Sam Barlow’s next game: Sci-fi horror with Brandon Cronenberg

When creator Sam Barlow first hinted at new projects in 2024, the focus was on pushing the boundaries of storytelling and player experience. Now, that ambition is taking a thrilling turn with the unveiling of Precognition, a new sci-fi horror experience developed through an exciting collaboration.

Precognition introduces players as Diana, a woman who possesses an experimental brain implant granting her visions of the future. The core of the game delves into a fascinating paradox: by actively exploring these prophetic visions and integrating them into present-day memory, Diana fundamentally alters the timeline she has foreseen. It’s a narrative that promises to redefine the boundaries between fate and free will.

The development team aimed to test the limits of non-linear storytelling, focusing intensely on how the game felt to play while maximizing player agency. This focus on cause-and-effect meant that every choice Diana made had tangible, cascading consequences, transforming the experience from a simple exploration into a deep investigation.

To bring this vision to life, Barlow partnered with horror director Brandon Cronenberg. Cronenberg, known for crafting subjective and experiential films where the terror emerges from a warped perspective, brought a sensibility perfectly suited to the project. He understood that true horror lies not just in what you see, but in how your perception of the world is twisted.

This synergy between Barlow’s focus on cinematic narrative structure and Cronenberg’s mastery of visceral experience resulted in what is intended to be a truly authentic sci-fi horror experience. The project builds upon previous works by the team, offering a blend of FMV cinematics, non-linear plotting, and an emphasis on player freedom that sets a high bar for interactive storytelling.

The foundation for this kind of immersive gaming was already established with Immortality, which garnered significant acclaim. That game earned a nearly unheard-of 95% score in our review as Sam Barlow’s best, most thought-provoking game yet, cementing the team’s reputation for creating deeply engaging and reflective experiences.

While Precognition inherits this legacy, the expectation is that it will push the envelope even further. Fans of Barlow’s work are eagerly anticipating this next chapter, knowing that blending mystery, cause-and-effect mechanics, and speculative science fiction promises a journey that is as memorable as it is mind-bending.

For now, players can add Precognition to their wishlist on Steam, with an anticipated release in spring 2028.