Celebrating International Women’s History Month: Immerse yourself in the true story of Cheng Shih— from humble beginnings to leading the Red Flag Fleet in 19th-century China
LONDON, United Kingdom (March 7, 2024)— Singer Studios announces the release of their debut game, the multi-award-winning narrative adventure The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend. Lucy Liu, renowned for her roles in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill’ takes centre stage as Cheng Shih, one of history’s most powerful and infamous pirates. Story seekers and history enthusiasts can embark on the cinematic VR experience by downloading the game now on Meta Quest and Steam for $16.99 USD.
Drawing inspiration from true events, The Pirate Queen transports players through a meticulously crafted world, amidst the tumultuous waters of the 19th-century South China Sea. The adventure unfolds on the crucial night of Cheng Shih’s ascent to leadership of the Red Flag Fleet.
“I was unaware of Cheng Shih’s story, however, after delving deeper into the material and researching further, I was astonished to learn of her history and the cunning intelligence she wielded to achieve such incredible power. The revelation that this narrative unfolds within a virtual realm, yet is rooted in genuine historical events, carries profound significance. It seamlessly intertwines the realms of tradition and innovation, offering an experience that transcends gaming, delivering authenticity, excitement, and a rich tapestry of history,” remarked Lucy Liu, also serving as executive producer.
Celebrated for its breathtaking environments and compelling narrative, The Pirate Queen appeals to story enthusiasts, gaming novices, and history buffs alike. Accessible to all ages, the game offers an engaging VR experience without combat. Instead, its gameplay is focused on stealth and exploration — players row passed enemies undetected, scale rival ships, and uncover the forgotten tale of Cheng Shih amidst historically accurate environments.
“Being of Chinese-German heritage and having grown up in Hong Kong, a culturally sensitive approach was very important to me,” notes Maja Bodenstein, Lead Writer of The Pirate Queen. “Our aim was to create a narrative that was both fun and educational, tailored around the player experience. To this end, we developed the story and the core gameplay functions simultaneously, to make sure our scenario made full use of the unique opportunities offered by VR.”
Driven by a desire to illuminate Cheng Shih’s journey as a pioneering leader, Singer Studios’ has garnered critical acclaim for their extensive historical research, detailed storyline and immersive gameplay. The game has been honored with the Tribeca Storyscapes Award (2023) and the Raindance Discovery Award (2021). This immersive experience is just the beginning of an expansive franchise being developed by Singer Studios and executive producers Lucy Liu and Eloise Singer.
“As a female-led studio, we’re incredibly proud to be launching the game during International Women’s History Month. It marks the beginning of The Pirate Queen universe and I’m hugely excited to be working with Lucy to expand the story into a visually stunning graphic novel, film, and TV series.” said executive producer Eloise Singer, the project’s creative director, and Singer Studios’ CEO and Founder.
“The team really threw themselves into how Cheng Shih’s world might look, sound and feel to craft the historical details that bring it to life. We’re looking forward to bringing this approach to the many other stories we want to share.” said Siobhan McDonnell, Producer of The Pirate Queen.
The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend is available now on Meta Quest and Steam. For more information on Singer Studios’ multimedia projects, visit their website, sign up for their newsletter, and follow them on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn. Follow The Pirate Queen on the game’s Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with the new adventure.
