Pocketpair Enters Publishing with Tales of Kenzera Dev's New Game

Pocketpair is entering the publishing arena with plans to release a horror game developed by Surgent Studio, known for its debut title Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This collaboration marks Pocketpair Publishing's first project, designed to support developers in pursuing their creative visions without compromising their autonomy. While no details about the new horror game, including a title or release date, were provided, both companies are excited about this new venture. Surgent Studios' CEO hinted this standalone title may set the stage for future projects related to the Tales of Kenzera universe, despite being unrelated to prior narratives. Pocketpair is also open to pitches from other developers, aiming to create an environment conducive to innovation and creativity in gaming.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a single-player Metroidvania game that delves into themes of grief and love, offering players a moving narrative experience alongside its gameplay. The game was well-received, earning a 7/10 rating for its storytelling, although it faced challenges such as layoffs and funding issues at Surgent Studios following its release.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau features Metroidvania-style gameplay that allows players to explore a richly crafted world while uncovering emotional storytelling elements. Its critical reception highlighted how the emotional weight of the narrative enhances the gaming experience, making it more than just an action-driven title. As Surgent Studios and Pocketpair look to make waves in the horror genre, fans are eager to see how their narrative expertise will translate into future projects.