Hill of Tara. To preserve their historical character, the developers have worked with heritage authorities and obtained 3D scans and archaeological materials.

Exploration also comes with an unusual twist. A mechanic called Léargas, meaning insight in Irish, lets Ailbhe peer through a hagstone to uncover hidden glimpses of the past. Imagine finding a ruined building and seeing its former structure appear before your eyes. It’s an interesting example of gaming industry innovations that reward curiosity instead of guiding players through objective markers.

Irish language meets fantasy

Irish culture isn’t limited to the scenery. Mythological beings such as the Aos Sí will speak Irish, while English remains the primary language with subtitles for conversations. Rather than turn the adventure into a language lesson, the couple wants players to pick up expressions through natural interactions.

It’s a welcome approach amid gaming trends that increasingly explore different cultures and lesser-known mythologies. Who knows? Some players might finish the adventure with a newfound interest in Ireland’s language, folklore and historical sites.

Independent ambitions and funding

Creating such a large world takes time, especially for two developers juggling full-time jobs and raising young children. Much of their game development happens during evenings and weekends. Progress has been encouraging, with around 80% of the storyline written since the couple registered Mac Uaid Enterprises Limited in August 2025.

Money, however, remains a challenge. Their planned Kickstarter campaign seeks support for additional developers, artists and other production needs, with roughly 38,000 euros required for upcoming milestones.

Interested players can follow the crowdfunding campaign or wishlist Emerald Blood on Steam. A polished 30-to-45-minute demo is targeted for March 2028. Beyond entertainment, the couple hopes their creation inspires people to visit Ireland and explore the places behind its legends. Whether that dream becomes reality remains to be seen, but this is one gaming project worth watching.