Pera Coda Steps Onto the Global Stage
A few days ago, Turkish game studio Elyzio unveiled its latest project, Pera Coda — a neo-noir, narrative-driven isometric adventure set in a surreal reimagining of Istanbul’s historic Pera district. The reveal drew attention not only across Turkey, but from some of the world’s most respected gaming and entertainment media. From Rock Paper Shotgun and PC Gamer to IGN, Variety, and Vice, the game quickly found itself among 2026’s most anticipated titles.
We at setimedia had the privilege of supporting Elyzio’s official announcement, helping bring this uniquely local yet universally resonant story to a global audience.
A City, A Story, A Dream
Pera Coda began as the vision of three Istanbul Technical University architecture students. Between lectures and studio work, they crafted early concept videos of a surreal Istanbul — a dreamscape washed in neon light and threaded with mystery. Those videos caught the attention of Elyzio, the studio behind Warden’s Will, and in 2022 the students joined forces with the company to bring their world to life.
The result is a game that blends the psychological depth of Disco Elysium with the exploration-driven puzzles of Outer Wilds. Players step into the shoes of Deniz, a lawyer trapped between life and death, reliving fragments of his past and making choices that shape both story and world. The city itself is more than a backdrop: its streets and landmarks mirror Deniz’s own inner conflicts, balancing chaos and calm, east and west, memory and loss.
Our Role in the Launch
For the reveal, setimedia coordinated a focused PR effort for both local and international audiences. We worked closely with Elyzio to refine the announcement’s tone, balancing cultural authenticity with accessibility. We engaged directly with narrative-focused journalists, provided tailored media kits with art and lore, and ensured the game’s Istanbul setting was presented with depth and respect.
Global Reception
The response was immediate. Vice predicted the story would “land multiple gut punches” if it holds its thread. PC Gamer said it was eager to see where the game takes its Disco Elysium inspiration. Rock Paper Shotgun called it “a new heir” to the genre, while Variety and 3Djuegos praised its visual style and atmosphere.
Across press and social media, Pera Coda was embraced as both a love letter to Istanbul and a sign of Turkey’s growing voice in global game development. For the team who began this journey as three students with a dream, seeing their vision resonate worldwide was a powerful moment — one we were proud to help share.
