Category: RNGD

Off The Grid: Bad Dream | RNGD Sample Review

Off The Grid: Bad Dream (Project Escher)

Review:

Off The Grid: Bad Dream challenges traditional psychological horror by flipping the genre on its head, delivering what can only be described as an “anti-horror” experience. Rather than relying on fear through aggression or shock, the game builds a deeply unsettling atmosphere through silence, ambiguity, and emotional tension.

The environmental design is where the game truly shines. Each scene feels meticulously crafted, blending surreal architecture with grounded natural elements to create spaces that are both dreamlike and disturbingly familiar. Lighting and post-processing elevate every moment, turning exploration into a cinematic journey rather than a mechanical task.

Narratively, the game leans into mystery without over-explaining itself. It trusts the player to interpret its symbolism, rewarding attention to detail and emotional intuition. This approach won’t appeal to everyone, but for those willing to engage, it creates a uniquely personal experience.

On the technical side, the game demonstrates a strong command of visual storytelling and real-time rendering. While gameplay systems remain minimal by design, they serve the core vision rather than distract from it.

Verdict:

Off The Grid: Bad Dream is not about surviving fear — it’s about understanding it. A bold and artistic statement that carves out a new space within the psychological genre.

[gp_critic id=”1″ rating=”8.8″]A hauntingly beautiful anti-horror experience that lingers long after you wake up.[/gp_critic]

3D Modeler (Weapons Artist)

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Design, model, and texture realistic and stylized weapons (firearms, melee, custom tools) that align with the tone of the game world.
  • Translate concept art, references, and verbal direction into high-quality game-ready models.
  • Create clean topology, efficient UVs, and high-to-low poly bakes suitable for real-time performance.
  • Develop PBR materials and textures using tools like Substance Painter, Designer, or Quixel.
  • Collaborate with animators and gameplay designers to ensure weapon assets are functional, ergonomic, and ready for in-game use.
  • Implement and test weapons inside Unreal Engine 5, ensuring proper scale, readability, and visual cohesion with the game world.
  • Work closely with the Game Director to align weapon aesthetics with emotional and narrative beats — every weapon should tell a story.
Requirements
  • Portfolio showcasing high-quality weapon modeling and texturing, with attention to detail and visual storytelling.
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling software (Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, etc.).
  • Experience creating high-to-low poly models and baking normal, AO, and curvature maps.
  • Strong grasp of PBR workflows and real-time asset optimization.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine (especially asset setup, materials, and lighting previews).
  • Understanding of weapon anatomy, real-world function, and how those elements translate to game design.
Nice to have
  • Experience modeling unique, non-traditional, or narrative-specific weapons.
  • Familiarity with rigging or preparing weapons for animation (e.g., reloading sequences, attachments).
  • Knowledge of first-person and third-person weapon presentation in Unreal.
  • Passion for psychological thriller or narrative-driven games where design matters emotionally.
  • Interest in environmental storytelling through weapon wear, modification, or design history
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

UI/UX Designer

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, and implement intuitive and atmospheric UI elements (HUD, menus, prompts, inventory, etc.) that match the game’s visual and emotional tone.
  • Work closely with game designers, artists, and developers to ensure seamless player experiences across gameplay, narrative, and interaction.
  • Translate abstract ideas like “calm,” “tension,” or “mystery” into layout, motion, typography, and feedback systems.
  • Develop wireframes, flowcharts, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate player journeys and screen transitions.
  • Collaborate on user testing and iteration, ensuring the UI serves both usability and storytelling.
  • Maintain consistency and accessibility across all interface elements, while leaving room for creative experimentation.
Requirements
  • Strong portfolio showcasing UI/UX work in games or interactive digital experiences.
  • Solid understanding of UX principles, user-centered design, and interface hierarchy.
  • Experience designing UI systems for game engines (Unreal Engine experience is a big plus).
  • Familiarity with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or similar for prototyping and layout.
  • Understanding of motion design, transitions, and feedback that enhance player experience.
  • Appreciation for minimalism, mood-driven design, and subtle emotional cues.
Nice to have
  • Experience designing for gamepads/controllers as well as mouse/keyboard.
  • Experience implementing UI in Unreal Engine using UMG, Blueprints, or Slate.
  • Familiarity with psychological thriller, narrative-driven, or cinematic-style games.
  • Aesthetic sensitivity toward typography, iconography, and negative space.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Character Artist

