Steel Seed | Dev Diary #4 “ZOE”
Hello!
In previous diaries, we have shared a lot of information about the game's world, about Koby, a flying drone, Zoe's “emotional” companion and even about Michael Bay, so today we finally get to talk about the main protagonist — Zoe.
Zoe is the protagonist of Steel Seed. She is a young woman who awakens in a robotic body, stranded in an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Her journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and a relentless search for her father, all while navigating the psychological toll of loneliness and fear.
Backstory
Zoe’s life before the events of Steel Seed remains a mystery to her and the player. At the start of the game, she finds herself trapped in an advanced underground facility, a world dominated by artificial intelligence and robotic entities. With no memory of how or why she was placed in this situation, Zoe struggles to make sense of her transformation into a robotic form and the hostile environment she must survive.
Her connection to her father is a driving force throughout the story. Despite the uncertainty of his fate, Zoe’s determination to find him fuels her resilience, even as she grapples with overwhelming isolation and fear.
Personality and Traits
Zoe’s initial state is defined by vulnerability and anxiety. She is terrified and unsure of herself, but her adaptability and inner strength quickly come to the forefront. As the story progresses, Zoe transforms from a frightened survivor into a resourceful and determined individual.
Her robotic body offers her enhanced mobility and abilities, but Zoe struggles to reconcile her humanity with her mechanical form. This internal conflict is a recurring theme in her journey, highlighting her resilience and humanity despite her circumstances.
Appearance and Design
Zoe’s appearance blends mechanical precision and human relatability, carefully crafted to evoke empathy and connection. Storm in a Teacup drew inspiration from Blame! as a general one and then from iconic characters such as Alita (Battle Angel Alita), Kyashan (Casshern), and Robocop among others. These influences helped shape a protagonist who balances strength and vulnerability with a design that highlights her mechanical nature while retaining clear traces of her humanity. Her expressive eyes and body language were intentionally designed to foster a strong bond between Zoe and the players, making her situation all the more poignant and relatable. The team’s focus was on creating a character who feels both otherworldly and deeply human, immersing players in her emotional journey.
Relationship with Koby
Koby, a prototype drone designed to assist and guide Zoe, becomes her only companion in the facility. While initially perceived as a tool, Koby evolves into a genuine friend and emotional anchor for Zoe. Their bond is central to the narrative, providing moments of lightness, support, and camaraderie amidst the bleakness of their surroundings. Koby’s ability to communicate through chirps and a digital face adds a layer of emotional depth, allowing Zoe to feel less alone in her journey.
Struggles and Themes
Zoe’s story delves into themes of loneliness, survival, and the essence of humanity. The oppressive and lifeless environment of the facility amplifies her sense of isolation, making her interactions with Koby and her search for her father all the more poignant.
Her robotic body serves as a metaphor for her internal conflict: is she still human, or has she become something else entirely? This existential question drives much of the game’s narrative, as Zoe confronts both external threats and her own identity.
Significance in Steel Seed
As the central character of Steel Seed, Zoe embodies the emotional core of the game. Her journey invites players to experience the vulnerability and strength of someone thrust into a seemingly impossible situation. Through her, the game explores profound questions about humanity, technology, and the boundaries between the two.
Zoe’s combination of relatable fear and extraordinary determination makes her a compelling protagonist, one whose story resonates with players on both an emotional and philosophical level.
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We are looking forward to seeing you in Steel Seed!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/
