Multiplayer horror games have surged in popularity, thanks in part to the resurgence of YouTube let’s plays and collaborative Twitch streams. These platforms have showcased the thrilling chaos that unfolds when players unite to confront terrifying monsters from the comfort of their own homes. Recent hits like R.E.P.O, Phasmophobia, and Lethal Company have paved the way for indie developers eager to transform their single-player successes into multiplayer experiences. One such endeavor is Don’t Scream Together, a project from the small team at Digital Cybercherries, which aims to blend cooperative gameplay with a found footage horror aesthetic.
Challenges of Launching a Multiplayer Experience
However, the launch of Don’t Scream Together has not been without its challenges. The game, which hinges on voice chat for player interaction, received largely negative reviews shortly after its release. The developers, a team of five, initially found success during internal testing, but soon discovered that microphone calibration varied significantly across different setups once the game reached a wider audience. This discrepancy led to frustrations reminiscent of common issues faced by gamers, such as unexpected audio cutouts during online play.
Compounding these technical difficulties, some players expressed confusion regarding the game’s mechanics, which the developers believed were straightforward. This feedback served as a reminder of the importance of stepping outside one’s own perspective and understanding the player’s experience.
Despite the rocky start, the team received valuable insights from marketer-turned-indie developer Joe Henson, who emphasized the significance of engaging with the community and not allowing vocal critics to overshadow the positive feedback. Remarkably, Don’t Scream Together managed to sell 100,000 copies within just a few days, with an impressive 60,000 sales occurring on the first day alone. Even as the game grappled with a ‘mostly negative’ rating, the team celebrated the achievement of climbing out of that territory after a challenging launch.
Henson shared on LinkedIn that some players had updated their reviews after witnessing the team’s prompt response to feedback. “People do not lose trust because a game has problems,” he noted. “They lose trust when developers pretend those problems are not there. So we decided to face everything head on.” In an era where Steam refunds are readily available, players are quick to identify issues, making transparency crucial for developers.
Proactive Approach to Problem-Solving
Rather than shy away from their challenges, Digital Cybercherries took to Steam and LinkedIn to openly discuss the issues at hand. Within just a day of the game’s release, they rolled out a patch addressing several core complaints, including a significant microphone issue that led to a surge of player reports regarding audio problems. Ironically, the first gameplay video on the Steam page featured a player experiencing audio discrepancies that others could not hear.
In a candid update, Henson explained that the root cause of the audio instability was linked to the Windows 11 Audio Enhancements system. The team discovered that their version of Unreal Engine 5 predated recent updates from Microsoft, resulting in compatibility issues. This revelation provided a bittersweet opportunity for the developers to highlight both Windows 11 and Unreal Engine 5 in a single breath.
Following the initial patch, the team committed to enhancing microphone calibration to ensure a smoother experience for players. Henson expressed his intention to personally address each review from affected players, informing them of the fixes as they went live. For those keeping an eye on their Steam client, a notification from Henson might just signal a long-awaited resolution.
Don’t Scream Together is currently available at a 38% discount on Steam, priced at just .95 / £4.14 until December 10. For those who appreciate a good redemption story and enjoy a glimpse into Henson’s life—complete with photos of his dog and laundry—this title offers an enticing opportunity. Even after the introductory offer concludes, it remains a budget-friendly alternative to a meal at Five Guys.
