One of the more surprising titles in 2024 was Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, a debut title from Surgent Studios that blended Metroidvania elements with deeper themes of grief and loss. It would make sense, then, for the studio to continue down this path. Alas, it is not to be, as the studio has revealed its next project, Dead Take.
Published by Pocketpair Publishing, this is a first-person psychological horror game that is all about the entertainment industry. As an actor who is seeking a lost friend, you will need to find out just what has happened at a supposed glamorous party held by one of the industry’s bigwigs.
“Haunted by mysterious humanlike figures, you advance into the house by solving object-based puzzles and splicing together the video clips you find along the way. Oddly quiet for the site of a glamorous party just hours before, the house is now populated by the figures that seem to turn up where you least expect them,” states the game’s Steam page.
“As you advance toward the heart of the mansion, the fate of your friend rests in your hands. Will you find him and uncover the truth about what happened last night?”
The idea of power and corruption definitely connects well with the theme, and it would be interesting to see just how that plays out in Dead Take. Having an actor as the head of the studio probably helps when it comes to the creative direction, and he won’t be alone. A lineup of recognisable actors will be joining the project, and we will find out just who in the next few weeks.
“We’re being secretive for a reason,” said Abubakar Salim, CEO of Surgent Studios. “The subject matter of this game is delicate, and it hits close to home. When it comes out, and it won’t be long until it does, I want players to think, ‘I can’t believe they actually did this.”
For now, Dead Take has no release date just yet. It will launch on PC, with no plans for consoles just yet.
