Dreamsettler, the follow-up to early internet inspired browser game Hypnospace Outlaw, has been cancelled
Dreamsettler, the follow-up to early internet inspired browser game Hypnospace Outlaw, has been cancelled
This is heartbreaking. Do we know why it was? Was it due to costs?
Edit: it was due to feature creep
Edit: it was due to feature creep
Understandable.
We all No Mansky now
Real shame but that is the hellscape we are in.
If anyone hasn't played Hypnospace Outlaw? Do it. It is genuinely one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had. Went from "I'll give this a go before I hop in the car" to "I have pre-check. I can probably get to my gate on time..."
If you haven't heard about it? The premise is that you are a moderator for effectively geocities back in the 90s/00s. And your first (?) assignment is to investigate a kindergarten teacher who is accused of using copyrighted materials. And it escalates from there.
And it kind of escalates from there with a cast of characters that you mostly interact with through seeing what they posted on their websites and messages to each other. And it is a ridiculously heartfelt game that truly loves and understands its source material in a way that so few "nostalgia cash ins" actually do.
We have truly lost something Beautiful with Dreamsettler being binned.
I don't think any game has made me feel so much for characters I don't even get to see. There's some real humanity in Hypnospace.
That's a compelling review. I will have to check it out.
I am surprised I've never heard of the game before, it's been out since 2019.
Really bummed about this cancellation. However, if you're looking for other games in this genre of narrative desktop / interface games there are several upcoming games to look forward to at least.
DECRYPTO Project | Steam
Description: Our algorithm has chosen you for inclusion in the DECRYPTO project. Your job is simple: we send encrypted texts, you decipher them. Loyalty and diligence will be rewarded with upgrades and customization options for your system. Disobedience and sabotage will be punished.
Desktop Explorer | Steam
Description: A detective-like puzzle game set in a 90s operating system. Rummage through forgotten files, abandoned games and outdated software. Face your fears to find the reason behind a teenager's disappearance.
lily's world XD | Steam
Description: lily’s world XD is a psychological horror game where you investigate a young girl’s computer. Channel your inner 2000s teen as you read her old conversations, customize her blog, and look through her embarrassing selfies. That is, until you find messages addressed to you...
oneway.exe | Steam
Description: You’re stuck inside an abandoned video game, haunted by its own digital decay. In oneway.exe, uncover the mystery of UNTITLED.exe, its three developers, and the evolving Internet eras that once shaped their friendship.
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus | Steam
Description: Pony Island 2: Panda Circus is a phantasmagorical voyage through time, myth, divinity, and video games. Escape the lordly deities of the underworld with your soul, and your sanity, intact. This is not a game about ponies.
VICE Undercover | Steam
Description: VICE Undercover is a point & click narco-thriller set in an alternate 1980s Miami - where every choice matters. You play as undercover agent Vida, and for one hour per day, you're taking control over a cartel-run computer using Amigo OS, a fully-functional 1980-inspired operating system.
However, Dreamsettler was the one I was most looking forward to, which is a real shame it's cancelled.
Potentially also:
The Roottrees are Dead (Steam)
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
The Operator (currently free on Epic Games)
Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.
Her Story (Steam)
A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game. (Also has a follow-up called Telling Lies that I liked a lot less.)
Orwell: Keeping an Eye on You (Steam)
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences. (Also has a follow up called Orwell: Ignorance Is Strength that I liked a lot less.)
I don't know how these compare to Hypnospace Outlaw, but they're all definitely "interacting with a fake computer desktop" games. (And thanks, I'll look into your recs too, I'm always looking for more stuff like this)
Thanks for mentioning Orwell. I worked on this game and it's probably the favorite title I've shipped!
Oh, I remember Her Story! Great little experience that one
Also check out No Players Online.
Damn that's a shame
Aww, I hadn't heard of dreamsettler, but I really enjoyed the weirdness of Hypnospace Outlaw.
Damn, I actually want to cry 😭
Nooo!
This is really rough, but it sounds like Jay is going through some stuff after what I am sure has been quite a whirlwind few years. The industry is rough, and finding a space for a niche that he fills, I do wonder how the sales would go when contractors and publishers are taking cuts.
I hope he gets some time and makes something new that soothes his soul.
Aww. I didn't know anything was in the works. But goddamn hypnospace was a nostalgia drive down memory lane. Fuck I love that game
