A shift in the gaming landscape is underway, as Templar Media, a new publishing powerhouse, emerges with a bold vision: “Entertainment First!” Founded by 25-year industry veteran John Gibson, the company aims to rekindle the joy of gaming, prioritizing player experience over prevailing social agendas. This launch isn’t just a business venture; it’s a declaration, a promise to bring “entertaining gamers and viewers back into focus.”
And what better way to make a statement than with “Gate Zero,” an innovative action-adventure title from developer Bible X? This partnership heralds a unique gaming experience, transporting players to 1st-century Roman-era Judea. “From our first meeting with John Gibson, he immediately understood how unique the Gate Zero project was and saw the enormous potential and vision of creating the world’s first high-quality video game based on the Bible,” says Arve Solli, Head of Studio at Bible X.
“Gate Zero” isn’t just a historical recreation; it’s a time-traveling adventure, where players step into the shoes of Max, a teenager from a dystopian future thrust into the ancient past. The game embraces an open playstyle, empowering players to tackle challenges their way. Will you rely on action, stealth, or dialogue to navigate the complexities of this historical landscape? “You decide and make your own path!” is the mantra, promising a personalized experience.
The game’s narrative intertwines with pivotal historical events, allowing players to witness the tensions between the Jewish homeland and the Roman Empire, and experience the impact of a young rabbi’s revolutionary teachings. “As Max’s story intersects history, experience firsthand the events of first century Judea with Jesus and his band of followers challenging the authorities and traditions of the time in a first of its kind video game based on historically and Biblically accurate events.”
“Gate Zero” also introduces a groundbreaking co-play feature, blurring the lines between player and spectator. Friends can join the journey, assisting Max from their mobile devices, acting as “the man in the chair,” guiding him through ancient Judea. This innovative approach promises a communal gaming experience, “Fill a room with your friends and experience gaming together in a completely new way!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to reenter games and entertainment at this critical turning point for the industry,” says Templar Media CEO John Gibson. “For too long entertainment has been dominated by one perspective, with the desires of gamers for creators to focus on the fun and put entertainment first being mostly ignored.” Gibson’s vision is clear: to champion talented creators and fund projects that prioritize entertainment.
Bible X, the development studio behind “Gate Zero,” boasts a team with experience on titles like “Assassin’s Creed,” “GTA,” and “Diablo 4.” Their successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over €300,000, and ongoing fundraising efforts, now exceeding $6.5M of their $12.5M goal, demonstrate the strong interest in their vision. “With over two decades of experience in releasing successful titles, he has a trained eye for both quality and fun gameplay, combined with a straightforward and practical approach to making a commercially successful product,” Solli notes of Gibson.
Templar Media and Bible X will be showcasing “Gate Zero” at GDC from March 17-21, inviting developers and potential partners to connect. With a focus on “Entertainment First!” and an innovative title like “Gate Zero,” Templar Media is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry.