Yes: DREDGE, Black Salt Games’ Lovecraftian fishing adventure, has an announced live-action feature adaptation. Black Salt Games and production company Story Kitchen announced the project on April 9, 2024. No release date had been announced as of September 18, 2026, and the available updates do not confirm a cast or director.
Is the DREDGE movie real?
Yes. Black Salt Games and Story Kitchen announced a partnership to develop a live-action feature adaptation of DREDGE on April 9, 2024. The announcement confirms the project and its format; it does not establish that filming has begun or that a finished film exists.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DREDGE Complete Collector's Edition - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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DREDGE: Deluxe Edition - Xbox Series X | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fireshine Games Dredge Deluxe Edition | $46.04 | Buy on Amazon |
What is the film about?
The announcement’s promotional logline describes the project as: “Think ‘The Sixth Sense’ on the water. A grounded atmospheric cosmic horror blend of HP Lovecraft and Ernest Hemingway.” That is the filmmakers’ high-level framing, not a confirmed plot synopsis or evidence that the adaptation will follow a particular game storyline.
The source game gives that description context. DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure in which a trawler captain fishes around remote islands, sells catches and curios, upgrades the boat, and investigates local secrets. Its official descriptions pair the routine work of fishing and exploration with danger at night. The film announcement has not said which characters, quests, or ending—if any—from the game will appear onscreen.
#1 Best Overall
- A special edition of DREDGE with of all the DLC included on the cart / disc (Blackstone Key, The Pale Reach and The Iron Rig). Also features exclusive artwork and a reversible inlay that depicts the cover of the Book of the Deep.
- A replica of the mysterious Sign of Ruin talisman. A symbol of the deep is carved into this unassuming rock. It's sure to draw the attention of those attuned to it. Approximately 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size.
- A double-sided poster featuring the all-new Complete Collector’s Edition artwork on one side and the original DREDGE artwork on the other.
- A fold-out nautical chart to help you navigate your way around The Marrows and the surrounding archipelagos, along with a sticker set of map markers.
- A complete compendium of all fish and their aberrant variants in a hardback volume, message from the developer and metal doubloon coin.
Who is making it?
The announced partners are DREDGE developer Black Salt Games and production company Story Kitchen. In a joint statement, Black Salt Games’ Nadia Thorne, Joel Mason, Alex Ritchie, and Michael Bastiaens said they were excited to bring the world they created to live action. Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, Dan Jevons, and Timothy I. Stevenson jointly described the game as “a captivatingly eerie and profoundly rich story.” The announcement names the speakers collectively and does not assign individual job titles.
When does the DREDGE movie come out?
No release date had been announced as of GamesRadar+’s September 18, 2026 roundup, which listed the date as TBA. The available status information also does not confirm a release window, distributor, director, screenwriter, cast, or filming start. Those details should be treated as unannounced, not as proof that no private development work is happening.
Rank #2
- Two Halves of one Tale: DREDGE keeps the player enthralled by hinting at a story much more sinister than at first thought: Uncover piece by piece the mystery surrounding your arrival in the Archipelago.
- Day and Night Cycle Storytelling: While the world of DREDGE seems peaceful during the day, once the sun sets, you’ll want to be sure you keep your lights on and wits about you. The world changes dramatically at night, so always be on your toes!
- Fishing Galore!: Every type of fishing within the game comes with an accompanying system to catch fish! From patrolling shallow waters, to trawling the ocean floor, using crab pots, to the titular dredging itself. Experience a wide array of different game mechanics solely created to make fishing as varied and interesting as possible.
- Keeping Sane: If you want to survive the sea, you need to make sure your sanity is kept in check with the Panic system. Without it, you’ll be seeing deadly illusions, like terrifying aquatic creatures, false rocks you may crash your ship on, and much more.
- Oh Captain! My Captain!: Keep your boat in good shape with the boat upgrade menu, research opportunities and all-round repairs. Let it get too damaged and you’ll be one step closer to the grave.
What is DREDGE, the game?
Black Salt Games developed DREDGE, and Team17 Digital published it. The official press kit lists its release date as March 30, 2023, and platforms as PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Its fishing-and-exploration loop gives the announced film a clear setting and mood, but the adaptation’s specific story remains undisclosed.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
- Unravel a Mystery Captain your fishing trawler across a collection of remote islands, each with its own inhabitants to meet, wildlife to discover, and stories to unearth.
- Dredge the Depths Scour the sea for hidden treasures and complete quests to gain access to strange new abilities
- Study Your Craft Research special equipment and upgrade your boat’s capabilities to gain access to rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios.
- Fight the Unfathomable Strengthen your mind and use your abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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