Sam Barlow, the acclaimed creator behind narrative-driven FMV games like Immortality and Her Story, has unveiled his next project. Titled Precognition, the sci-fi thriller is being developed in collaboration with horror director Brandon Cronenberg, son of David Cronenberg.
Precognition casts players as Diana, a woman who receives an experimental brain implant granting her visions of the future. The core gameplay revolves around exploring these visions and, by committing them to present-day memory, altering the future that has been seen. This mechanic leans into themes of cause and effect, with player agency and freedom at the forefront. Barlow stated that the team is pushing the boundaries of non-linear storytelling, integrating investigative and mystery elements into a narrative that unfolds as a consequence of player choices.
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Barlow sought out Cronenberg to ensure an authentic sci-fi horror experience. Cronenberg, a fan of Barlow's previous work, expressed enthusiasm for exploring subjective and experiential themes, noting the inherent subjectivity of Barlow's games where "no two people will have the same experience."
Precognition aims to follow in the footsteps of Immortality, blending full-motion video cinematics with a non-linear structure and a strong emphasis on player freedom. Immortality itself was highly praised, achieving a 95% score in PC Gamer's review and being called "Sam Barlow's best, most thought-provoking game yet." Immortality's predecessors, Telling Lies and Her Story, were also noted for their quality.
Fans eager to experience Barlow's latest narrative endeavor will need patience, as Precognition is currently slated for a spring 2028 release. The game is available to wishlist on Steam.