Barbarian stands out as a notable horror film from the past few years, recounting the harrowing story of a young woman who discovers an unexpected occupant in her rented home. Faced with fully booked nearby hotels, she reluctantly remains in the unsettling residence. The film takes unexpected twists from this nightmarish premise. While the decision to adapt it into a video game may seem unconventional, that’s precisely what’s unfolding.
Collaborating on this project are New Regency Pictures and Diversion3 Entertainment, the developers behind Friday the 13th: The Game and Evil Dead: The Game. Unlike their previous multiplayer endeavors, this adaptation of Barbarian is set to be a single-player, narrative-focused experience. The game aims to “expand on the settings, characters, and creatures of Barbarian.” Currently, there is no specified release timeframe for the game on PC and consoles.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the New Regency team to delve deeper into the worlds, characters, and creatures featured in Barbarian,” stated Tim Hesse, an executive producer at Diversion3 Entertainment, in a statement to Variety. “The film not only succeeded in delivering unexpected and chilling twists but also in crafting resilient characters thrust into horrifying scenarios. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further explore these themes within the game.”
A direct adaptation of the film’s narrative might not translate seamlessly into a gaming experience. However, the potential lies in transforming it into a suspenseful survival horror title, leveraging the unnerving underground tunnels prominently featured in Barbarian (mild spoilers).
For those unfamiliar with the content, the Barbarian trailer is available for viewing. Happy Halloween!