Japanese publisher PLAYISM released the psychological horror game DYPING ESCAPE on Steam on March 13. Created by indie developer Heaviside Creations, the unusual game, which blends typing mechanics with interactive horror, forces you to input instructions from a mysterious game master represented by two giant eyeballs. As the game progresses, the master’s requests become more sinister, and if you’re disobedient, be prepared for consequences.
Disclosure: The publisher of this game, PLAYISM, is part of Active Gaming Media, the owner of this website.
After being forced into signing a rather unreasonable contract, it won’t be long until you find out that whatever you type becomes “real.” You might be “politely asked” to kill certain characters, run programs you absolutely don’t want running while you play, or even hack into your own system. The game master can also see your PC’s specs, but since you’re the one who has signed the contract, you have no choice but to obey.
Luckily, a tiny cat hailing from another ancient game suddenly appears, offering to help you literally “beat” the game that threatens your reality as it slowly chips away at the fourth wall. With the aid of the cat, your goal is to find a clever way to counter the fourth-wall-breaking gimmicks.
Since DYPING ESCAPE is a typing game at its core, at the end of each stage you’ll be assigned a score for your typing skills, so if you prefer a bit of a challenge, you can revisit previous levels and pursue a high score like in classic typing games. Of course, you’ll also be allowed to change the difficulty level.
Additionally, since the game will simulate that it’s literally accessing your system, players are warned of “effects where information based on the player’s PC environment may be displayed within the game,” which is why the developers have implemented a “streamer mode” as well. If you play DYPING ESCAPE in “streamer mode,” you’ll be allowed to set your social media ID as the “source of information” for the master’s blackmailing schemes (so you can livestream safely, without the fear of said information leaking to your audience).
On a related note, DYPING ESCAPE is actually an enhanced version of Heavside Creation’s hit free browser game DYPING, with upgraded graphics, mechanics and a deeper storyline.
DYPING ESCAPE is out now on Steam, with a 10% launch sale. A free demo is also available.
