An Antarctic Station, Silence, and Something Beneath the Ice
The Black Ice is an atmospheric horror game set at the abandoned Antarctic research station Vostok, a place cut off from the world by ice, isolation, and unanswered questions.
The project was developed over a year and a half by Antelus Games in collaboration with St. Petersburg–based Red Crab Games. What started as a compact horror concept has gradually grown into a much larger world. At its current early access stage, the game offers around three to four hours of gameplay, with the story only beginning to unfold. Future updates are planned to introduce new locations, expand the narrative, and deepen the overall experience.
The premise is simple on the surface. A lone agent is sent to the station after a distress signal abruptly cuts off. No communication. No clear explanation. Upon arrival, the station is empty, frozen in time. The player must piece together what happened to the crew, why the facility was abandoned, and what is hidden behind sealed doors scattered throughout the complex.
The title The Black Ice refers to a rare and unsettling phenomenon. Beneath the Antarctic surface lies ancient ice containing foreign particles, possibly not of terrestrial origin, preserved for millions of years. In the game, this idea becomes a central metaphor and narrative thread, blurring the line between natural mystery and something far more disturbing.
At its core, The Black Ice focuses on solitary survival and exploration. There are no crowds, no constant action, and no hand-holding. Every decision matters. Movement through the station is slow and deliberate, encouraging players to observe their surroundings, listen to subtle audio cues, and read environmental details rather than rely on explicit explanations.
The game draws inspiration from classic survival horror, particularly the early-era design philosophy of Resident Evil, where tension comes from limited information, confined spaces, and a persistent sense of vulnerability rather than constant combat. Atmosphere takes priority over spectacle.
During early access, the team has focused heavily on technical and visual refinement. A large number of bugs have been fixed, lighting systems have been reworked, and environmental details have been significantly improved. The station itself feels more alive and more oppressive, with art direction playing a key role in immersion. Shadows, reflections, and small visual details now contribute more directly to the player’s sense of unease.
Early access is not positioned as a finished product, but as the foundation for active development. Player feedback plays a major role in shaping the next steps. The plan is to gradually expand the abandoned station, introduce new narrative layers, and explore the consequences of what lies beneath the ice.
The Black Ice is less about shock and more about tension, isolation, and the slow realization that some places were abandoned for a reason.
