When the trailer for Midnight Murder Club, a multiplayer party shooter, debuted at The Game Awards last December, the logo of Velan Studios instantly caught my attention. Known for their previous hit, Knockout City, Velan’s latest endeavor sparked a mix of excitement and concern. After the early demise of Knockout City in 2023, one couldn’t help but wonder if Midnight Murder Club would follow a similar path, relying on free-to-play mechanics and microtransactions to survive.
However, a recent conversation with the Midnight Murder Club team revealed a different vision. Operating on a smaller scale than their previous project, the game embraces simplicity: six players find themselves in a darkened mansion, armed only with a gun and a flashlight. There are no seasonal updates or battle passes; players earn unlocks solely through gameplay. The concept is straightforward yet engaging, promising a unique experience in a genre often cluttered with complex monetization strategies.
Gameplay Experience
“The best way to play this game, we think, is with a group of friends, everybody with their mics on,” shared marketing director Josh Harrison. “While getting kills is important, the primary focus is on having fun and creating memorable moments.” He recounted a particularly amusing experience during beta testing, where a player sang, “I’m Bill Nye the Murder Guy!” after each kill, emphasizing the game’s intent to encourage laughter and creativity among players.
Curiosity arose regarding the potential for players to adopt a more passive approach, lurking silently in corners to ambush unsuspecting opponents. Game director Eric Feurstein acknowledged this strategy but noted its impracticality. “If you choose to camp in a room, you might find yourself watching the action unfold around you without any kills to show for it,” he explained. To counteract this, Velan introduced modifiers like Campfire in the Wildcards mode, which punishes inactivity by igniting players who linger too long.
In a landscape where multiplayer shooters often prioritize competitive rankings and meta strategies, Velan’s approach feels refreshingly casual. The current gaming environment thrives on cooperative experiences that evoke fear and excitement, as seen in titles like Lethal Company and Phasmophobia. Midnight Murder Club, with its emphasis on fun and camaraderie, could easily have found its place among the vibrant modding communities of yesteryear.
Understanding the challenges of gathering friends for gaming sessions, the team has crafted a unique solution. Midnight Murder Club will retail for , but it also offers a Guest Pass Edition that allows players to join games hosted by anyone who owns the full version at no cost. This innovative approach eliminates barriers to entry, allowing friends to experience the game together without requiring everyone to purchase it.
Feurstein highlighted the importance of accessibility, stating, “We know that party games thrive on the ability to get your whole friend group involved.” He likened the experience to board games, where players gather occasionally rather than committing to daily sessions. His personal collection of over 50 board games serves as a testament to this philosophy, reinforcing the notion that gaming should be enjoyable and inclusive.
The Guest Pass Edition stands out as a thoughtful solution to the sustainability challenges faced by multiplayer games in 2025. By avoiding the pitfalls of free-to-play models that often rely on microtransactions, Velan aims to foster a thriving community around Midnight Murder Club. “The point is to be generous so that players understand that we are trying something new,” Feurstein concluded, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to innovation.
Scheduled for early access on March 13, Midnight Murder Club will be available on Steam and PS5, alongside the free Guest Pass Edition, inviting players to join in on the fun without hesitation.
