Frictional Games, the studio behind acclaimed titles like SOMA and the Amnesia series, recently intrigued fans with a cryptic teaser for their upcoming project. The mystery centers around the fictional Hotel Samsara, introduced through a cleverly crafted alternate reality game (ARG) that engaged players in unraveling hidden clues.
The ARG and Hotel Samsara
Late September 2025 saw the emergence of a promotional website and emails inviting players to explore investment opportunities in the luxurious but eerie Hotel Samsara. Careful examination of the website uncovered hidden messages and steganographic hints, leading to a suspenseful teaser video released by Frictional Games in collaboration with publisher Kepler Interactive.
What the Teaser Shows
The 42-second video offers atmospheric glimpses of the hotel’s interiors, shrouded in mystery and foreboding ambiance. The brief montage ends with the words “SOMETHING NEW,” teasing a departure from the studio’s prior creations like SOMA or Amnesia. However, fans have spotted subtle nods referencing SOMA within the clips.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Frictional has remained tight-lipped about specifics such as the game’s genre, platforms, or release window. The studio expressed gratitude to the community for their enthusiastic participation in the ARG, praising the collaborative effort in solving the puzzles.
This project appears to venture into a psychological thriller with fresh settings, possibly crafting a new narrative universe distinct from their past horror titles.
Legacy of SOMA and Amnesia
Frictional Games is widely recognized for redefining survival horror with minimal combat, focusing instead on immersive storytelling and psychological terror. Their last release, Amnesia: The Bunker, received positive acclaim in 2023, solidifying their status as masters of atmosphere and narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hotel Samsara?
- A fictional luxury resort featured in an ARG teasing Frictional Games’ upcoming mystery project.
- Is the new game related to SOMA or Amnesia?
- It is unclear, but the teaser hints at a new setting, potentially unrelated to previous titles.
- When will the new game release?
- No release date has been announced.
- Who is publishing the new game?
- Kepler Interactive is the publisher involved with the teaser.
- What makes Frictional’s games unique?
- Their focus on psychological horror, story depth, and gameplay without heavy combat.
Conclusion
Frictional Games’ teaser for a new project at Hotel Samsara signals an exciting new chapter for the studio. While details remain scarce, fans of SOMA and Amnesia will undoubtedly watch closely for what promises to be a fresh psychological thriller experience from one of the masters of the genre.