Surgent Studio, the creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, are working on a new game that will be an Afrofuturist gothic-horror RPG. This upcoming game, currently known as Project Uso, will delve into themes of identity inspired by creator Abubakar Salim’s experience as a new parent. Salim, known for his role as Bayek in Assassin’s Creed: Origins, envisions Project Uso as a dark and visceral RPG with elements of a beat ’em up power fantasy.
In Project Uso, players will embody a vampiric android called The Solost, imbued with the soul of the god of chaos, Eshu. The game will feature an isometric perspective and draw inspiration from games like Disco Elysium, Batman Arkham series, and Resident Evil. One of the unique features of the game is the RPG Crucible system, where players will have to contend with the conflicting powers of the android and the god within them.
While the game is still in the early stages of development, Surgent Studio is currently seeking funding to support the project. The studio recently announced that its games division is on hiatus, and the team is at risk of redundancy until funding is secured. This financial uncertainty is a common challenge faced by indie developers in the gaming industry.
Abubakar Salim emphasizes the importance of financial stability for indie studios, especially in the current economic climate. He believes that the industry needs to take more risks and trust creatives to bring unique and innovative ideas to life. Salim advocates for a more supportive and open environment where developers can express themselves freely without the fear of financial repercussions.
Despite the challenges faced by Surgent Studio, Salim remains committed to creating diverse and engaging games that resonate with players. He encourages constructive feedback and dialogue within the gaming community, emphasizing the importance of open communication and transparency in the development process.
As the studio continues to work on Project Uso and navigate the complexities of the gaming industry, Salim’s dedication to storytelling and representation shines through. With a focus on Afrofuturist themes and gothic horror elements, Project Uso promises to be a unique addition to the world of RPGs, offering players a new and immersive gaming experience.