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Design and sculpt high-quality, emotionally expressive characters that fit Rare Castle’s cinematic and narrative tone.
  • Create detailed character models using ZBrush, including facial expressions, body forms, and fine details.
  • Simulate and refine realistic clothing using Marvelous Designer, emphasizing subtle movement and emotional believability.
  • Work with MetaHuman pipelines to ensure characters integrate seamlessly into Unreal Engine 5 environments.
  • Collaborate with the director and other artists to maintain consistency in visual tone, anatomy, clothing style, and emotional realism.
  • Optimize characters for real-time performance while maintaining fidelity in storytelling moments and cutscenes.
  • Participate in feedback sessions and iterate based on narrative, visual, and technical direction.
Requirements
  • Strong portfolio showcasing character modeling, sculpting, and texturing — especially human or humanoid forms.
  • Experience with ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, and character workflows for real-time engines.
  • An eye for anatomy, proportions, clothing behavior, and storytelling through facial and body detail.
  • Familiarity with integrating assets into Unreal Engine (UE5 preferred).
  • Passion for cinematic games, character-driven storytelling, and creating emotionally grounded work.
Nice to have
  • Experience with MetaHuman Creator or custom MetaHuman workflows.
  • Knowledge of grooming, skin shaders, or performance optimization.
  • Interest in psychological thrillers or narrative games that prioritize subtlety over spectacle.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Level Designer

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Design, block out, and iterate on levels and gameplay spaces that support narrative, pacing, and player immersion.
  • Collaborate with game designers, artists, and the director to ensure levels align with story beats and emotional goals.
  • Build and refine gameplay flow, points of interest, and traversal using Unreal Engine tools.
  • Utilize lighting, composition, landmarks, and environmental storytelling to guide players naturally without intrusive UI.
  • Contribute ideas to elevate exploration, mystery, tension, and wonder — especially in quiet, introspective moments.
  • Playtest, gather feedback, and iterate on layouts to improve clarity, engagement, and emotional impact.
  • Work with performance and visual constraints in mind to ensure levels are both beautiful and optimized.
Requirements
  • A strong sense of spatial design, player psychology, and environmental storytelling.
  • Experience designing levels using Unreal Engine (ideally UE5) — even through personal, academic, or portfolio projects.
  • Ability to sketch or block out ideas quickly using basic geometry or modeling tools.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills in a remote indie team environment.
  • Passion for narrative-driven games, psychological thrillers, and creative exploration.
Nice to have
  • Familiarity with lighting fundamentals and visual scripting (Blueprints).
  • Experience with modular design, landscape tools, or set dressing.
  • A personal interest in creating emotionally impactful, healing, or meaningful game experiences.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Human Resources

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Support the founder in building and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and healthy studio culture.
  • Help establish HR processes tailored to an indie, remote-first game development team (onboarding, volunteer agreements, performance check-ins, etc.).
  • Promote clear communication and emotional well-being within the team through empathetic HR practices.
  • Ensure internal documentation is up-to-date and organized (e.g. roles, responsibilities, studio values, volunteer guidelines).
  • Assist in coordinating team feedback, recognition, and morale-boosting initiatives.
  • Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive team matters with care, discretion, and professionalism.
  • Help align team structure and goals with Rare Castle’s creative vision, values, and growth trajectory.
Requirements
  • Background in Human Resources, People Operations, or a related field — ideally within the creative or tech sectors.
  • Strong understanding of the unique dynamics of indie or remote teams.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Organized, dependable, and emotionally intelligent.
  • Deep respect for diversity, empathy, and mental wellness in creative environments.
Nice to have
  • Experience supporting teams in the video game industry or Unreal Engine-based projects.
  • Familiarity with team collaboration tools.
  • A personal passion for storytelling, gaming, and human-centered design.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the founder to identify, attract, and engage top-tier talent across disciplines (art, design, programming, audio, etc.) with a strong focus on indie and Unreal Engine experience.
  • Manage the full recruitment process — from sourcing and screening candidates to coordinating interviews and facilitating offers.
  • Proactively build and maintain a pipeline of creative and technical talent passionate about storytelling, innovation, and emotionally impactful games.
  • Help craft compelling job descriptions and role briefs that reflect Rare Castle’s mission, culture, and artistic values.
  • Represent Rare Castle professionally and authentically in outreach and communication with candidates.
  • Collaborate with team leads and future hires to understand evolving team needs and adjust hiring strategies accordingly.
  • Ensure a positive, human-centered experience for all applicants, fostering lasting relationships even beyond the hiring process.
Requirements
  • Experience in talent acquisition or recruitment, preferably in the video game industry or a closely related creative field.
  • Strong understanding of creative and technical roles in game development (e.g., animators, environment artists, gameplay engineers, etc.).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Self-driven, organized, and comfortable working independently in a remote, startup-like environment.
  • Genuine passion for storytelling, games as art, and the people who bring them to life.
Nice to have
  • Experience recruiting for Unreal Engine-based teams or indie studios.
  • Familiarity with video games industry roles involving cinematic game development.
  • An existing network of game development professionals or aspiring talent.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Gameplay Animator

