Tales of Kenzera Devs Reveal Psychological Horror Game Dead Take, Launching in 2025 for PC Only

Surgent Studios, the critically praised team behind Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, has officially announced its next title—Dead Take, a chilling and mysterious horror game set to release in 2025 for PC. Departing from their previous partnership with EA under the EA Originals program, this time Surgent is collaborating with Pocketpair Publishing, marking a bold step into the indie horror space.

A Dark Dive Behind the Curtains of the Entertainment Industry

Dead Take transports players into the unsettling world of an actor whose growing anxiety stems from not being able to reach a close friend. As per the Steam page description, the game “pulls back the glittering façade of the entertainment industry to expose its darkest secrets.”

Built around psychological tension and narrative intrigue, Dead Take seems to embrace a slow-burn horror format with narrative weight, akin to titles like Observer or The Medium. While gameplay details remain limited, the teaser trailer hints at a moody, cinematic atmosphere with a deliberately minimalist reveal.

According to Surgent Studios CEO and founder Abubakar Salim, the secrecy is intentional. He explains:

“We’re being secretive for a reason. 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.’”

The statement signals a strong emotional and thematic undercurrent, echoing Surgent’s reputation for grounded storytelling as seen in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. While Dead Take is not tied to any major publisher this time around, Pocketpair Publishing’s backing may offer the studio the freedom to explore more experimental or provocative subject matter.

From Emotional Journey to Psychological Terror

Surgent Studios made a lasting impression with their debut Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, a heartfelt action-platformer exploring themes of grief, identity, and legacy. Transitioning to a horror project shows the team’s creative range—and their willingness to challenge narrative boundaries within the indie space.

Though Dead Take is currently only confirmed for PC, there's room for speculation that console releases may follow depending on reception and resources. However, the PC-first approach may also indicate a tighter, more experimental scope as the team repositions under a new publishing model.

With a compelling premise, a haunting atmosphere, and a cryptic yet confident rollout strategy, Dead Take is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intriguing indie horror entries. As Salim hints, the real shock may not be in the jump scares, but in the story the game dares to tell.

Are you intrigued by Dead Take’s mysterious setup? What do you think Surgent Studios is hiding beneath the surface? Share your thoughts below.