Dead Take

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.

Dead Take
Developer	Surgent Studios
Publisher	Pocketpair Publishing
Director	Abubakar Salim
Writer	Dana Thompson
Composer	Ross Tregenza
Engine	Unreal Engine 5
Platform	Windows
Release	31 July 2025
Genre	Adventure
Mode	Single-player

Gameplay

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

Reception

Aggregate scores

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	76/100 (PC)[a]
OpenCritic	66%[b]

Review scores

Publication	Score
Gamekult	7/10[5]
GameSpot	8/10[1]

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