The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend – Unveiling the Legacy of Cheng Shih
Game Rant Interviews The Pirate Queen's Creative Director on Championing Gender Equality and Female-Led Narratives in the Gaming Industry
The Pirate Queen Interview CEO Discusses Gender Equality and Female-Led Stories
Have you heard of Cheng Shih? If not, you’re not alone. Despite being one of the most powerful pirates in history, Cheng Shih’s story remains largely unknown compared to famous male pirates like Blackbeard. But Singer Studios, a female-led creative studio and film production company, is determined to change that. Their new game, The Pirate Queen, is a narrative-driven VR adventure that brings Cheng Shih’s forgotten tale to life.
In a recent interview with Eloise Singer, the creative director and CEO of Singer Studios, GameTopic gained insight into the landscape of women in the gaming industry and the importance of telling Cheng Shih’s story. Here are some of the highlights from the interview:
Female-Led Singer Studios and The Landscape of Women in the Game Industry
Q: As a female-led studio, how do you think the landscape regarding women in games development has perhaps changed over the years? Where do you think you’d like that landscape to be in the next 10-20 years?
Eloise Singer acknowledges that she is still relatively new to the game industry but has noticed a shift towards more opportunities for women and a demand for female-led narratives. However, she emphasizes that challenges and hurdles still exist, requiring constant validation and fighting for recognition. Eloise remains optimistic about the future and hopes that the industry continues to champion gender equality.
Q: Why is it important to champion gender equality and female-led narratives in the gaming industry?
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Traditionally, the gaming industry has been male-dominated, resulting in a lack of representation and narratives that cater to women. Eloise believes that as more women are empowered to identify as gamers and engage in gaming content, the industry will see a significant shift towards more gender equality. She sees the next generation warming up to the idea of being a female gamer and finds it incredibly exciting.
The Importance of Cheng Shih’s Story and Female Pirate Stories
Q: Why was it important to you as a studio to tell the story of Cheng Shih, and why do you think it’s important for people to know her story today?
Eloise Singer believes that Cheng Shih’s story deserves recognition because she was the most powerful pirate in history, a title often incorrectly attributed to male pirates like Blackbeard. Singer Studios aims to rewrite history by highlighting Cheng Shih’s accomplishments and the fact that she paved the way for gender equality on her ship. Sharing Cheng Shih’s story could change societal perspectives on women’s leadership and inspire a new generation.
Q: Why do you think Cheng Shih’s story is perhaps less known or nearly forgotten, compared to pirates like Blackbeard or Jack Sparrow?
Eloise Singer attributes the lack of recognition of Cheng Shih’s story to historical biases and the focus on male narratives. She discusses how even in China, where Cheng Shih was active, her second-in-command, Cheung Po Tsai, is more celebrated and recognized. Singer Studios aims to rewrite the narrative and bring more awareness to Cheng Shih’s incredible achievements.
The Pirate Queen and VR
Q: Why did you choose VR as the medium to tell Cheng Shih’s story?
Eloise Singer explains that VR was a natural fit for telling Cheng Shih’s story since it closely resembles filmmaking, which she has a background in. VR also offers a unique level of immersion and allows players to step back in time and experience a 19th-century pirate ship firsthand. Singer Studios has put great effort into ensuring historical accuracy in the game, working with researchers, writers, and artists to create an authentic and visually stunning world.
The Pirate Queen’s Historical Locations
Q: How did you create the historical locations and capture their accuracy?
Eloise Singer describes the extensive research undertaken by Singer Studios, involving researchers, sensitivity checkers, and fact-checkers. The team worked closely with Mandarin and English literature to ensure historical accuracy. They discovered intriguing details such as the use of dovetail joints instead of nails in shipbuilding. The attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have been both challenging and rewarding for the studio.
Q: What was it like working with Lucy Liu and Orion Lee?
Eloise Singer expresses her privilege and excitement in working with Lucy Liu and Orion Lee, who are both talented and collaborative individuals. She also highlights the supportive nature of female-led studios, where competition is replaced by a community that seeks to uplift and help one another. The camaraderie among women in the game industry is refreshing and inspiring.
The Pirate Queen’s Narrative, Gameplay, and Setting
Q: Could you talk a bit more about the narrative background of The Pirate Queen set on the night Cheng Shih came to power?
Eloise Singer explains that the decision to focus on one night was suggested by their narrative expert, Maja Bodenstein. This choice allows for high stakes and an achievable goal, making the narrative engaging and exciting. The game unfolds as a mystery where players gradually uncover Cheng Shih’s backstory and character through cutscenes and interactions with the environment.
Q: Does The Pirate Queen feature any stealth gameplay moments?
The game primarily revolves around rowing, climbing, and puzzle-solving mechanics. Players must go unnoticed as they poison their rival and navigate the enemy’s ship while collecting items and uncovering Cheng Shih’s story. The emphasis is on tactile interactions and immersive VR experiences, making The Pirate Queen a unique and engaging adventure.
Q: The Pirate Queen releases during International Women’s History Month and before International Women’s Day. What do you hope to inspire as a studio through the game in terms of people’s knowledge and perception of pirates?
Singer Studios aims to inspire a shift in mentality and create awareness of powerful women like Cheng Shih. By making the game accessible and non-violent, they hope to attract a wide range of players, including those as young as 13. The goal is to fuel the next generation’s appreciation for incredible women and rewrite the narrative surrounding women in positions of power and leadership.
In conclusion, The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend is not only a game but a celebration of Cheng Shih’s powerful legacy. Singer Studios, with their unique blend of historical accuracy and immersive gameplay, invites players to embark on a remarkable adventure in a male-dominated world that redefines the boundaries of gender in gaming.
The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend releases on March 7, 2024, for Steam and Meta Quest.
Reference List:
- The Best PSVR Games For Children
- Narrative-Driven VR Adventure
- The Pirate Queen
- Gender Equality
- The Film Industry
- VR Headsets
- Female-Led Narratives
- The Pirate Queen Gameplay
- 19th-Century
- International Women’s Day
