Annapurna Interactive, best known for its role as an indie publisher supporting such titles as Outer Wilds, Solar Ash, and last year’s indie darling, Stray, has transitioned into a new chapter of its growth.
As the curtains fell at its recent showcase, where it also revealed that Stray is headed to the Xbox, Annapurna has unveiled its first-ever internally developed game: Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth. It’s not just any franchise that Annapurna is hitching its developer-wagon to, but the iconic world of Blade Runner, a choice that testifies to their deep love for the franchise.
Although the details about the game remain limited, we know that Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth will breathe new life into the timeless cyberpunk narrative. Set in dystopian Los Angeles after the Blackout event and in-between the original Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, the game will create a bridge between the two cinematic experiences.
The game’s lead, Chelsea Hash, formerly involved in Solar Ash and What Remains of Edith Finch, talks of being awestruck by the opportunity to work on a Blade Runner game. A self-confessed fan of the franchise, Hash speaks about the profound influence of her previous projects, particularly Edith Finch, on the storytelling and narrative techniques of the upcoming game.
Blade Runner 2033 is largely being designed to match the ambiance and thematic narrative of the Blade Runner films and pay homage to the original source material. Hash assures fans the game will echo the shared themes of the Blade Runner universe and that the development team will meticulously pore over details of the original film’s production for inspiration. Fans can expect an intimate exploration of life in the Blade Runner world in 2033, hinting at a deeply immersive storytelling experience.
The team working on Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth brings a rich array of experience to the table. With collective expertise spanning games such as Hyper Light Drifter, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, We Are OFK, Skylanders, and Below, the group also boasts members with experience crafting visuals for live shows with artists like Childish Gambino and Pharrell. This diverse background teases an eclectic mix of elements in the upcoming game.
Details on the exact genre, gameplay, and platforms for Blade Runner 2033 remain shrouded in mystery. However, keen-eyed fans have spotted hints in the game’s teaser trailer. The narrator talks about a destructive blackout and the need to dig for clues in “the land of the dead,” creating a sense of noir intrigue akin to the Blade Runner universe. The trailer also seemingly hints at the inclusion of Voight-Kampff tests, the iconic interrogation technique to differentiate humans from artificial beings in the Blade Runner world.
While Annapurna has been tight-lipped about specific release dates or platform information, it has promised more details to be revealed soon. In conjunction with this, Alcon is working on a live-action series for Amazon Prime called Blade Runner 2099, thereby expanding the Blade Runner universe further.
