A video game entirely produced and developed in Morocco. This is the challenge successfully met by the Moroccan development studio, AJB Games Studio, through its new PC game, «Uncursed.» An ambitious project that has managed to stand out due to its technical excellence and a creative universe inspired by national folklore.
The horror game, released on February 20th, places players in the shoes of a young man searching for his missing grandmother. Returning to the family home to find her, he is quickly drawn into a waking nightmare, encountering paranormal phenomena while solving puzzles.
The title garnered significant success even before its official release. «Before its full launch, the demo version of Uncursed was downloaded over 2,400 times in just five days on the Itch.io platform, reaching the 8th position in its ranking. Its arrival on Steam generated even more excitement, with over 16,000 downloads of the demo,» revealed Aymane Jbari, founder of AJB Games Studio. This enthusiasm has boosted the studio’s visibility and strengthened its reputation both nationally and internationally. «This project highlights the innovation and growth of local development studios, further solidifying Morocco’s position on the global gaming scene,» adds the industry expert.
The game owes its success to its multi-ending narrative system, significantly enhancing player immersion. «Uncursed offers players multiple possible endings, unlocked through the choices they make throughout the story. These decisions influence the course of the narrative and the fate of the characters,» explains Jbari. «This system provides a richer and more nuanced experience. Players are no longer mere spectators but active participants shaping the story,» he continues.
Another key strength of the game is its graphics. «We have meticulously crafted the game’s visual and sound aesthetics, creating highly detailed graphics teeming with intricate elements,» emphasizes the lead developer. Special attention has also been given to gameplay, ensuring constant interaction with the environment and presenting diverse challenges.
The game also stands out due to its references to Moroccan culture and folklore, enhancing immersion and fostering a stronger sense of player identification. «The monsters and settings in Uncursed are inspired by Moroccan legends, requiring extensive research and documentation. The team had to find the right balance between documentary realism and an engaging gaming experience,» reveals Jbari.
Karim AGOUMI
