Saturnalia: Horror Game Inspired by Sardinian Folklore
Santa Ragione, a studio based in Milan, launched Saturnalia, a horror video game set in a fictional village in Sardinia during a December night in the 1980s. Players control four characters as they navigate a twisted town while evading a masked creature. The idea for the game was developed by Pietro Righi Riva and Paolo Tajé in 2016, blending horror elements with maze-escape gameplay. A prototype received partial funding from the EU's Creative Europe program in 2017. Art director Marta Gabas, selected for her lack of gaming experience, drew from Greek tragedy and German Expressionism. The choice of Sardinia was influenced by its folklore, with backing from the Sardegna Film Commission. Saturnalia is accessible on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via the Epic Games Store.
Key facts
- Saturnalia is a horror video game by Milanese studio Santa Ragione.
- Set in a fictional Sardinian village during a December night in the 1980s.
- Four characters flee a masked creature through a labyrinthine town.
- Game director Pietro Righi Riva and Paolo Tajé conceived the project in 2016.
- Prototype partly funded by EU Creative Europe program in 2017.
- Art director Marta Gabas, a set designer with Brera Academy background, was hired.
- Visual style inspired by Dylan Dog, German Expressionism, and Suspiria (1977).
- Sardegna Film Commission supported the project through IVIPRO.
- Santa Ragione was the first game studio to do location scouting with a film commission.
- Game available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Entities
Artists
- Pietro Righi Riva
- Paolo Tajé
- Marta Gabas
- Nevina Satta
- Simone Contu
Institutions
- Santa Ragione
- Xplored
- Accademia di Brera
- Sardegna Film Commission
- IVIPRO
- Artribune
- Epic Games Store
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Sardinia
- Mamoiada
- Iglesias