Gaming: Wales zombie survival thriller enjoys chart success

Sker Ritual is described as "intense" and "relentless"

A Welsh zombie horror game has shot up the international charts.

Sker Ritual is currently more popular than global favourites such as FC 24, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto.

Made by a firm in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, it is a follow-up to 2020's Maid of Sker, which was inspired by a Welsh folk song.

Boss of Wales Interactive Dr David Banner said the game reached number three in PC download charts, fifth for Xbox and top 10 for PlayStation.

Set in 1898, Maid of Sker was inspired by the haunting tale of Elisabeth Williams, whose tragic ending was immortalised in the ballad Y Ferch o'r Sger.

• Gaming firm involved in Fortnite to open Wales HQ

• Can Call of Duty last another 20 years?

In it she is locked away by her domineering father in Sker House, a real-life location near Porthcawl, to stop her from marrying the man she loved and eventually dies of a broken heart.

Sker Ritual updates the supernatural story to 1914 where the player has to embark on a mission to save the world from descending into hell.

Described as "intense" and "relentless" it has proved a huge hit with players following its launch last week.

Dr David Banner said the game's success felt surreal after "three years in the making in a darkened room"

Dr Banner, Wales Interactive's chief executive and co-founder, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the positive reception, support and love that Sker Ritual is getting.

"We dreamed of this, so it's a real pinch yourself moment for us. We're a small Welsh company and [our work] reflects the area we're in and its culture - Lavernock Point in Penarth actually features in the game.

"You can also play it in Welsh if you want and there are famous tunes like Calon Lan on it."

Hannah Blythyn, the minister for creative industries in Wales, added: "We're proud of our thriving gaming industry and this shows what's possible with a little bit of support and a huge amount of talent."

• MAMMOTH: Accidentally frozen in 1979, Tony Mammoth gets a second chance at life

• KICKING BACK WITH THE CARDIFFIANS: Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations