Barkbyte Interactive is developing Static Hour, a psychological thriller set in the 1980s that casts players as a news editor working the night shift. In this retro-themed game, players will experience the challenges of journalism with limited technology as they decide what information is fit to broadcast during a widespread outbreak of violence.
The game's premise centers on a single editor alone in the newsroom, tasked with navigating a crisis that has left the public terrified. Players will utilize period-appropriate journalistic tools, including a rolodex, alongside government emergency alerts and police scanner chatter, to uncover the truth behind the unfolding events. The choices made regarding what information to share will directly influence public reactions and could potentially escalate the situation into further chaos.
Claire Sarmiento, Barkbyte founder and creative director, stated that Static Hour aims to be a retro psychological thriller focused on isolation and misinformation. "I loved the idea of spooky things happening in a small town just out of sight, where the horrors are driven by audio and left to your imagination," Sarmiento said in the official announcement. Players will be responsible for verifying the accuracy of stories, and the entire experience is set to take place within the newsroom environment. Options include sending field reporters to investigate stories or choosing to ignore them, allowing public panic to grow unchecked.
Static Hour is slated for a PC release on Steam, though a specific release date has not yet been announced.