Other Ocean Interactive is developing 4 Penny Coffins, a social investigation game that combines the deduction and deception of titles like Among Us with the grim historical setting of Jack the Ripper's London. The game is set to immerse players in the gaslit streets of 1888 Whitechapel, where up to eight players will work to uncover a hidden murderer among them.
One player will secretly embody the "Ripper," described as a demon concealed within the guise of humanity, while the others assume the roles of investigators. These investigators will utilize forensic abilities such as fingerprint and blood splatter analysis, witness interviews, and photographic evidence to identify the killer before they can strike again. The Ripper, conversely, has the ability to transform into a 10-foot demon and violently dispatch the other players. This class-based multiplayer mode is designed to foster social interaction, where collaboration is rewarded, but the inherent deception allows for significant trolling opportunities.
"It's a goddamn blast," said Jared Petty, Marketing Manager at Other Ocean Interactive. "Four Penny Coffins; I've rarely had more fun playing a game with other people." Petty noted that the game's blend of humor and horror is key to its design philosophy. "Our philosophy was that the comical allows you to laugh so you don't scream." This approach is inspired by discussions with Tim Schafer regarding humor in video games.
Beyond the multiplayer "Ripper" mode, 4 Penny Coffins will also feature a solo "Magistrate" mode. This single-player experience shifts the focus to a more traditional detective narrative, akin to Sherlock Holmes. In this mode, players are presented with a group of suspects in jail and must use deductive reasoning and collected clues to identify the Ripper within a time limit. Incorrect accusations result in penalties, with players having three opportunities to make a mistake before facing consequences.
The game's aesthetic draws heavily from the graphic novel From Hell and aims for a stylized, monochromatic look that is punctuated by moments of intense, red-hued violence. This visual style is intended to evoke the era through an imaginative interpretation of dystopian 19th-century London, resembling a living woodcut or a grainy photograph brought to life.
"It's just a great game for your friends and on your own. It's just really kind of a chill mental exercise, almost a puzzle," Petty added. He believes the game will appeal not only to fans of horror but also to those who enjoy puzzle games, highlighting its accessibility and engaging mechanics.
A gameplay teaser for 4 Penny Coffins is set to debut during gamescom 2026.