The legendary Royal Shakespeare Company has taken on an unusual project – the creation of a neo-noir thriller game. The original video game “Lili” will open a modern interpretation of the story of Lady Macbeth by William Shakespeare, writes WomanEL.
The developers have not yet announced the exact release date, but, according to Variety, the premiere is scheduled for the end of 2025. The project brought together the Royal Shakespeare Company and the New York indie game studio iNK Stories.
Leading Shakespearean scholar Emma Smith was involved in adapting the text. She notes that the video game “Lili” is confirmation that Shakespeare's works could well find their place in the gaming industry.
The game, described as a neo-noir thriller, transfers the classic story to a modern context. The action will take place in Iran, and the central theme will be not only an ambitious struggle for power, but also technological control, information manipulation and institutional violence.
Unlike traditional adaptations, the main focus is on Lady Macbeth, not her husband. The developers call this decision “radical” and one that “turns the tables on gender, identity, and power.”
One of the key elements of the game will be an interactive narrative that combines cinema and gameplay. The main role will be played by Iranian-French actress Zar Amir, who will add depth to the character through her multicultural experience.
The game “Lili” not only draws attention to Shakespeare’s work through a modern approach, but also explores global themes relevant to the modern world. Interpreting events through the prism of gender equality and technological influence makes this project important not only for the gaming industry, but also for the cultural environment in general.
Previously, we talked about ThreeDayz: Orc Hunters – a new video game about the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian resistance.