Storm in a Teacup made waves with their atmospheric horror/mystery game Close to the Sun, and they’re now back with Steel Seed, a stealth-driven action-adventure title set in a dark sci-fi world. Published by ESDigital Games, this new project is a bold departure for the studio, blending stealth, platforming, combat and narrative-driven exploration. We went hands-on with an early build of the game during Gamescom, and it’s shaping up to be a visually stunning and ambitious experience.
What We Know
Steel Seed is set in a dystopian future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. The remnants of mankind now reside underground, with robotic entities controlling the surface world. Players take on the role of Zoe, a protagonist with parkour skills and a flying drone companion named KOBY. Together, they explore a sprawling underground facility in search of answers and a way to ensure humanity’s survival.
What stands out from the start is the game’s narrative pedigree – the story has been crafted with the involvement of BAFTA-winning writer Martin Korda, promising a compelling journey that balances character development with a tense, immersive plot. The gameplay emphasizes stealth and agility, encouraging players to use Zoe’s parkour abilities to navigate the facility and avoid direct combat with robotic enemies. KOBY isn’t just a helpful sidekick; it plays a vital role in puzzles and exploration, making the duo a core element of the gameplay experience.
With its focus on stealth tactics and environmental storytelling, Steel Seed presents itself as a hybrid between stealth-action and more modern platformers. The art direction leans heavily into dark sci-fi aesthetics, with contrasting natural and industrial environments creating a rich backdrop for the unfolding story.
What We Saw
We had the opportunity to meet with Storm in a Teacup and ESDigital during Gamescom, where we explored an early build of Steel Seed. The demo allowed us to experience both the platforming and stealth/combat elements, giving us a feel for the gameplay mechanics. We also had a chance to discuss the game’s development and the team’s vision for the project.
What We Thought
Steel Seed is a significant departure from the developer’s previous work, and it’s refreshing to see a small studio take on a bold new direction. While Close to the Sun was a narrative-driven horror experience, Steel Seed focuses on fast-paced gameplay, blending parkour-inspired platforming with stealth-based exploration. The early build we tried showcased some impressive visual design, with detailed environments that seamlessly shift between claustrophobic interiors and more open, nature-infused spaces.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the gameplay is the interaction between Zoe and her drone companion KOBY. This dynamic adds depth to both puzzle-solving and exploration, making it feel like a cooperative journey even if it’s a single-player game. The stealth mechanics encourage creative movement through the levels, and there’s a clear emphasis on avoiding combat rather than engaging enemies directly – a nice twist on the traditional action-adventure formula.
The game’s visuals are striking, with high-quality textures and lighting that bring the sci-fi world to life. The underground facility’s industrial aesthetic contrasts beautifully with the more natural areas we also saw in the demo, creating a world that feels both alien and familiar. The use of Unreal Engine ensures that the graphical fidelity remains high, even in this early stage – and the developer’s excellent work in Close to the Sun carries over in this sense.
That said, it remains to be seen how well the studio can balance the faster gameplay elements, particularly in terms of fluidity during parkour sequences. It’s a significant shift from the slower, narrative-heavy pacing of Close to the Sun, and it’s a challenge that could make or break the overall experience. Still, the early signs are promising, and it’s clear that the developers are passionate about delivering a unique and engaging game.
Narrative-wise, we’re curious to see how the story unfolds and whether it will live up to the expectations set by the involvement of Martin Korda. The game’s premise offers plenty of potential for emotional storytelling, especially given Zoe’s role in safeguarding the future of humanity.
Overall, Steel Seed looks like it could be a surprise hit when it launches in 2025. With its mix of stealth, exploration, and a rich narrative, it has the potential to stand out in a crowded genre – especially if the developers can deliver on their ambitious vision.
Press Play Media 