Prey 2 Might Never Happen, but Judas Could Be Its Next Best Thing

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In 2016, Bethesda Softworks revealed that Arkane Studios, known for the Dishonored series, were developing a remake of the 2006 game Prey. However, this new game, also called Prey, had only superficial connections to the original First-Person Shooter developed by Human Head Studios, as it mainly shared the same name and incorporated aliens in some way. Instead, it was designed to be a spiritual successor to the System Shock franchise rather than a direct sequel to the 2006 Prey game. Despite this, Bethesda chose to market it as a reboot of the 2006 Prey due to higher-level corporate decisions.

2017 saw the release of Arkane Studios’ game Prey on platforms like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Generally speaking, it was well-received, making several “Best Games of 2017” lists and receiving nominations at various gaming award ceremonies. However, sales for 2017’s Prey were not as strong as Arkane’s previous title, Dishonored 2. It sold approximately 60% less in its first week, and it struggled to maintain a consistent ranking on the weekly U.K. sales charts. Unfortunately, due to Microsoft shutting down Arkane Austin, the Texas-based studio responsible for Prey, in May 2024, the likelihood of a sequel is minimal. Nevertheless, there’s an upcoming game that might help fill the void left by Prey.

Judas May Not Be a Sequel to Arkane’s Prey, But It’s Still Pretty Close

In the title of this article, “Prey 2” should not be mistaken for the previously canceled “Prey 2” under development by Human Head Studios. The aborted project would have had an altogether distinct title.

Judas is a System Shock-Inspired Sci-Fi Game That’s Set on a Computer-Controlled Space Ship

Ken Levine, a key figure in the development of the BioShock series, is now leading the creation of a new first-person sci-fi action game titled Judas. This is his first project since directing the 2013 expansion for BioShock Infinite, named Burial at Sea, over ten years ago. Developed by Ghost Story Games, a subsidiary of Take Two, Judas is intended to serve as a spiritual successor to both the BioShock and System Shock series, similar to Arkane’s Prey. Although not officially classified as an immersive sim, the game incorporates many elements from this genre, and its combat is comparatively slower than that of most first-person shooter (FPS) games.

On the interstellar vessel named the Mayflower, which houses the final fragments of mankind as they journey towards Proxima Centauri, our second nearest star, resides Judas. This ship is governed by three individuals with contrasting perspectives regarding humanity’s future, while being sustained by cunning computers that manipulate human behavior to mold them into ideal citizens. In this game, players assume the identity of a defiant female rebel named Judas, who seeks to ignite a rebellion against the Mayflower’s leaders.

Judas Emphasizes Player Freedom, In Terms of Both Gameplay and Narrative

One key attraction of the game Judas could well lie in its interwoven storylines, which Ken Levine likens to “narrative building blocks.” These flexible narratives allow players to influence the game’s outcome significantly, aiming to ensure that the game remains engaging even upon multiple playthroughs. This design philosophy is echoed throughout the game’s mechanics, including combat and general gameplay. Players can anticipate unlocking a variety of unique abilities and weapons during their gaming experience, and they will have the freedom to tackle groups of enemies in various ways, be it through stealth or direct confrontation.

While Judas and Arkane’s Prey might not sound identical, they do share some notable similarities. For one, they are both set in the vastness of outer space. Moreover, they are first-person shooters that emphasize player autonomy and an immersive experience rather than relying on heavy, action-packed gameplay that follows a linear path. It’s also worth mentioning that some developers from Arkane Austin, who previously worked on Prey, might be contributing to the development of Judas. This is suggested by Ken Levine’s statement last May, in which he mentioned his intention to recruit talent from that studio.

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2025-05-12 03:49