Road to Empress Announced: New Interactive FMV Game from BAFTA-Winning Studio
Shanghai-based developer New One Studio has officially revealed Road to Empress, a new interactive FMV (full-motion video) drama that invites players to experience the turbulent rise of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. Launching soon on Steam, iOS, and Google Play, Road to Empress blends cinematic storytelling with branching narrative paths and time-sensitive decisions, all wrapped in a visually stunning depiction of ancient China.
Fresh off the success of The Invisible Guardian, the studio is once again working with BAFTA-winning producer Demi Guan to bring another culturally rich, story-driven experience to life. Road to Empress was filmed in 4K Ultra HD and draws inspiration from both historical fact and fictional intrigue to create a tense, highly rewatchable drama.
In Road to Empress, players will guide Wu Zetian from her humble beginnings as a minor court figure to her rise as the Empress of China. The palace is full of danger and deception—according to the developers, there are over 100 ways to die. Smart decisions, sharp instincts, and even well-timed romances will all play a part in determining your fate.
Key features include:
- Live the Legend – Experience the story of Wu Zetian as a blend of history and imagination, from palace intrigue to political strategy.
- Interactive FMV Gameplay – Watch the drama unfold and make real-time decisions that alter the course of events.
- Romance, Strategy, and Survival – Form alliances, navigate forbidden love, and balance power plays with emotional intelligence.
- Psychological Insights – Your choices unlock a personalized psychological profile, developed in partnership with Beijing Normal University.
- Authentic Production – With input from Chinese cultural scholars and attention to historical detail, the story is brought to life with traditional set design, costumes, and authentic language options.
The game will launch with full subtitle and menu support in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Thai. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam or pre-register on the App Store and Google Play.
