Path Games, a Spanish game development studio, just unveiled an intriguing project named Dark Mass, marking a new entry into the psychological horror genre. This eerie adventure unfolds entirely underwater and is in development for PC and next-gen consoles.
Founded in 2017, Path Games has carved out a niche for itself by creating engaging horror experiences that feature distinctive gameplay and immersive environments. Based in Barcelona, the studio first made waves with Insomnis, a horror game released in 2022.
Now, Path Games is building on its earlier work with Dark Mass. Like its predecessor, Dark Mass is a psychological thriller viewed from a first-person perspective. However, it shakes up the formula by setting the story beneath the sea in a haunted manor, rather than the typical setting. The protagonist, Alice, is a deep-sea diver who, after a powerful earthquake, stumbles upon a submerged manor. Trapped within its walls, she must unravel ancient rituals to find her way to freedom.
The game’s recently released reveal trailer delivers a chilling glimpse into its gameplay and introduces some of the underwater horrors players can expect. Although the monstrous entities in Dark Mass are pure fiction, the world they inhabit draws inspiration from reality. The game creators have woven in elements from historical torture methods, integrating them into the eerie rituals Alice must unravel throughout the storyline.
Aiming to offer more than a typical short horror experience, Path Games is crafting a campaign of substantial length for Dark Mass. The studio anticipates a single playthrough will last approximately four to six hours. Replayability is a key focus, as players make choices influencing the narrative, potentially using a walkie-talkie system connecting Alice to her brother, Reed.
Set to surface in fall 2026, Dark Mass is poised for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With its hauntingly unique setting and suspenseful atmosphere, this indie title promises to captivate fans of deep-sea horrors and immersive story-driven experiences.
