Top Hat Studios and developer Radi Art have announced PRIMA MATERIA, a dark, surreal science-fiction visual novel scheduled for release on PC via Steam in 2027. Revealed on November 2, 2026, the game comes from the developer behind Synergia and explores a dystopian world where human consciousness is harvested, processed, and consumed as a valuable resource.
PRIMA MATERIA takes place in the Concrete Sea, an endless grey wasteland beneath a sun that never sets. The world is controlled by powerful beings known as Angels, who farm human consciousness and refine it over centuries into Prima Materia, a luminous orange substance that can be consumed.
Players follow Mana, a Mind Digger who survives by extracting and consuming parts of other people’s minds. Her work involves removing psychological burdens such as guilt, fear, and memories, making the manipulation of consciousness central to the game’s narrative.
Mana’s existence changes when she is assigned to repair Girin, the rebellious daughter of an ancient Angel. In exchange for completing the job, Mana is promised an unlimited supply of Prima Materia.
However, Girin proves difficult to control, and Mana discovers something hidden deep within her consciousness. A protective presence appears to recognize Mana and refuses to allow her access to Girin’s innermost mind. As Mana investigates further, she begins uncovering memories of her own past, complicating what initially appeared to be a straightforward transaction.
The developers describe PRIMA MATERIA as a philosophical narrative exploring consciousness, alchemy, identity, and self-reflection. Its story also incorporates psychological horror and surreal imagery.
Unlike visual novels built around dialogue decisions and multiple endings, PRIMA MATERIA uses a kinetic narrative structure. The story progresses along a predetermined path without player choices or branching routes.
According to the game’s official Steam listing, the experience contains approximately 39,000 words, with an estimated reading time of two to three hours. The presentation includes 50 unique character illustrations and backgrounds rendered at native 4K resolution, alongside an original soundtrack.
The game’s Steam page also confirms English and Spanish text support. Its content description warns of violence, surreal body horror, psychological manipulation, addiction-related themes, and depictions of self-destructive behavior.
Radi Art previously developed Synergia, a cyberpunk visual novel released in July 2020. PRIMA MATERIA continues the studio’s focus on science-fiction storytelling, although its setting and characters introduce a separate narrative premise.
The announcement arrives as several independently developed PC games prepare for their upcoming Steam releases. Other scheduled titles include Alterium Shift's full PC release in February 2027, while PRIMA MATERIA currently has a broader launch window.
Although Top Hat Studios has announced a 2027 release, the game’s Steam storefront still lists its exact release date as unannounced. No console versions have been confirmed.
PRIMA MATERIA is available to wishlist on Steam, and an announcement trailer has been released alongside the initial reveal.
