Alone in the Dark’s creator is crowdfunding a new Mega Drive / Genesis game with a unique controller

April 4, 2026 - 03:18

Frédérick Raynal, the legendary creator behind the seminal horror classic Alone in the Dark, is turning his sights to the 16-bit era. He has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a brand new game designed for the Sega Mega Drive and Genesis, titled PopCorn: Duel. The project promises a nostalgic trip with a distinctly modern twist.

The game itself is a competitive versus shooter for two players, described as fast-paced and arcade-inspired. However, the true headline is the bespoke controller being developed alongside it. Raynal’s studio is designing a unique spinner peripheral, evoking the feel of classic arcade dials, specifically crafted to control the action in PopCorn: Duel. This dedicated hardware aims to deliver a precise and tactile experience impossible with a standard gamepad.

The campaign seeks funding to bring both the game cartridge and the specialized controller to life for retro enthusiasts. This move represents a fascinating blend of old and new, leveraging modern community funding to produce authentic hardware and software for a beloved vintage system. For fans of retro gaming and unique peripherals, the project offers a chance to own a novel piece of gaming history directly from a renowned industry pioneer.