Wu-Tang Clan Launches New Video Game ‘Rise of the Deceiver’

In 1999, the iconic New York rap group Wu-Tang Clan released their first video game, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. Now, 25 years later, the Wu have returned with a new project titled Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver. This game was announced simultaneously at Summer Game Fest and during the opening performance of the group’s farewell tour, marking a significant moment in the legacy of one of the greatest rap groups of all time.

The Verge had the opportunity to speak with the game’s developers at Brass Lion Entertainment about collaborating with some of rap’s living legends on a project that signifies both the end of an era in rap history and the beginning of something new.

Game Overview

Rise of the Deceiver is an action co-op game where players, endowed with powers from the legendary members of the Wu-Tang Clan, combat invaders seeking to corrupt their home. The game has been in development for three years and originated as a companion piece to Angel of Dust, a film produced by Ghostface Killah and directed by The RZA.

“We leaned into elements of that script that worked exceptionally well from an interactive perspective, creating a companion piece to it,” said Bryna Dabby Smith, co-founder and CEO of Brass Lion Entertainment.

Creative Vision

According to Dabby Smith, the guiding principle behind Rise of the Deceiver is to “do it for the culture.” While numerous hip-hop-centric video games have emerged over the years, few delve into the artistry, history, and culture of the genre beyond mere aesthetics. “We aimed to create something built from the ground up,” Dabby Smith explained. “It was by the culture, for the culture, genuinely representing what [Wu-Tang Clan] has contributed over the years.”

Soundtrack and Music Integration

The game’s soundtrack, which features music from the group’s extensive 30-plus year history, was meticulously crafted from the ground up.

“The treatment of the music was a significant focus for us,” Dabby Smith noted. It is not merely snippets of tracks like “C.R.E.A.M” or “Protect Ya Neck” playing during cutscenes. The sound team developed a dynamic music system that reacts to players’ actions.

“As you play the game, the music responds to your actions, creating a unique experience for each player.” Additionally, players will encounter Wu-Tang’s discography in innovative ways.

“It’s not just the traditional songs you’ve heard; it includes remix versions, orchestral arrangements,” Dabby Smith added. The game also features entirely new tracks that incorporate Wu-Tang samples, offering something unique yet familiar to fans.

Artistic Approach

“Hip-hop is a syncretic art form that blends elements from various sources in unique ways,” said Evan Narcisse, a former video game journalist who contributed as a writer on the project. “We’re doing the same thing.”

Target Audience

Rise of the Deceiver is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of video game fans, not just those in their 30s who are hip-hop enthusiasts. There is something for everyone. For those who are 30-something hip-hop fans, this game serves as a love letter to one of the most influential musical acts of a generation.

“The Wu-Tang Clan are larger than life,” Narcisse stated. “They’re superheroes, and they deserve a world that reflects that legacy.”

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