
Release Date: July 31, 2025
A first-person psychological horror with a star cast (including Same Lake, Jane Perry, Alanah Pearce, and Laura Bailey). Dead Take was made by the developers of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. We play as a novice actor exploring a gloomy residence in Hollywood, taken over by strange characters.
Founded by Abubakar Salim (known for the role of Bayek of Siwa in the game Assassin’s Creed Origins), the Surgent Studios team debuted on the industry map with the game Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.
The next project of this studio is the thematically and generically different Dead Take, which is a psychological horror. The developers have stated that the discussed production was inspired by "real experiences from the entertainment industry".
In Dead Take we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP).
During the game, we take on the role of actor Chase Lowry, who ends up in a luxurious Hollywood residence in search of his friend - Vinny Monroe. Upon arrival it turns out that although a lavish party took place here a few hours earlier, there is no trace of the guests, and their place is occupied by mysterious figures resembling people.
The presence of the mysterious beings means that while exploring the gloomy mansion, we must constantly be on guard and rely on stealth when necessary. The adventure leads us through a lavish lobby, an art gallery, or a room for actors' auditions.
When exploring various places, we not only avoid dangers, but also solve environmental puzzles. Additionally, we collect damaged video clips, which we then have to edit and arrange in chronological order. All this to discover the truth about the events that took place here.
Dead Take can boast a star-studded cast. The list of actors showing up in the game include Jane Perry (Baldur’s Gate 3), Alanah Pearce (Cyberpunk 2077), Laura Bailey (The Last of Us: Part II), and Sam Lake (Max Payne).
Moreover, Neil Newbon plays the role of Chase Lowry, while Ben Starr plays Vinny Monroe.
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Surgent Studios
Publisher: Pocketpair
Age restrictions: 16+
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System Requirements for Dead Take Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, 15 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 10 GB GeForce RTX 3060 / 16 GB Radeon RX 6800 XT, 15 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit.
Game Ratings for Dead Take Video Game.
Console Creatures: 8 / 10 by Bobby Pashalidis
Dead Take is a surprise standout experience from Surgent Studios. It's got a stacked cast with a focus on storytelling over anything else, using the allure of Hollywood as the gateway to unconventional horror. While there are some predictable moments, the environment, the performances, and immersion make up for it. It is an emotionally charged horror experience that punches well above its weight and serves as a commentary on ambition and exploitation.
Final Weapon: 3.5 / 5 by Estelle Mejia
Dead Take is a unique glimpse into the indie horror genre through the lens of an actor desperate to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of the film industry. Its use of atmosphere and film craft drives home a narrative that is both captivating and compelling. However, the combination of poorly lit environments and heavy shadows can make certain puzzles feel cheap, and the lack of clear direction may be too much for some players to overcome.
Game Rant: 8 / 10 by Josh Cotts
Dead Take clearly wants players to focus on uncovering its story, and the mansion is built in a way that makes exploration feel rewarding even without much resistance. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting, with sound and lighting creating an ever-present sense of tension that kept me leaning forward the whole time. Dead Take might not break the escape room genre wide open, but it finds a creative way to pull players into its world, and it's worth seeing through to the end.
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