Still Wakes the Deep: Release Date, Trailers, and Gameplay Details

Still Wakes the Deep, the latest horror game from The Chinese Room, is one of the year’s most anticipated gaming titles.

Find out all the information you need to know about this North Sea oil rig horror adventure, from its release date to gameplay, trailers, and voice talent.

Still Wakes the Deep Release Date and Platforms

Still Wakes the Deep is set to release on June 18, 2024. This highly anticipated horror game from The Chinese Room will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and through Game Pass.

Xbox and The Chinese Room confirmed this date in a trailer that aired during the Future Games Show Spring Showcase.

In October 2023, audio director Daan Hendriks revealed that the team is diligently working towards their beta milestone, aiming for a ‘content complete’ state.

QA tester Seb Axel confirmed the shift in focus towards console versions to ensure a smooth experience across all platforms.

Gameplay Trailers and First Look

The first trailer for Still Wakes the Deep was shown at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2023.

The trailer has beautiful visuals of the Beira D oil rig surrounded by the misty North Sea.

We see the main character, Caz, walking through blood-streaked hallways and climbing broken ladders, with a haunting Gaelic folk song by Maggie MacInnes playing in the background.

The trailer ends with Caz urgently closing a hatch, interrupted by an eerie scream.

A second trailer, shown during the Xbox Partner Preview, gives us a closer look at the gameplay.

Caz is seen navigating a collapsing walkway and exploring flooded industrial rooms, with narrow escapes and scary encounters adding to the tension.

Story and Setting

The game is set on a North Sea oil rig off the coast of Scotland. Players take on the role of Caz McCleary, a working-class ex-boxer from Glasgow.

As one of the few survivors on the Beira D rig, Caz must navigate the icy waters and escape the supernatural creature aboard to reunite with his family.

Audio director Daan Hendriks mentioned the strong family themes in the narrative, with Caz’s post at the rig serving as an escape from personal problems.

The game’s mission scripting uses Inkle’s Ink narrative language, offering a flexible system for storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

Still Wakes the Deep offers a first-person story experience with light puzzles and intense moments.

Players must rely on their wits and determination, as Caz has no weapons or special powers.

The game’s look is inspired by filmmakers like Kubrick and Dargento, as well as 1970s design, all made possible with the advanced graphics of Unreal Engine 5.

The North Sea oil rig setting is more than just a backdrop; it’s a changing environment that evolves with the story.

Lead designer Rob McLachlan explained that revisiting areas will reveal significant changes due to flooding or destruction, creating new exploration opportunities.

Behind the Scenes: Voice Talent and Development

Award-winning actors Alec Newman and Neve McIntosh are the main voices in the game, giving life to the characters Caz and Suze.

Directed by Kate Saxon and Damian Goodwin, their performances are powerful and gripping, with a haunting soundtrack by Jason Graves adding to the atmosphere.

QA tester Seb Axel mentioned that the game’s scary moments can surprise even experienced players.

The game includes an alternate Story Mode for those who want to enjoy the story without constant fear.

Get Ready for an Eerie Adventure!

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey with Still Wakes the Deep. Mark your calendars for June 18, 2024, and get ready to dive into the eerie world of the North Sea oil rig.

Now that you’re up to date on Still Wakes the Deep, explore some of the best indie games you can enjoy as you wait for the game’s release.