Indie development studio Dusty Box has announced their new upcoming horror survival title inspired by a true story, Cult of Blood, and we here at Netto's Game Room had the chance to catch up with them to learn more about the upcoming game.
Those interested in the game can head over to the Steam Page today to wishlist it and try out the demo, but for more on the game itself, here is what Dusty Box had to say.
Hello my name is Ben, and I'm one of the founders of Netto's Game Room! To start things off, could you tell me a little about yourself?
Hello, thanks for having us. We are Angelos and Panos and the two of us make Dusty Box, the developers behind Cult of Blood. We are a team of two, working day and night to bring our childhood dreams and visions to life. We always loved the classic survival horror games, we used to play Resident Evil / Silent Hill when we were kids and it terrified us but also made us feel that great thriller atmosphere. Playing games like this was what shaped us in creating Cult of Blood.
What are the unique challenges and advantages of operating an indie game studio in Greece?
Running an indie studio in Greece comes with both inspiring opportunities and real challenges. On one hand, the growing creative scene and lower operating costs make it possible to take bold artistic risks without massive budgets, and there’s a strong sense of community among local developers. On the other, limited access to funding, smaller publisher networks, and fewer industry events can make global exposure difficult. Still, that underdog energy fuels innovation, when resources are tight, creativity becomes the most powerful tool, and that drive is at the heart of Cult of Blood.
So Cult of Blood is your new upcoming horror game inspired by the likes of Resident Evil. That being said, were there any other influences that contributed to the creation of the game? Maybe ones that others might find surprising?
Beyond the obvious influences like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, Cult of Blood draws inspiration from some unexpected places. We were inspired by religious art and old cathedral architecture, which helped shape the game’s visual language of decay and divinity. Those influences blend into something uniquely eerie, a world where faith, guilt, and the supernatural collide in ways that feel timeless.
One interesting thing of note is that Cult of Blood is actually inspired by a true story, but imagined in a new way. Could you tell us a little about the original story?
The true story that inspired Cult of Blood centers on Magdalena Solís, a woman in 1960s Mexico who became known as the “High Priestess of Blood.” She and two guys created a small cult that convinced its followers she was a reincarnated goddess, leading them into a spiral of ritual sacrifice and violence. It’s one of those chilling real world tales where human belief alone created horrors as disturbing as any fiction, perfect ground for reimagining through a darker, more supernatural lens.
When it comes to the survival horror genre in general, what would you say is the biggest stand out feature of Cult of Blood that helps distinguish it from other titles?
What sets Cult of Blood apart is its fusion of grounded, true crime horror with deeply supernatural elements bridging psychological realism with dark fantasy. The game’s fixed cinematic camera, eerie but cozy atmosphere, and combat mechanics all serve that theme, making fear feel intimate and personal.
The game is going to feature finite resources, which force you to really consider your actions. Will there be difficulty options for those who struggle with such a challenge, or is this a game that really doubles down and wants you to simply try again if you fail? Even if that means starting from the beginning again?
Cult of Blood is designed to be punishing, but fair. We wanted the tension of finite resources to remain central to the experience, yet we also recognize that not every player approaches horror the same way. While the core mode emphasizes survival through scarcity, where every bullet and healing matters, we’ve included alternate difficulty settings without diluting the atmosphere or stakes. That way, players can still feel the pressure and dread that define the game, while having room to learn, adapt, and master it at their own pace.
Are save points going to be limited?
Cult of Blood features an autosave system strategically placed at key points throughout the map, ensuring progress is preserved at meaningful moments without breaking immersion or tension.
As for the horror itself, will it come more from the atmosphere and overall story, or can we expect jump scares as well?
The horror in Cult of Blood is driven primarily by atmosphere, tension, and its story rather than relying heavily on jump scares. We focus on psychological dread, unease that builds through sound, lighting, and the feeling of being watched or trapped in a place that’s alive with malice.
What type of locations will players be exploring throughout the game? Is it an interconnected world with multiple regions? Or is this more of a linear adventure?
Players in Cult of Blood will explore a series of haunting, interconnected regions that flow naturally into one another, from decaying villages and fog choked forests to ancient catacombs and blood soaked temples, to deep caves and mines hidden beneath the earth. While the progression follows a structured narrative path, each area is designed with exploration and backtracking in mind, rewarding curiosity and lore that deepen the world’s mystery. It’s a blend of linear storytelling and semi open design.
Will the game feature puzzle solving, or is the larger focus being placed on the combat itself?
Cult of Blood places a stronger emphasis on intense, chaotic combat while weaving in moments of liminal puzzle solving to break the tension and deepen the atmosphere.
Blood Souls are a resource used to upgrade your character and equipment. Could you elaborate on this a little? What type of upgrades can we expect?
Souls in Cult of Blood serve as a core progression mechanic, rewarding players for exploration, combat, and completing rituals. They can be spent to enhance both the character and their equipment, from boosting health and resilience to unlocking weapons and modifications. Players can also use them to improve tools that aid survival, like protective charms, allowing for more strategic approaches to encounters. The system encourages careful resource management, forcing players to decide between immediate survival benefits and long term power growth, adding tension to every choice.
And finally, is there anything else you would like our readers to know about Cult of Blood?
Cult of Blood is more than just a survival horror game, it’s a journey into a world where faith, fear, and the supernatural collide. Every design choice, from the cinematic camera angles to the oppressive environments and chaotic combat, is meant to immerse players in a story that’s both grounded in a chilling true crime and elevated by dark, magical twists. It’s a game that challenges your courage, your wits, and your nerves, inviting players to experience horror not just as a series of scares, but as a living, breathing world full of danger, and unforgettable moments.
Thanks again for taking the time to meet with me! It was great getting to learn more about your upcoming project! Before we go, we are actually running a Trick or Treat Halloween special throughout this month (which this interview will be featured in), and to close things off I'd love to ask one final question. What is your favorite horror movie, and what is your favorite horror game? Personally my favorite horror movie is The Village, and favorite horror game is none other than Resident Evil 2.
We have many favorites so it’s difficult to answer this one. Let’s go with Evil Dead for a movie and of course we agree on Resident Evil 2, that was a tough one. Thanks again for having us, it’s been a pleasure sharing the world of Cult of Blood.
While a release date is yet to be announced, Cult of Blood will be available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. For more, here is the official announcement trailer.
Post a Comment