Surgent Studios' upcoming psychological horror game, Dead Take, is generating excitement with its unique concept that blends film and gameplay. The game features actors Neil Newbon, known for his role as Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, and Ben Starr, who portrayed Clive in Final Fantasy 16. Abubakar Salim, founder of Surgent Studios, describes Dead Take as a "reverse escape room" set in a Hollywood mansion, exploring the dark side of fame and the sacrifices individuals make for success. The gameplay involves solving puzzles by piecing together live-action clips, similar in style to Alan Wake and Her Story. Dead Take aims to provide a more personal narrative, drawing from the actors' and the director's own experiences in the industry while challenging the toxic dynamics often observed in show business.
What is the gameplay style of Dead Take?Dead Take employs a unique gameplay style where players engage in puzzle-solving by uncovering live-action video clips, reflecting the dual nature of film and gaming. This approach offers a narrative-driven experience that deepens the exploration of themes such as success and the moral dilemmas faced by actors in the industry.
Dead Take represents a shift for Surgent Studios from its previous title, Tales of Kenzera. While Tales of Kenzera focused on Afrofuturism and personal themes of grief, Dead Take dives into the psychological aspects of fame, allowing players to experience the perils of the acting profession through an immersive horror lens. The game will be published by Pocketpair, known for bringing unique experiences to the gaming community.
Comments
This sounds like the perfect mix of eerie storytelling and interactive cinema—can't wait to see how the live-action clips tie into the puzzles. Also, major props for tackling the darker side of Hollywood; that’s a narrative goldmine for horror.
Love how Dead Take is blending live-action and gameplay—feels like a fresh twist on the FMV genre with some serious Hollywood talent behind it. Also, Abubakar Salim’s passion for exploring the darker side of fame gives this horror game some real thematic depth.
Neil Newbon and Ben Starr in a psychological horror game Sign me up—sounds like Dead Take is serving up some serious acting chops alongside those creepy puzzles. The 'reverse escape room' concept has me curious how they’ll flip the script on player expectations.