Thriller of the Future: ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ — How Unreal Engine 5 Breathes Terror into an Offshore Rig
In early 2025, ‘Still Wakes the Deep’, a psychological horror game by The Chinese Room, has emerged as one of the most atmospheric titles of the year. Published by Secret Mode, this narrative-driven first-person game is set aboard a remote Scottish oil rig in 1975 and explores human fragility against an unknowable horror. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game uses cutting-edge technology to deliver immersion and dread in equal measure. This isn’t just a horror game — it’s a cinematic experience grounded in isolation, survival, and sound design excellence.
Unreal Engine 5: Raising the Bar in Horror Game Design
‘Still Wakes the Deep’ showcases Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities in environmental fidelity, lighting effects, and real-time rendering. The rig is rendered with photorealistic precision, capturing the cold, metallic bleakness of the North Sea. Dynamic lighting and Nanite geometry allow players to experience claustrophobic corridors, swaying scaffolds, and flickering emergency lights — all without compromising performance.
Utilising Lumen for global illumination, the developers recreated the sense of dread by manipulating light and shadow with surgical precision. Rain lashes against the windows, steel groans under pressure, and every corridor feels alive with menace. The realism achieved by UE5 turns the oil rig into a breathing entity that reacts to both the player and the encroaching terror.
The physics system adds further believability: doors slam with force, pipes burst violently, and collapsing structures follow unpredictable, yet physically grounded paths. Combined with intense audio cues, this elevates the sense of vulnerability and dread beyond scripted scares.
From Engine to Emotion: Creating Tension Through Tech
The Chinese Room has historically excelled in crafting narrative-heavy experiences. With ‘Still Wakes the Deep’, they’ve used UE5 not just for visuals, but to create an emotional journey. The oil rig setting isn’t just a backdrop — it’s integral to the game’s psychological rhythm, often working as a silent antagonist.
The game avoids traditional weapons or combat systems. Instead, it emphasises stealth, exploration, and survival. Every creak, every sudden darkness, is designed to trigger a primal response. Thanks to UE5’s capabilities, transitions between calm and chaos are seamless, making each moment feel unpredictable and grounded.
Facial animations driven by MetaHuman technology amplify human emotion. Fear, grief, resolve — all come across vividly, anchoring the player deeper into the protagonist’s harrowing ordeal. Voice acting, especially the protagonist’s Glaswegian dialect, adds authenticity, making every conversation and internal monologue hit harder.
A Game Rooted in Historical and Cultural Realism
The year 1975 isn’t chosen randomly. It mirrors a period in UK history marked by harsh weather conditions, socio-economic tensions, and risky oil exploration in the North Sea. ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ embeds its story in this reality, adding a historical weight to its supernatural events.
The oil rig, modelled on real semi-submersible rigs of the time, mirrors actual structures that operated off the Scottish coast. Details like analog equipment, vintage signage, and period-accurate workwear reflect meticulous research. Every element supports immersion without feeling forced or exaggerated.
Additionally, the game subtly critiques themes of isolation, labour, and industrial negligence — common anxieties of the 1970s energy sector. As the crew dwindles and paranoia grows, the narrative asks: how much of horror is in the supernatural, and how much lies in the human condition?
Soundscapes and Silence: Telling Stories Through Noise
Audio in ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ is as vital as its visuals. The absence of traditional music in many scenes allows environmental sounds to dominate. Gurgling pipes, creaking beams, distant alarms — each element contributes to an evolving auditory narrative.
When soundtracks do emerge, they blend into the scene rather than overtaking it. Minimalist tones underscore desperation or loss, often during emotionally significant moments. This restraint makes the use of music all the more powerful and poignant.
The game also uses silence tactically. Moments of calm aren’t just breathers; they raise tension by making players anticipate the next intrusion. It’s a masterclass in horror pacing, made effective by Unreal Engine’s real-time audio processing capabilities.
Reception, Anticipation and the Game’s Cultural Impact
Even ahead of its full release, ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ has garnered critical praise for its mood-setting, sound design, and narrative structure. It has been featured in multiple “Most Anticipated Horror Games of 2025” lists by outlets like IGN, PC Gamer, and Eurogamer. Gameplay previews have sparked discussions around how tech can enhance storytelling rather than overshadow it.
The game resonates especially with fans of story-rich horror like ‘SOMA’, ‘Firewatch’, and ‘Amnesia: The Bunker’. What sets it apart is its British setting, regional dialects, and period authenticity — giving it both a unique flavour and cultural relevance rarely seen in the genre.
From an educational perspective, it has drawn attention in media studies circles for how it blends cinematic pacing with interactive narrative. Unreal Engine 5 isn’t just a tool in this game — it’s a co-creator, giving form and weight to a chilling exploration of fear, memory, and industrial isolation.
What Comes Next for Horror and Technology
‘Still Wakes the Deep’ represents a turning point in horror gaming, where technology doesn’t just power realism, but shapes emotion. UE5’s capabilities in storytelling signal a new chapter for developers who prioritise immersion, performance, and psychological complexity.
Its success could spur more titles to blend historical context with horror mechanics. Developers may be encouraged to explore unexplored settings — from offshore rigs to Arctic research stations — and use engines like UE5 to craft compelling, tension-driven worlds.
For The Chinese Room, this could signal a new identity. While once known for narrative walking simulators, the studio may now be viewed as a master of technologically driven horror, capable of delivering titles that are both deeply personal and technically groundbreaking.
