An upcoming zombie shooter is taking players to Istanbul in 1923, with an approach that sounds deliberately unforgiving. Developed by Seyfhouse Games, Undead Chronicles is a single-player horror FPS built around scarce ammunition, historical firearms, and a city devastated by an outbreak.
Players take on the role of RJ Edwards, a British banking official sent to the Imperial Ottoman Bank. His unwanted posting becomes a fight for survival as a plague transforms the city’s inhabitants into the undead. Real locations, including the Basilica Cistern, Galata’s alleys, and Sirkeci Station, form part of its alternate-history setting.
Its most striking feature is the absence of a HUD. There’s no ammo counter, health bar, map, or waypoint system. Players must keep track of their own shots and work out where to go.
Combat centres on slow, persistent zombies and weapons including a pistol, bolt-action rifle, and lever-action shotgun. Headshots matter, while targeted injuries can cripple enemies. Exploration involves searching for hidden keys and finding fusebox components to restore power.
That combination suggests a game where uncertainty could do much of the work. Forgetting how many rounds remain might turn an approaching enemy into a difficult decision: shoot, reload, or try to get away. Whether those moments feel tense or frustrating will depend on how clearly the finished game communicates information through its sound, animation, and environments.
There’s already substantial interest. In a July developer update, Seyfhouse reported passing 100,000 Steam wishlists without paid marketing. The team also said it had completed a small closed test, with feedback helping it refine weapon handling, zombie behaviour, and the overall build.
The same update described a small core team supported by freelance artists and announced an experienced programmer joining as technical lead. It also outlined plans to avoid Early Access, Kickstarter, and preorders, while exploring potential publishing partnerships.
However, players will have to wait longer for a public hands-on opportunity. A September 28 announcement said the demo was being postponed as the team expanded and rebuilt core systems; the previous demo no longer reflected the game being developed. The full release date remains unannounced.
For now, Undead Chronicles has an intriguing pitch. Its historical setting gives the outbreak a distinctive backdrop, while its stripped-back interface could make even a straightforward encounter feel dangerous. The next test is whether the finished experience can turn that promising premise into compelling survival horror.