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities
  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that feel responsive, fluid, and immersive, enhancing core mechanics and elevating the player experience.
  • Collaborate closely with the Game Designer and Art Director to ensure animations clearly support gameplay goals and reinforce the emotional tone of the game.
  • Implement and iterate animations directly in Unreal Engine using Animation Blueprints and real-time tools to achieve seamless integration with gameplay systems.
  • Work with advanced character systems, including MetaHumans, to deliver expressive, believable movement that feels great to control.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of animation workflows, balancing artistic vision with gameplay responsiveness and technical performance.
  • Solve gameplay animation challenges creatively to ensure smooth transitions, clear visual feedback, and strong player connection.
  • Actively participate in playtesting and iterative design discussions, providing feedback and proposing animation improvements that strengthen moment-to-moment gameplay.
  • Document animation processes and share best practices to support and inspire current and future team members.
Requirements
  • Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality gameplay animations with a focus on responsiveness, fluidity, and player feedback.
  • Solid understanding of animation fundamentals — timing, weight, anticipation, and how these elements impact gameplay feel.
  • Experience creating and implementing animations in a real-time engine (Unreal Engine experience preferred), including Animation Blueprints.
  • Familiarity with advanced character systems such as MetaHumans and their integration into gameplay.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with game designers, technical artists, and other team members to achieve cohesive, player-focused results.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for addressing technical and artistic challenges in gameplay animation.
  • Good communication skills and a willingness to give and receive feedback in a creative, iterative environment.
  • Passion for creating story-driven, emotionally impactful experiences that connect deeply with players.
Nice to have
  • Experience working on shipped games or personal projects with a strong gameplay focus.
  • Knowledge of procedural or dynamic animation techniques to enhance gameplay responsiveness.
  • Interest in psychological, thriller, or narrative-focused games.
What We Offer
  • Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
  • A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
  • Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
  • Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
  • A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.
Apply Now

Rare Castle Becomes an Official PlayStation Partner

An Industry Seal of Trust. An Alliance Forged.

Today, Rare Castle stands at a defining crossroads.

After years of quiet determination, relentless prototyping, and an unwavering belief in the power of healing games, we are proud to announce that Rare Castle is now an Official PlayStation Partner with Sony Interactive Entertainment.

This is not merely a technical achievement or a box to check. It is recognition. It is validation. It is the bridge between an independent dream born in Cairo in 2018 and one of the most influential ecosystems in interactive entertainment.

As an Official PlayStation Partner, Rare Castle gains privileged access to PlayStation’s professional development infrastructure — advanced tools, SDKs, technical support, certification resources, and a global network of trusted creators. This partnership positions our small studio among those shaping the future of console gaming and opens powerful new gateways for Project Escher.

Project Escher on PlayStation

Our flagship episodic cinematic psychological thriller — the first title in our revolutionary healing games genre — will now be able to reach PlayStation players with the fidelity, performance, and polish the experience deserves. From the Inner Monologue mechanic that pulls players directly into the protagonist’s mind, to the surreal, photorealistic worlds built in Unreal Engine, every element of Project Escher was designed to challenge the mind while nurturing the soul.

This alliance ensures that the strange, beautiful, and transformative journey we have been crafting will shine on PlayStation hardware.

From the Castle to the World

For a solo-founded indie studio from Egypt to earn this status is proof that powerful ideas do not need massive teams or big budgets — they only need heart, vision, and persistence.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Sony Interactive Entertainment team for believing in an unconventional approach to game design and for welcoming an independent voice from the MENA region into the PlayStation family.

To every Guardian of the Castle, every follower who has read our dev logs, shared our updates, and kept the dream alive — this moment belongs to you.

The castle is no longer rising in silence.

It has been seen.

The gateways are opening wider than ever. Project Escher is moving forward with renewed momentum, and healing games are coming to PlayStation.

Stay with us. The real journey is just beginning.

— Mohamed Fawzy & The Rare Castle Team

#RareCastle #PlayStationPartner #ProjectEscher #HealingGames

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