Steam’s Latest Sensation: A Closer Look at “Dear Passengers”
In the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming, a weekly ritual for many enthusiasts involves checking Steam’s most wishlisted titles. This week, a fresh contender has emerged: Dear Passengers, a co-op game that invites players to navigate the chaotic world of “the world’s worst airline.” Remarkably, this title has soared to the 12th spot on Steam’s wishlist chart, achieving this feat just one week after its announcement.
The premise is as entertaining as it is chaotic. According to developer Flexus, players assume the roles of airline crew members tasked with delivering passengers and cargo safely to their destinations. The challenge intensifies as one player pilots the aircraft while the others manage cabin duties, serve passengers, and address unexpected calamities before they escalate.
As the trailer suggests, the journey is fraught with peril. Players must contend with turbulence, inclement weather, bird strikes, and even hazardous cargo, all while navigating the unpredictable actions of their friends—who might just decide to open the doors mid-flight, creating a rather dramatic scenario.
The enthusiasm surrounding Dear Passengers is palpable. Following the trailer’s debut on July 14, the game amassed an astonishing 700,000 wishlists within just 36 hours. This momentum has continued, with the total wishlist count surpassing 1.5 million shortly thereafter.
However, the ascent to wishlist stardom has not been without its turbulence. The Kyiv-based studio faced criticism for its edgy humor, particularly in the character names featured in the trailer, which include references that some found distasteful. In response to the backlash, a developer clarified on the game’s official Discord that all characters are fictional and any resemblance to real individuals is purely coincidental. They also emphasized that Flexus Games condemns the actions of any individuals involved in illegal activities.
Further complicating matters, a job posting from Flexus seeking a “2D Artist skilled in bringing game ideas to life and adept at using generative AI for concept creation” sparked speculation about the use of AI-generated assets in Dear Passengers. The developers were quick to clarify, stating that no AI was utilized in the game’s creation, attributing the job posting to an unrelated marketing effort for mobile projects. The posting has since been updated to remove any mention of AI.
In just a week, Dear Passengers has generated significant buzz, both positive and negative. As anticipation builds for its release, scheduled for 2026, the gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this unique title evolves in the coming months.
