After A Metroidvania About Grief, Surgent Studios Is Exploring Acting With Psychological Horror

Surgent Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the emotive Metroidvania “Tales of Kenzera: Zau,” is charting an unexpected course with its sophomore effort, “Dead Take.” This dramatic pivot from a vibrant, myth-inspired action-adventure to a first-person psychological horror game signals a bold new direction, delving into the seldom-told stories and disquieting realities faced by actors within the labyrinthine entertainment industry. The studio, which previously captivated players with an emotional narrative centered on grief, now aims to explore a different kind of human experience, one steeped in the unsettling truths of creative professions.

Creative director Abubakar Salim describes “Dead Take” as a “reverse escape room,” an intriguing concept that inverts traditional puzzle-solving mechanics. Instead of seeking an exit, protagonist Chase is drawn deeper into a mysterious mansion, with each step further unwrapping secrets and revealing increasingly darker realities. This immersive journey promises to evoke a complex blend of understanding and disgust, as players confront the hidden pressures and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of a performing career. The game\’s design inherently fosters a sense of claustrophobia and escalating dread, characteristic of true psychological horror.

Salim\’s inspiration for “Dead Take” stems directly from his own experiences and observations within both the film and gaming sectors, augmented by candid conversations with fellow actors. The game serves as a creative response to the often-unseen challenges and systemic issues prevalent in these industries. This deliberate shift in genre is not merely an artistic whim but a reflection of a desire to tell stories that resonate with contemporary realities and explore narratives that are deeply personal yet universally relatable to anyone navigating a demanding creative field.

The narrative ambition of “Dead Take” lies in its commitment to dissecting the psychological toll of acting, moving beyond the glamour to expose the vulnerabilities and disconcerting truths that often remain unaddressed. By casting players as Chase, who ventures further into this architectural manifestation of industry secrets, Surgent Studios aims to create an experience that is not only terrifying but also thought-provoking, prompting contemplation on the sacrifices made for art and recognition within the entertainment industry.

While “Tales of Kenzera: Zau” explored the emotional landscape of grief through Bantu myth, “Dead Take” channels a different kind of emotional intensity: the anxieties and existential dread associated with performance and public scrutiny. Salim noted that the studio “flexed that muscle a bit with the Sabulana storyline [in] Zau” in luring players down a rabbit hole, and they are now ready to go “full force” into the horror genre. This evolution underscores Surgent Studios\’ versatility and their consistent ability to craft immersive and evocative worlds, regardless of the thematic content.

This ambitious sophomore effort solidifies Surgent Studios\’ reputation for tackling diverse and profound themes through compelling gameplay. “Dead Take” represents a significant step for the independent video games developer, showcasing their willingness to push creative boundaries and offer fresh perspectives within the psychological horror landscape. It promises to be a memorable experience that blends genuine scares with poignant social commentary, inviting players to confront not just the monsters of the game, but perhaps, the hidden monsters of the human psyche within the demanding world of entertainment.