Frictional Games Announces Ontos, Spiritual Successor to Soma

Daily Games

12/12/2025

Frictional Games, the acclaimed studio behind the chilling horror titles Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Soma, has unveiled its latest project, Ontos, at The Game Awards 2025. Promising a return to the thought-provoking and unsettling experiences that defined their previous work, Ontos is being hailed as a spiritual successor to the beloved 2015 game, Soma.

Key Takeaways

Frictional Games revealed Ontos at The Game Awards 2025.
Ontos is described as a spiritual successor to Soma.
The game focuses on personal and cerebral tension over constant monster threats.
Ontos is slated for release in 2026.

A New Descent Into Existential Dread

Frictional Games has built a reputation for crafting deeply immersive and psychologically taxing horror experiences. Following the success of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, which popularized the vulnerable protagonist trope in survival horror, the studio pushed boundaries further with Soma. This 2015 sci-fi horror game explored themes of consciousness, identity, and reality within an underwater research facility, earning widespread critical acclaim.

Ontos appears to carry this torch forward. The reveal trailer showcases a desolate, metallic environment reminiscent of Soma's setting, hinting at a narrative that delves into profound philosophical questions. Players will step into the shoes of Aditi, a character who embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her past and a childhood miracle, guided by a message from her estranged father. Her quest leads her to Samsara, a once-grand moon hotel now in a state of decay.

Beyond Traditional Horror

While the trailer hints at disturbing imagery, including body modification and societal decline, creative director Thomas Grip emphasizes that Ontos is not strictly a horror game in the conventional sense. "Our game is complex and layered," Grip stated, "and we want the tension to be more personal and cerebral rather than imminent danger from monsters – making players think 'am I making the right decisions here? And if I'm not, what will the consequences be?'"

This approach suggests a focus on player choice and consequence, pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling within a tense, atmospheric framework. Ontos is scheduled for release in 2026, and fans eager for another mind-bending experience from Frictional Games are already anticipating its arrival.

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