A reporter covered Tokyo Game Show 2024, speaking with several developers including Sergei Korolev, the game director behind Stygian: Outer Gods, a survival horror RPG set in the Lovecraft universe.
A detailed feature highlights the event’s most notable sights and reveals how studios showcased ambitious ideas and technical prowess on the show floor.
“You make your way through the darkness, but you are very curious about what awaits you on the other side.”
Sergei Korolev, game director of Stygian: Outer Gods
Korolev explained that the project is Stygian: Outer Gods, a survival horror RPG with role-playing elements. Freedom is a key feature, with non-linear progress and multiple ways to complete the game depending on the player’s level, wrapped in a compelling story.
He added that another game in the Lovecraftian universe, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones, is in development with different mechanics but the same world, offering players fresh experiences much like evolving series such as Resident Evil. This approach gives players new experiences within a shared setting.
Development uses Unreal Engine 5 with Lumion and Nanite, taking advantage of their graphics, physics and related features. The project has been underway for a little over a year, and the team plans to roll out early access in the near term. The team is experienced and well coordinated, with substantial progress already in place.
At Tokyo Game Show a concise demo was shown, but it includes all core mechanics such as dialogues, crafting, and character progression. Players encounter difficult choices and moral dilemmas that stay with them as the game unfolds.
The story places players on Kingsport Island, where something unfathomable happens. The setting is rendered with care, and players must guide companions to safety. Combat, shooting and stealth are all viable paths, and playstyles are flexible, enabling players to mix and match approaches. The game aims for a distinctive blend, reminiscent of Resident Evil Village or Dishonored, yet it remains a unique experience that the developers would enjoy playing themselves.
When asked whether he considers himself a gamer, Korolev affirmed his passion for survival horror, noting that his studio specializes in the genre. The emphasis lies on suspense and mystery rather than jump scares, offering a tense atmosphere and engaging gameplay without turning into a walking simulator. The team favors immersive moments that reward thoughtful decisions and exploration.
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Korolev describes his role as the game director for both projects, shaping the direction and boundaries of the games. The development team numbers over twenty people, most of whom work remotely, with the headquarters located in Kazakhstan. Unreal Engine remains the core platform, and outsourcing has given way to more in-house development. Fulqrum Publishing will publish the titles as the owners of the original IP.
The main funding comes from the publisher, ensuring a clear path forward despite shifting industry trends.
Kazakhstan remains the studio’s base for practical reasons, and the team continues to push forward despite global challenges. The multi-layer crisis affects several layers of the industry, including studio closures, layoffs, and a shifting investment climate. The team’s strategy centers on deepening expertise within a single genre to reach a leadership position within it in the coming years.
Lovecraft’s universe has long struggled to produce notable releases, but Stygian: Outer Gods holds significant potential. The team remains optimistic about delivering a strong release that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
This article summarizes the interview’s key points and the project’s ambitions for a Lovecraft-inspired survival horror experience with strong RPG elements.