Ethan Crossfield 
Black Tides Draga’s Wake, an upcoming third-person survival horror game from former Rockstar and Naughty Dog developer Gregory Strangis, has drawn attention with a new gameplay trailer. The project is still in its early development phase, but its brutal combat, grotesque enemies, and alternate-history setting already suggest a meeting point between Bloodborne and Resident Evil.
What Happened With Black Tides Draga’s Wake?
The game is being created by Strange Creature Factory, the independent studio founded by Strangis. Before working on his own project, Strangis contributed character-art work to major games including Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, as well as projects at Naughty Dog. His wider career also includes work on large Hollywood productions and collaborations with directors such as Guillermo del Toro.
Strangis has described Draga’s Wake as a long-held dream, and the latest trailer provides the clearest look yet at its direction. The footage follows Draga through a world shaped by an alternate version of the early 1900s, where strange creatures and apocalyptic cultists appear connected to ancient gods.
Why It Matters to Bloodborne and Resident Evil Fans
The strongest comparison to Bloodborne comes from the combat design. Draga appears able to transition smoothly from ranged attacks into close-quarters violence, shooting enemies before finishing them with savage hand-to-hand strikes. The resemblance is visible in the aggressive rhythm rather than in any confirmed connection to FromSoftware’s game.
Resident Evil influences are more apparent in the setting and enemy concepts. Several creatures shown in the trailer resemble the infected foes from Resident Evil 4, while the cultists evoke that game’s Ganados. Draga also has a distinctive infection of his own: his arm can transform into a blade, allowing him to tear enemies apart.
That condition is not simply an aesthetic detail. Strange Creature Factory has explained that Draga can absorb bodies to increase his power, although the ability may come with consequences. The mechanic presents his infection as a dangerous advantage, with similarities to the kind of body-altering power seen in Prototype.
What to Watch Next
The project’s visual ambition should be viewed alongside its development status. Strange Creature Factory is currently looking for a publisher, and the game remains very early in production despite the polish suggested by its trailers. The studio is aiming for a AAA-level experience rather than rushing the game to market.
Draga’s Wake is targeting an early 2029 release, so a long wait remains before players can judge the full combat system, story, and performance. In the meantime, interested fans can wishlist the game on Steam and follow Strange Creature Factory on social media for further updates.
Key takeaways for survival horror fans
- The game combines third-person shooting with brutal melee combat.
- Its world is an alternate-history early-1900s setting involving cultists and ancient gods.
- Draga’s infection grants combat abilities but may carry harmful side effects.
- Strange Creature Factory is still seeking a publisher.
- The current target is an early 2029 release, with development still in its early stages.
Expert View
Draga’s Wake stands out because its influences are expressed through systems as well as atmosphere. The ranged-to-melee flow and infection mechanic give it a clearer identity than a simple visual homage, while the developer’s AAA experience raises expectations for its creature design and presentation. The major test will be whether Strange Creature Factory can turn an impressive trailer into a complete, consistent survival horror experience without losing that distinctive brutality.
