Sword & Axe LLC operates as an indie video game developer specializing in tactical role-playing games. Founded by childhood friends Chip Moore and Dylan Takeyama, the studio takes its name from their middle school gaming club. Active since before 2021 Sword & Axe debuted with Dark Deity, a Kickstarter-backed title released on Steam June 15 2021 and Nintendo Switch March 17, 2022. The game delivers retro-inspired mechanics through lower-resolution sprites scaled from high-resolution art built in GameMaker. Dark Deity emphasizes expansive class trees strategic combat and modern RPG elements. In 2025 the studio released Dark Deity 2 on PC via Steam on March 24 expanding tactical depth player-driven storytelling and replayability, with a Nintendo Switch version set for September 4. Sword & Axe partners with publisher indie.io to advance turn-based strategy in indie gaming.
