Cumbria and the Lake District appears to the inspiration behind a new viral video game Hawthorn. 

Last week, on October 8, the new US-based company Near Studios was unveiled, with Hawthorn announced as their first game project. 

The company includes developers from the likes of Bethesda, BioWare and Naughty Dog including Last of Us artist Heather Cerlan and Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith, two of the most popular gaming series in recent times. 

Hawthorn is described as 'an intimate Skyrim sandbox meets a Stardew Valley village simulation' and will see players co-operate to build a community. 

However, eagle-eyed viewers of the trailer will have spotted references to Lake Windermere, which appears to set the scene for the village depicted in the game. 

On the Hawthorn website, where users can add the game to their Steam wish list, it is described as a 'co-op sandbox RPG village sim inspired by Victorian-era European fairytales and the spirit of 80s and 90s anthropomorphic animal adventure stories.

"In this nostalgic world, play with friends or solo as you build a village of endearing NPCs, farm, craft, explore, and celebrate the seasons in an ever-changing world bigger than you."

A further description on Steam writes: 

"Once upon a time, woodland creatures built a trading post in forgotten Windermere Valley, but now it is the haunt of varmints, fairy lights, and mysterious rumours about why this village was abandoned.

"To you, however, this is a hope for a new life. Recruit villagers and grow a community. Defend against the elements and forest tricksters. Thrive and celebrate the seasons’ traditions. Rebuilding won’t be easy, but you and your newfound friends are up to the challenge."

The game will launch on PC, but a release date is currently unknown. 

Near Studios were approached for comment.