Tales of Kenzera: ZAU director releases a short film detailing the game's inspiration

Ahead of the upcoming indie action-adventure platformer, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, a special short film has been released by the game’s director, Abubakar Salim. The film, seen above, tells the real story behind ZAU, showing how hard it is to reach out. To try to connect to others while you’re going through it. To make the choice to be seen.

Salim says he’s honored to share this piece of himself with everyone, and believes it to be the ideal primer for Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. Salim calls the film his “love letter” to his father and to everyone out there who holds the pain of loss in their heart.

Inspired by Abubakar’s personal journey dealing with the loss of his father and their deep mutual bond of video games, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU celebrates Abubakar’s father through heartfelt single-player metroidvania-style gameplay, all while showcasing how greatness comes from resilience and the experience of finding hope and courage after loss.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU releases on April 23 on Switch for $19.99. Pre-order the game now to earn a 10% discount, in addition to two shaman points unlocking up to two skills in-game, Kalunga’s Blessing visual effect variant, as well as the Tales of Kenzera: ZAU digital companion comic, Soulshifters, which dives deeper into the rich lore of Kenzera.