Fans of Ridley Scott’s dystopian masterpiece Blade Runner can rejoice, as Annapurna Interactive is gearing up to plunge us back into the dark and gritty universe with Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth. During its recently held showcase, Annapurna Interactive revealed a slew of exciting new upcoming titles, including the very first teaser for Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth, an ambitious new video game set in the dark cyberpunkish world of Ridley Scott’s 1982 movie.
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Importantly, Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth will be Annapurna’s first internally developed game, with Chelsea Hash, formerly known for her work on What Remains of Edith Finch and Solar Ash, leading the project. The new game promises to transport players to the not-too-distant future of 2033, where a dystopian Los Angeles is still reeling from a catastrophic blackout. Moreover, Annapurna’s sci-fi adventure serves as an official part of the Blade Runner canon, taking place just a year after the events of the original film, which should put players at the centre of a thrilling narrative.
As per the game’s official synopsis, “Set between the original film and 2049, Blade Runner 2033 takes place after the events of the Blackout and asks: what does a Blade Runner do when there are no Replicants left to hunt?”
The debut teaser of Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth cleverly keeps its secrets, offering just enough to pique our curiosity. The trailer follows a Blade Runner, whose name on their ID is blacked out, as they explore a mysterious location called the “land of the dead.” He says in the trailer, “Lots of people lost things in the Blackout. I was lucky, I just lost a job. But now they want me back.”
We then cut to the protagonist manipulating a cylindrical “memory orb” device reminiscent of Dr. Ana Stelline’s usage in Blade Runner 2049 to create artificial memories for Replicants. As the character flips through the orb, a series of recreated locations blend together with digital artifacting effects.
The character’s voiceover adds intrigue as he says, “Picking through the spaces. Being someone else. In places that no longer exist. That’s where you’ll find me. Searching…in the land of the dead.” Additionally, the title card of the game includes a subtle mention of “Project Pyramid,” which could possibly refer to the iconic Tyrell Corporation headquarters.
Annapurna Interactive has teamed up with Blade Runner 2049 studio Alcon Interactive Group, which is also simultaneously working on a new Blade Runner TV series for Amazon Prime. Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth is set to be released on both PC and consoles, and Annapurna Interactive says that more information about the project will be “revealed soon.” For those interested in learning more about the game can wishlist it on Steam.
