Indie titleSerumis a first-person survival experience, developed by Game Island, that recently entered early access on Steam.Serumthrusts gamers into a post-apocalyptic landscape populated by mutated wildlife and humans, deadly traps, and other dangers. The mysterious titular substance is seemingly both the cause of these disasters and still possibly the world’s salvation, as players must explore, extract, and experiment with it to ensure their skills and equipment are up to par.
Now thatSerumhas entered into the arena of thesurvival gaming space, Game Island CEO and director Michal Ojrzynski spoke with Game Rant about how he and the development team focused specifically on the genre for their debut title. Ojrzynski also shared his thoughts onSerum’s evolving designs, the studio’s approach to the genre, and the overarching appeal of survival games.
Serum Game Director On the Vast Potential and Range of Survival Titles
The Survival Genre is Thriving
Withgames likePalworld,Ark: Survival Ascended, and many more, survival crafting games have seen a rise to prominence in recent times. When asked about his take on what was described as the “renaissance” that the genre seems to be experiencing, Ojrzynski remarked that it’s because the genre is so diverse. Specifically, he said,
Some have elaborate building systems, likeValheim, for example. Other games, likeThe Long Dark,focus on showing and providing as realistic an experience as possible. That’s why we chose this genre as well, because the games can be quite different from each other and offer a unique experience for everyone. That’s what I think is great about it, because everyone can find something that they like within it, and why it’s popular right now and will continue to be.
How Serum Adds its Own Recipe of Survival Elements to the Blend
While it is an original vision,Serumdoes contain hints of recognizable properties, with Ojrzynski pointing out that some fans compared it toThe Forestdue to one of its main biomes.Falloutand theBioShockserieswere also mentioned, along with the Justin Timberlake film,In Time. On the ways that Game Island iterated onSerumto take its core concepts and apply them optimally to the aspects of survival and crafting. Indeed, it’s a very mechanic-heavy game, appealing to those who appreciate deep systemic gameplay, but it all comes back to a core conceit. Ojrzynski noted that:
The unifying factor between our various systems, enemies, and combat, as well as world exploration, is the serum. Everything is connected and related to it. We had many early “crazy” ideas, ones for skills like fireballs, freezing effects, and such. We also had some for throwing weapons attached with chains, something like Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. We then worked on choosing the right ones which fit best to the concept and climate of the game.
He also emphasized that Game Island is keeping a close eye on player feedback during the early access period, having introduced multiple patches and requests since launch. With this ongoing support, as well as future plans for co-op and expansion ofSerum’s main mechanics, the title is set to be a unique and engaging experience for survival game enthusiasts.
Serum
WHERE TO PLAY
Your life is at stake! The toxic fog obscures the dangers in an apocalyptic world where every second counts. A relentless timer on your arm decides between life and death. Prove your courage, explore the mysterious environment for resources and brew serums for unique abilities. Every dose of serum can make the difference in the fight for survival against mutated enemies. Find shelter in the chaos, search for technology and modify weapons for greater effectiveness. The race against time begins now.Unravel the mystery of Serum and find your way out while exploring different biomes and their unique characteristics. Find clues about past events and use the new-found wisdom to survive while experiencing beautiful graphics delivered with the power of Unreal Engine 5.Figure out how to create new tools, traps, and weapons. Gather Serum from animals and plants and expand your safe zone to create a sustainable source of the substance. Prepare wisely for your next excursion to ensure it won’t be your last one.Take advantage of a unique brewing mechanism that allows you to create various mixtures of Serum. Experiment with dozens of combinations and use them to enhance your abilities. Ensure you’re carrying enough to get you out of a tough spot.
