Fans Skeptical of New Dark Messiah-Inspired RPG Gameplay Trailer: Real or Fake?

Debate Sparks Over Alleged Gameplay Footage of the Upcoming RPG

Recently, a new trailer for Alkahest, a fantasy role-playing game inspired by the classic Dark Messiah, was released by the relatively unknown studio Push On. Marketed as gameplay footage, the clip quickly drew skepticism from the gaming community, with many questioning whether it truly represented in-game action or was merely a cinematic production.

Analyzing the Trailer: Hollywood-Style or Genuine Gameplay?

The trailer lasts just over 40 seconds and showcases a hero rushing toward a fortification, shielding from arrows with a shield, leaping onto a cart, catching and throwing a barrel at enemies, and engaging in close combat. The sequences are executed with Hollywood-level smoothness, devoid of any user interface elements or realistic camera behavior, which fuels the suspicion that these scenes might not be actual gameplay.

Many viewers have pointed out that the trailer resembles a scripted scene, heavily staged for visual impact rather than depicting real game mechanics. The absence of typical gameplay indicators, like UI overlays or natural character movements, reinforces this perception. However, some players have noted minor glitches and inconsistencies in the animations, which could suggest these are actual in-game actions, but nothing definitive has been confirmed.

Previous Attempts at Deception and Developer Transparency

This isn’t the first time developers have faced accusations of misleading audiences with pre-rendered sequences. Push On has openly admitted in the past that their early trailers included scripted scenes to boost visual appeal. The new trailer appears to follow the same pattern, leading many to believe that actual gameplay footage has yet to be shown publicly.

Community Reactions and Speculations

While some fans remain hopeful, pointing out slight irregularities that might hint at real gameplay, the majority remain skeptical. The consensus is that the trailer might be a cinematic demonstration rather than an accurate reflection of the game’s mechanics. Until developers release authentic gameplay footage, doubts will persist among gamers eager to see Alkahest in action.

Historical Context: When Doubts About Game Footage Are Not New

Interestingly, this situation echoes past instances in the gaming industry. For example, industry veteran Peter Molinyé once explained why his most ambitious project, which also faced skepticism over its gameplay demonstrations, was ultimately canceled before release. It highlights how deceptive marketing tactics can sometimes lead to disappointment when the final product doesn’t match initial impressions.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.