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, and outsmart enemies to become the Pirate Queen. 

Facing the possibility of losing her status, security and even her life, Cheng Shih must do everything in her power to outsmart Kwok Po Dai and see her become the most powerful pirate in history leading a command of 70,000 men, women and children during one of the most turbulent times in history leading up to the Opium Wars.  The game play takes place on the Night of Succession, when the Pirate Council meet to decide who will take over as captain of the Red Flag Fleet.  Players take on the identity of Cheng Shih who must complete  a series of puzzle-based tasks and outsmart Kwok Po Dai to become the leader of the fleet. Cheng Shih is helped along the way with clues from her second in command, Cheung Po Tsai, and players must complete the game play across five levels in order to be crowned The Pirate Queen.

Singer Studios has meticulously researched Cheng Shih’s story, ensuring players will experience a historically accurate adventure.

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend boasts an array of gameplay mechanics unique to VR that offer players a diverse experience, including exploration, throwing, climbing, rowing, fishing, and solving environmental puzzles.

Lucy Liu will lend her voice to the Pirate Queen herself. The game’s narrative is a thrilling journey of cunning, stealth, and daring maritime exploits, beautifully rendered with a visually stunning art style. In addition to providing a rich narrative experience, the game will explore themes of female empowerment and diversity, contributing to the studio's mission of telling stories that challenge the status quo and spark change.

“Lucy is a formidable talent, her performance as the voice of the Pirate Queen is truly exceptional.” said director, Eloise Singer. “It was a pleasure working with her to bring the character to life, her ability to convey depth and nuance into the character have added layers of complexity to Cheng Shih's personality, making the Pirate Queen a truly compelling and memorable character.”

Liu, famous for her roles in Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill, and more, will undoubtedly deepen Pirate Queen’s action-thriller qualities and amplify AAPI voices and visibility.  

“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 Lucy Liu. "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.”

Orion Lee also joins the cast.  Lee garnered awards recognition for his leading performance as King Lu in A24’s 'First Cow'. 

The Pirate Queen will have its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival (June 9 - 17, 2023), and is part of an expansive franchise, currently being developed as a graphic novel, podcast and TV series with Beijing, China’s Seesaw Films (The Farewell).

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend is coming to PC (Steam VR), Meta Quest 2 and mobile devices in 2024.