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Singer Studios, a new game and entertainment startup, has launched its first narrative adventure game, The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend, for virtual reality fans.
Released to coincide with International Women’s History Month, the VR experience delves into the untold story of Cheng Shih, one of the most formidable pirates in history. Actress Lucy Liu takes on the lead role in this cinematic journey, bringing Cheng Shih’s character to life.
The game, priced at $17, is now available for download on Meta Quest and Steam. The Pirate Queen invites players to navigate the turbulent waters of the 19th-century South China Sea on the night Cheng Shih rises to lead the Red Flag Fleet.
Drawing inspiration from historical events, Singer Studios meticulously crafted a virtual world that immerses players in the compelling narrative of Cheng Shih’s ascent to power. With Liu at the forefront and Eloise Singer serving as executive producer, the game promises a mix of authenticity, excitement, and rich historical storytelling.
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“I was unaware of Cheng Shih’s story; however, after delving deeper into the material and researching further, I was astonished to learn of her history and the cunning intelligence she wielded to achieve such incredible power,” said Liu, in a statement. “The revelation that this narrative unfolds within a virtual realm, yet is rooted in genuine historical events, carries profound significance. It seamlessly intertwines the realms of tradition and innovation, offering an experience that transcends gaming, delivering authenticity, excitement, and a rich tapestry of history.”
The Pirate Queen distinguishes itself with its focus on stealth and exploration, providing a gaming experience that is accessible to all ages, the company said. The game encourages players to row past enemies undetected, scale rival ships, and unravel Cheng Shih’s forgotten tale in historically accurate environments.
Maja Bodenstein, lead writer of The Pirate Queen, said in a statement, “Being of Chinese-German heritage and having grown up in Hong Kong, a culturally sensitive approach was very important to me. Our aim was to create a narrative that was both fun and educational, tailored around the player experience.”
The game has already been recognized with awards such as the Tribeca Storyscapes Award (2023) and the Raindance Discovery Award (2021). Eloise Singer, the project’s creative director and Singer Studios’ CEO, expressed pride in launching the game during International Women’s History Month.
“As a female-led studio, we’re incredibly proud to be launching the game during International Women’s History Month. It marks the beginning of The Pirate Queen universe, and I’m hugely excited to be working with Lucy to expand the story into a visually stunning graphic novel, film, and TV series,” said Singer, in a statement.
Singer founded Singer Studios in 2017. The studio also executive produced Billie Piper’s Rare Beasts, as well as The Last Rifleman starring Pierce Brosnan. And it’s working on investigative documentary series Inheritance with XYZ Films and Library Films. Trailblazers: Mrs Benz, the first in a series of stories about female innovators from the past, premiered in competition at Venice 2022 and is anticipated to reach screens in 2025.
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