The Survival genre is one that many developers and publishers have tried to nail, with a number of different takes. SCUM is the newest competitor for the genre; announced at gamescom this year, it is going to be published by Devolver Digital and developed by Gamepires in cooperation with Croteam.

While taking inspiration from others in the genre as well, SCUM takes heavy inspiration from works like The Hunger Games in its set up, although it's not aimed at the same market. In SCUM, you play as a prisoner on Bagne de Cayenne (also known as Devil's Island), where the titular TV show SCUM is being broadcast this season. Prisoners are released in the location for season 2 of the bloodthirsty gladiatorial prison show (season 1 took place in Alcatraz) and attempt to survive while battling other prisoners and getting the support of viewers, producers, and corporate sponsors. If you prove popular enough, it is possible that when you die the show's producers may resurrect you with your skills intact.

SCUM comes with three modes of play in single player, multiplayer, and co-op survival mode. Utilizing Unreal 4 it is supposed to feature complex character customization, an interactive story, and large amounts of AI controlled actors who are competing with you. The game utilizes a skill-based system that requires you to watch and work on things like metabolic rate, body mass, weapon proficiency, combat style, and hacking.

Croteam CEO and SCUM producer Roman Ribaric talked a little about what they are trying to do:

“The systems at play in SCUM are astounding and we believe it will raise the bar of what is expected in a modern survival game moving forward. Characters, environments, and even the players knowledge base are all dynamic and the changes in them can greatly effect the hierarchy of the island.”

SCUM is set to launch in Early Access in 2017, and if you want to read more there is some info on their official website.

Are you interested in SCUM? Do you think it can stand out from the other survival titles? What do you think a survival game needs to differentiate itself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!