The Pirate Queen tells the story of a legendary 19th century pirate, with Lucy Liu taking the helm next year on Quest and PC VR.
Directed by Eloise Singer, The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend explores the life of Cheng Shih, a 19th-century pirate that commanded a fleet of 70,000 across the South China Sea. Focused on female empowerment and diversity, gameplay promises “exploration, throwing, climbing, rowing, fishing, and solving environmental puzzles.” Featuring Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill) as Cheng Shih, she’s joined by Orion Lee (First Cow).
This isn’t the first time the story of Cheng Shih (also known as Zheng Yi Sao) has been adapted for virtual reality. Back in 2021, Serendipity Films produced Madame Pirate: Becoming a Legend, a short film with a fictional re-telling of her rise to power. With The Pirate Queen debuting its first three levels during the Tribeca Festival next week, here’s the official description.
The Pirate Queen is the forgotten story of Cheng Shih – a woman in 19th-century China who became one of the most powerful pirates in history. When the leader of the fleet dies suddenly, a widowed Cheng Shih faces the possibility of losing her status, security, and even her life. Players take on the identity of Cheng Shih to complete a series of puzzle-based tasks, outsmart enemies and become the Pirate Queen.
“I’m really excited to be working alongside Eloise to bring new life to a forgotten story about Cheng Shih – a fascinating woman, who with incredible resilience and tenacity, became a powerful pirate leader during the Qing Dynasty,” said Liu in a prepared statement. “This project marks the first time I embody a character through immersive storytelling and I’m honored to join forces with Singer Studios to share this historical narrative with a potentially new and expanded audience.”
The Pirate Queen arrives in early 2024 on the Meta Quest platform, SteamVR and mobile devices.
