Screenshot from Lili, an interactive video game adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring a neo-noir depiction of modern Iran.

Iconic play Macbeth to be adapted into a neo-noir game

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is getting a bold makeover as an interactive video game, thanks to a collaboration involving the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Titled Lili, the game offers a contemporary twist on the classic tale, blending a gripping “screen life thriller” format with an immersive neo-noir aesthetic.

According to a press release, Lili invites players into the life of a modern-day Lady Macbeth. The game revolves around her personal devices, unraveling her story against the backdrop of a stylized vision of modern Iran, where surveillance and authoritarianism are daily realities.

This narrative-driven game promises an engaging mix of live-action sequences and interactive gameplay, allowing players to step into Lady Macbeth’s world and influence her choices. Early descriptions of the game suggest it might appeal to fans of Sam Barlow’s acclaimed interactive thrillers, such as Her Story and Telling Lies.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has partnered with iNK Stories, a New York-based indie studio known for 1979 Revolution: Black Friday, to develop Lili. Zar Amir takes on the lead role as “Lady Macbeth (Lili),” bringing a modern and compelling interpretation of the character to life.

Gamers can expect Lili to launch in late 2025, offering a unique way to experience Shakespeare’s work in a digital, interactive format.