The writer and executive producer of the critically-acclaimed movie HOST is looking to shake up the gaming world by creating the world’s first real-time live-action video game experience, and the Kickstarter project has only a week left to reach its goal to make that dream a reality. Made in collaboration with UK-based Visible Games and distributed by Limited Run Games on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, GHOSTS will feature actors from HOST — Emma Louise Webb, Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Radina Drandova and Caroline Ward –, as well as creature designs by Trevor Henderson, brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and illustrator Graham Humphreys. The game’s antagonist, the Long Lady, has already made a splash online.
From the Kickstarter:
You play a TV producer, operating the outside broadcast van for a failing cable channel called FrighTV. Their flagship show is GHOSTS. As the cast explore a haunted location, you not only need to worry about their safety, the noises you hear around the van and the strange neighbours, but there’s also the urban legend of The Long Lady. Sightings of The Long Lady on this very street have chilled the bones of residents for decades. She appears in times of tragedy, looking through the windows of houses on the street. It’s said that if you look directly at her face, you die. Curtain salesmen do gangbusters here.
The full terrifying real-time version of the game is only playable at 10pm in your local time zone. If you load up the game before 10pm you’ll be met with a classic test card. If you can crack the ‘test’ you will have access to an unlockable pre-watershed version where you can breathe and save your progress, but once you hit 10pm all bets are off! There are consequences for all of your choices though. Playing it safe is not always the best option.
When playing GHOSTS, if you leave your station at any point, the game notices the lack of movement and it will end your session. Desertion of duty means the cast will be killed off. You are responsible for the lives of all involved so make sure you’ve had a bathroom break, got plenty of snacks and most importantly turn off the lights!
“Reaching the £100,000 milestone is an incredible feeling and I am utterly blown away away by the support GHOSTS has had from the backers and media,” said writer Jed Shepherd. “We have a lot of hard work left to do on the game and so many exciting things to announce. The great Hideo Kojima once said ‘As a creator, I always want to betray fans’ expectations.’ and that’s exactly what I’m trying to achieve with GHOSTS. A game that still holds surprises on multiple playthroughs and an experience that you’ll never forget.”
As of writing, the Kickstarter still needs to raise another $90,000 with seven days to go. Those looking to back the project can choose an assortment of options, including digital or physical versions of the game, their name in the credits, T-shirts, acrylic standees and more.
