Lucy Liu is set to breathe life into the historical figure Cheng Shih in the upcoming VR game “The Pirate Queen,” developed by Singer Studios. The announcement was made by the female-led company, which further revealed that Liu will not only lend her voice to the game’s titular character but also executive produce the project.
“The Pirate Queen” is a puzzle adventure game that journeys into the life and times of the real-life Cheng Shih, renowned as the most successful pirate in history. Despite her humble beginnings, Shih led a formidable fleet of 70,000 across the South China Sea in the 19th century, an unrivaled legacy that the game aims to recount accurately. It will make its debut on Steam VR and Quest 2, allowing players to utilize their wit and strategic prowess to overcome challenges and discover her intriguing story.
The game’s narrative is crafted to offer a thrilling blend of cunning, stealth, and daring maritime adventures, all portrayed through a visually arresting art style. Besides its rich narrative scope, the game aims to address themes of female empowerment and diversity, aligning with Singer Studios’ mission to disrupt the status quo and instigate change with their storytelling.
Commenting on Liu’s involvement, director Eloise Singer said, “Lucy is a formidable talent, her performance as the voice of the Pirate Queen is truly exceptional. Her ability to infuse depth and nuance into the character has amplified the complexity of Cheng Shih’s personality, making the Pirate Queen a genuinely compelling and unforgettable character.”
Lucy Liu, well-known for her roles in “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kill Bill,” among others, voiced her excitement about participating in the project. She said, “I’m really excited to be working alongside Eloise to bring new life to a forgotten story about Cheng Shih – a fascinating woman, who with incredible resilience and tenacity, became a powerful pirate leader during the Qing Dynasty.”
Orion Lee, the award-winning actor celebrated for his role in A24’s ‘First Cow,’ also joins the cast, strengthening the game’s ensemble.
The immersive game offers an array of gameplay mechanics exclusive to VR, such as exploration, throwing, climbing, rowing, fishing, and solving environmental puzzles.
“The Pirate Queen” is set to have its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival, scheduled from June 9 to 17, 2023. The complete game is due for a release in early 2024 and will be accessible on Meta Quest headsets and mobile devices.
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