Dead Take

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Dead Take
Dead Take VG Poster.png
Developer Surgent Studios
Publisher Pocketpair Publishing
Director Abubakar Salim
Writer Dana Thompson
Composer Ross Tregenza
Engine Unreal Engine 5
Platform
Release31 July 2025
Genre Adventure
Mode Single-player

Dead Take is a 2025 first-person adventure game developed by Surgent Studios and published by Pocketpair Publishing. The game was released for Microsoft Windows in July 2025 to generally favourable reviews.

Contents

Gameplay

Dead Take features gameplay from a first person perspective. Dead Take game example.png
Dead Take features gameplay from a first person perspective.

Dead Take is a first-person horror adventure game. [1] [2] The game has an emphasis on exploration and psychological tension over direct combat. Progression is often tied to collecting items and clues to solve puzzles found around a mansion in order to trigger cinematic sequences through full-motion video (FMV). [2]

Synopsis

The story follows Chase Lowry (Neil Newbon), an actor who is struggling to find work. Chase goes to the aftermath of a party hosted at a secluded estate in the Hollywood Hills, where his close friend and rising star Vinny Monroe (Ben Starr) has mysteriously vanished. Chase investigates the mansion to search for clues, and quickly finds himself ensnared in a nightmare.

Throughout the game, Chase uncovers disturbing secrets about the partygoers, as well as the price they pay to remain in the limelight through a series of full-motion video sequences and the use of fragmented storytelling.

The game features an ensemble cast consisting of Neil Newbon, Ben Starr, Jane Perry, Alanah Pearce, Matthew Mercer, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, and Sam Lake. [3]

Development

Dead Take was developed by Surgent Studios, known for the 2024 game Tales of Kenzera: Zau . The studio was founded by actor Abubakar Salim, who served as the game’s creative director. In contrast to their previous title, Dead Take uses a horror framework to critique the entertainment industry and the many struggles actors deal with. [4]

Reception

Critics praised the immersive setting, effective use of FMV, and the storytelling. However, some reviewers cited inconsistent pacing and simplistic puzzle mechanics as the game's flaws. [6]


Notes

  1. ↑ Based on 36 critic reviews
  2. ↑ Based on 37 critic reviews

References

  1. 1 2 Ramée, Jordan (31 July 2025). "Dead Take Review - No Reshoots Necessary". GameSpot . Archived from the original on 20 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  2. 1 2 Franklin II, Anthony (31 July 2025). "Dead Take: A Psychological Horror Puzzle Game That Pulls You In (Review)". Vice . Archived from the original on 11 August 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  3. ↑ Nightingale, Ed (16 July 2025). "Surgent Studios reveals full cast for Dead Take, including Sam Lake, Jane Perry and Laura Bailey". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on 26 August 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  4. ↑ Amoroso, Dan (4 July 2025). "Dead Take: Surgent Studios Creative Director Opens Up On New Horror Game". Game Rant . Archived from the original on 24 July 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  5. ↑ "Test : Dead Take : caméra, horreur, action !". Gamekult . France: Cael. 31 July 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  6. ↑ "Dead Take critic reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 13 October 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
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