Ex-Just Cause Developers Reveal Gritty Crime Drama Samson
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Liquid Swords is developing Samson, a gritty crime drama helmed by former Just Cause developers that blends vehicle combat and visceral action while scaling down scope for a focused 25-hour campaign.
When a studio with pedigree in massive open-world destruction pivots to something more grounded, it pays to pay attention. Liquid Swords, a team founded by industry veterans including former Just Cause developers, recently pulled back the curtain on their upcoming crime drama, Samson. Initially catching community attention through brief teasers and a pitch describing it as a mix of Mad Max and Max Payne, the project is scheduled to launch on PC in early 2026 for a refreshingly modest price of $25, with console versions to follow later in the year. IGN recently spoke with the development team to break down what players can expect from this gritty urban thriller.
The story centers on Samson McCray, a disgraced getaway driver who flees to the grim city of Tyndalston after a botched job in St. Louis. Saddled with a crushing debt that accrues interest daily, Samson has to hustle for odd jobs just to survive while managing a tense dynamic with law enforcement. Studio founder and game director Christofer Sundberg emphasizes that the game world is designed to actively push back against player actions. The city remembers what you do, and because firearms are strictly controlled and limited to police and elite criminals, you will rely heavily on brutal hand-to-hand combat, vehicles for navigation, and bottles of painkillers to manage your health.
Behind the scenes, Samson went through a major transformation to reach this point. Facing the harsh realities of current market conditions and industry instability, studio leadership made the difficult decision to cut the team size in half earlier in 2025. This forced a strategic refocus that dropped heavier RPG mechanics like base-building and trimmed a planned 100 hour campaign into a tighter, session-based experience taking roughly 25 hours for completionists. By scaling down the scope and targeting an accessible $25 price point, the team is positioning Samson as the first chapter in a planned series, aiming to respect player time while delivering a sharp, narrative-driven punch.
For a detailed look at the development process and the full interview, check out the original report on IGN South Africa.
Tags: Samson, Liquid Swords, PC Gaming, Action Games, IGN
Original article: IGN South Africa