Surgent Studios is diving into new ground with Dead Take, a psychological horror game that could be their most personal and daring project so far.
Unlike their earlier games that focused on emotion and reflection, this one puts players right in the middle of a mystery about the dark side hiding beneath Hollywood’s shine.
Leading the way is a team of voices fans know well. These actors have been involved for years and are now exploring the darkest sides through characters that hit home.
Where Does Dead Take Take Place?
You find yourself in a luxurious yet strangely quiet Hollywood Hills mansion in Dead Take, taking on the role of an actor searching for a close friend’s last location.
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+ 5Following a lavish party, your friend Vinny Monroe is missing, and you, as Chase Lowry, have to find out what really went down. The once-active estate is now still, with only eerie humanoid encounters and fragmented footage breaking the silence.
Using escape room puzzles and rebuilt videos, you gradually unravel the polished facade of fame and success to expose a far darker truth beneath.
Is Dead Take Based on Real Experiences?
Though fictional, the story doesn’t come out of nowhere.
click to enlarge + 5Director and Surgent Studios founder Abubakar Salim has made it clear that Dead Take is inspired by experiences that he and the game’s two leads, Neil Newbon and Ben Starr, have lived through.
Across the years, the three have supported each other both as friends and actors, trading stories from the entertainment industry that shaped the game’s emotional center.
The goal was not just to scare players but to reveal a harsh truth, using a haunted house as a metaphor for a haunted career.
Who Are the Main Characters (& Who Plays Them)?
Neil Newbon (Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil Village) and Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI, Warframe) carry actual weight beyond the credits.
click to enlarge + 5The way Dead Take handles its actors separates it from many others in the genre. Their performances were guided by teamwork instead of rigid instruction.
Salim allowed them space to explore and improvise. He said both actors had scenes where they fully immersed themselves in raw, unscripted emotion, which wouldn’t have worked in a stricter production.
How Did Improvisation Influence the Game’s Development?
There was a moment when Starr, lost in the role, broke from the script and stunned the entire team.
click to enlarge + 5Salim said it scared them but in the best way. He hinted that the scene is still part of the game, and players will recognize it when they come across it. The cast’s diverse experience across games, film, television, and stage enhances the realism of their performances.
More than just talent, these actors have lived the battle for safety, room, and expression in an industry that asks a lot and gives little back. In that sense, Dead Take becomes a platform for commentary, reflection, and maybe even healing.
What Makes This Approach to Acting Different from Other Games?
The entertainment world isn’t always a team effort, especially in gaming, where voice actors usually record their lines alone in a booth.
click to enlarge + 5Using what he learned as an actor, Salim reshaped the process to support a collaborative atmosphere. Newbon and Starr created their characters on the spot with trust and no strict script.
This is part of Surgent’s larger goal. With Dead Take, the studio continues to involve actors in both their roles and the creative process. This was hinted at before in Tales of Kenzera: Zau, featuring veteran performer Alix Wilton Regan in a key production position.
Salim sees this change as necessary while voice actors fight for better treatment amid debates about AI, labor rights, and recognition. He believes actors will be full creative collaborators in games, helping to shape the tone, narrative, and overall player experience.
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