Surgent Studios has officially unveiled Dead Take, a new psychological horror game set to release in 2025 on Steam. The title brings together two of gaming’s most celebrated voice actors: Neil Newbon, best known as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, and Ben Starr, the voice behind Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI.
Dead Take marks Surgent Studios’ second major project following their critically acclaimed 2024 Metroidvania Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This time, the studio dives into much darker territory, exploring the corruption and power dynamics of the entertainment industry through a suspense-filled, story-driven experience.
🎭 The Story Behind The Game
In Dead Take, players will enter a secluded mansion in the Hollywood Hills to uncover a web of secrets hidden behind the glamour of fame. Neil Newbon stars as Chase Lowry, while Ben Starr plays Vinny Monroe. The narrative follows Chase’s desperate search for his missing friend, gradually unraveling twisted truths about the entertainment world.
According to Surgent Studios, Dead Take will feature:
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Escape-room inspired puzzles
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Live-action video splicing mechanics
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A psychological deep-dive into trust, fear, and fame
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Full performance capture with real-time cinematic delivery
Creative Director Abubakar Salim revealed that the game’s core themes were born out of candid conversations with both Newbon and Starr. “Some of the horror stories we’ve shared built the foundation of this game,” he said, hinting at a personal and unsettling experience that reflects the industry’s underbelly.
🎬 Star Power Meets Indie Innovation
The casting of Neil Newbon and Ben Starr represents a powerhouse pairing in the gaming world. Newbon’s past credits include Detroit: Become Human (Elijah Kamski), while Starr continues to rise as one of gaming’s most compelling lead performers. Their collaboration in Dead Take underscores the industry’s growing emphasis on high-caliber performances and narrative immersion.
🗓️ Release and Platforms
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Title: Dead Take
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Developer: Surgent Studios
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Publisher: Pocketpair Publishing
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Genre: Psychological Horror
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Platforms: Steam (PC), with possible console announcements to come
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Release Window: 2025
As horror fans and narrative game lovers eagerly await Dead Take, it’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about indie releases—dark, daring, and disturbingly real.