During The Game Awards 2025, Kepler and Frictional Games announced “Ontos,” a new science-fiction adventure from the creators of the critically acclaimed title “SOMA.” Scheduled for release in 2026, “Ontos” will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through both Steam and the Epic Games Store. The reveal was accompanied by an announcement trailer that offers a glimpse into the game’s intriguing world.
The narrative of “Ontos” centers around the character Aditi Amani, who embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Samsara, a former lunar hotel designed by her father, a renowned scientist turned prophet. What begins as a personal quest quickly spirals into a harrowing exploration of deception and obscurity. The game promises to present players with a unique experience where reality itself becomes malleable, and the boundaries of science and morality are put to the test.
Set within the Samsara, players will navigate a sprawling, interconnected environment that combines the luxurious remnants of a hotel with the decaying infrastructure of a former mining colony. This complex setting serves as a backdrop for a host of philosophical dilemmas, as rival factions vie for control over the moon base. Each location, from lavish casino laboratories to theater stages repurposed as research centers, contains its own narrative threads and hidden secrets.
The gameplay mechanics emphasize meaningful choices, where the decisions players make will not only affect the storyline but also challenge their ethical beliefs. “Ontos” aims to blend traditional puzzle-solving with deeper, consequential gameplay that resonates with players on a moral level. Unlike conventional puzzles, these challenges will require players to confront the ramifications of their choices, prompting reflection on the nature of right and wrong.
As players traverse the maze-like structure of the Samsara, they will encounter trials that test their intellect and moral compass. The game’s design invites exploration, encouraging players to delve into every corner of the environment to uncover its many layers. The stark contrasts between the opulent and dilapidated sections of the moon base serve to heighten the narrative tension, as Aditi navigates a world where nothing is as it seems.
The announcement of “Ontos” positions Frictional Games to further solidify its reputation for creating thought-provoking narratives within the gaming industry. Following the success of “SOMA,” expectations are high for this new title, which seeks to blend horror, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry into a cohesive experience. With the game set to launch in 2026, the anticipation around its release is palpable, especially among fans of narrative-driven games.
As the gaming community awaits more information about “Ontos,” the announcement trailer provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world that Frictional Games is crafting. The combination of a rich narrative, ethical dilemmas, and immersive environments promises to make “Ontos” a noteworthy addition to the burgeoning genre of science-fiction adventure games. As the release date approaches, it will be interesting to see how players respond to the challenges and themes presented in this innovative title.
