The Outlast Trials’ initial playtests went poorly: Designer says 6-year development took ‘a f**king long time’ and ‘a s**t-ton of prototypes’
October 18, 2026
The Journey of The Outlast Trials
In the realm of game development, the intricate processes often remain obscured from the players’ view, leading to a perception that a successful game emerges from a seamless journey while a lackluster title is the result of chaos. However, the creation of The Outlast Trials tells a different story, one filled with challenges and perseverance.
Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, recently shared insights with Gamespot about the arduous six-year journey that transformed the initial concept of a cooperative Outlast experience into a tangible product ready for early access. Reflecting on the timeline, Morin candidly remarked, “It was a fucking long time,” underscoring the extensive effort that went into the project.
The development process was marked by an impressive array of prototypes, each iteration contributing to the final product. Morin’s comments highlight the reality that behind every successful game lies a multitude of trials and errors, a “shit-ton of prototypes” that ultimately shaped the game’s unique identity.
As the gaming community eagerly embraced The Outlast Trials, it became evident that the success of this title has shifted the focus away from Outlast 3, which now appears to be on the backburner. The reception of Trials has sparked discussions around the use of AI-generated imagery, showcasing the evolving landscape of game design and player expectations.
In this dynamic industry, the path to creating a compelling gaming experience is rarely straightforward, and The Outlast Trials serves as a testament to the dedication and creativity required to bring a vision to life.
The Outlast Trials’ initial playtests went poorly: Designer says 6-year development took ‘a f**king long time’ and ‘a s**t-ton of prototypes’
The Journey of The Outlast Trials
In the realm of game development, the intricate processes often remain obscured from the players’ view, leading to a perception that a successful game emerges from a seamless journey while a lackluster title is the result of chaos. However, the creation of The Outlast Trials tells a different story, one filled with challenges and perseverance.
Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, recently shared insights with Gamespot about the arduous six-year journey that transformed the initial concept of a cooperative Outlast experience into a tangible product ready for early access. Reflecting on the timeline, Morin candidly remarked, “It was a fucking long time,” underscoring the extensive effort that went into the project.
The development process was marked by an impressive array of prototypes, each iteration contributing to the final product. Morin’s comments highlight the reality that behind every successful game lies a multitude of trials and errors, a “shit-ton of prototypes” that ultimately shaped the game’s unique identity.
As the gaming community eagerly embraced The Outlast Trials, it became evident that the success of this title has shifted the focus away from Outlast 3, which now appears to be on the backburner. The reception of Trials has sparked discussions around the use of AI-generated imagery, showcasing the evolving landscape of game design and player expectations.
In this dynamic industry, the path to creating a compelling gaming experience is rarely straightforward, and The Outlast Trials serves as a testament to the dedication and creativity required to bring a vision to life.