Alien VR Game Development Confirmed as 'Alien: Romulus' Teaser Drops
Extended Reality | Games
2-minute read
Five years ago, Disney completed its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, bringing many of Fox's successful IPs into the fold of the Mouse House, including the iconic "Alien" franchise. This disney acquisition has sparked new opportunities for the series.
Many fans of the "Alien" series have been both excited and apprehensive about new entries under Disney's stewardship. It has been seven years since Ridley Scott returned to the franchise with "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant." Recently, the teaser for the new installment, "Alien: Romulus," was finally released. Handing the reins to Federico Alvarez, a director known for his expertise in horror and thriller films (with credits like "Evil Dead" and "Don't Breathe"), has certainly raised expectations for this Ridley Scott-endorsed project.
Interestingly, Alexander Silkin, CTO of the veteran VR game studio Survios, also mentioned at the GDC 2024 keynote that they are developing an "Alien" VR game. He stated, "Survios is utilizing these techniques (Unreal Engine 5) to develop an upcoming VR game based on the Alien franchise." According to a report by Road to VR, this "Alien" VR game, which is an exciting extension of the franchise, was announced back in 2022, but there had been no further updates since.
It's certainly no coincidence that the timeline of the "Alien: Romulus" movie, a new chapter from the universe created by 20th Century Fox, is set between "Alien" and "Aliens," during the 57-year period when the protagonist, Ripley, is in hypersleep. This aligns perfectly with the timeline set for the "Alien" VR game being developed by Survios.
To better tell this story, director Federico Alvarez sought the blessings of two legendary directors—securing Ridley Scott, who pioneered the original "Alien" in 1979, as a producer for the film, and engaging in extensive discussions with "Aliens" director James Cameron about the script. Alvarez revealed that "Alien: Romulus" takes place 20 years after the first film (which suggests that Sigourney Weaver won't be returning), and it will tell the story of "a group of young space colonizers who, while scavenging a derelict space station, come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe." This much is evident from the teaser, which is teeming with facehuggers.
One might wonder if the "Alien" VR game being developed by Survios will be released alongside the "Alien: Romulus" movie. If that's the case, we might get to experience this VR game as soon as August this year!
The much-missed Alien is back. (Source: 20th Century Studios)
It must be a female protagonist again! (Source: 20th Century Studios)
