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Closed Beta Test 2: Outlining the Changes to the Game

Greetings and Salutations
[p][/p][p]Dear Wolves and Lambs,[/p][p]This is the KILLER INN Team again.[/p][p][/p][p]As you may have seen, we have announced the schedule for the second closed beta test (CBT2),  and day by day, it draws nearer.[/p][p][/p][p]We will be publishing full patch notes—including a detailed list of all updates—at a later date. In the meantime, here is an overview of the key changes coming in CBT2. Please note that all of these are still under development and are subject to change.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]
Game Design Revamps
[p][/p][h3]💠 Safe Zones[/h3][p]When you enter a staff area, known as a Safe Zone, you will now be completely invulnerable for 30 seconds. During this time, no one can harm you—no damage, no grapples, no pickpocketing.[/p][p][/p][p]However, although you are invulnerable, you also cannot perform any hostile actions yourself. You can’t swing axes or crowbars, set traps, or even aim a gun. In short, it’s like a complete ceasefire.[/p][p][/p][p]In response to the problem from the last beta where Safe Zones became killing sprees for Wolves, we chose not to strengthen penalties against Wolves who violated them. Instead, our first step is to make Safe Zones truly safe. We felt that simply making the punishment harsher would still leave many (especially new) players in the frustrating position of being killed instantly in what should be a safe area, before they have even had the chance to learn the ropes.[/p][p]Once your period of invulnerability ends, you will be able to attack again. We’re looking forward to seeing what new mind games and strategies may ensue![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]While in the Safe Zone, the minimap is highlighted in yellow, and 30-second countdown is activated indicating the duration of the Safe Zone Invincibility.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Retaliation Kills: Who Should Be Punished?[/h3][p]One of the biggest sources of frustration during the last beta was players feeling they were being punished for fighting back after being attacked first. In CBT2, the rules have been revised to allow retaliation kills. If you are attacked and strike back, you will not be turned to stone with a Bad Guess Penalty.[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Wolves Attacking Other Wolves[/h3][p]If a Wolf attempts to kill another Wolf, it will now be treated as a betrayal and punished accordingly. Just like friendly fire within the Lambs, the offender will be turned to stone and eliminated.[/p][p][/p][p]Previously, even if a Wolf attacked another Wolf, their HP could never be reduced to zero, meaning Wolves were technically unable to kill each other. However, the heavy damage inflicted could still put the victim at a severe disadvantage. This led to griefing by a subset of players, where Wolves would deliberately harass their own teammates.[/p][p][/p][p]To address this, we’ve introduced the aforementioned penalty, meaning the same rule now applies to both teams.[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Other Changes[/h3]
  • [p]Guardians no longer regenerate HP, and we have more than doubled their base HP. The goal was to make it easier to reach the harbor, and also allow for weapons without upgrades to make an impact in a guardian battle.[/p]
  • [p]Weapons and armor can no longer be stolen through pickpocketing.
    Note: The Thief, who has the Quick Hands passive ability, is still able to steal weapons and armor from other players.[/p]
  • [p]Players can no longer steal items from another player's chest for a brief period during and after opening it.[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p]
New Features
[p][/p][h3]💠 Custom Lobbies / Private Matches (alpha)[/h3][p]You can now host your own custom lobbies or join those hosted by other players. In the previous beta, if you wanted to play with specific people, the only option was to form a party of up to four players and be placed on the same team. With custom lobbies, you and your friends can all join the same match—then lie, deceive, and betray each other to your hearts’ content.[/p][p][/p][p]Hosts can choose to open their lobbies to the public or set them to private and share the lobby ID with specific friends. You can even start with 10 friends in a custom lobby and then switch it to public to fill the remaining slots.[/p][p][/p][p]You can limit the number of participants as well. In fact, by setting the player count to just two, you can create a simple 1 on 1 deathmatch![/p][p][/p][p]For CBT2, only the core functionality of custom lobbies will be available, but we have plans to expand them further and welcome your feedback on what features you would like to see![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Training Mode (alpha)[/h3][p]A training mode has been added, allowing you to explore the map and practice the controls without other players present. In CBT2, you will be able to accept quests and try out characters, weapons, and items. Features such as playing against bots for combat practice and damage testing are not yet included, which is why this version is considered an alpha.[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Skins[/h3][p]You can now set skins to change the appearance of your character. As a preview, in CBT2 each character will have one skin available.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Banners (Nameplates)[/h3][p]You can now personalize your banner (nameplate), which will appear in the player list, on death panels, and elsewhere. CBT2 includes around 30 different banner designs to choose from.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]
Game Rebalancing
[p]The main focus of this update is to reduce the excessive tension (and risk of death) in the early stage of a match and instead create a greater sense of security and making that part of the game feel survivable. To that end, we have made sweeping adjustments, starting with doubling players’ base HP. We have made some revisions to the balance on gear. Most changes were made to compensate for the increased base HP, but the relative strength of certain firearms and other gear has also been tweaked. And yes, that includes nerfing the crowbar, which in the last beta was far too lethal (at least, in more ways than intended) for how easily it could be obtained. We have also adjusted item prices and the number of tokens required to open different chests.[/p][p][/p][p]Rather than making players to fear death from the very start of a match, this new balancing is designed to ease you in more gradually. We will continue to fine-tune the game so that early-game encounters are calmer, with tension steadily increasing as players gear up.[/p][p][/p][p]These changes go beyond pure numbers. The delay between melee attacks, which was too short to effectively react to, has been increased, and it’s now possible to interrupt melee weapon combos with a grapple. This helps reduce the number of situations where the first to strike always wins.[/p][p][/p][p]Overall, we have increased the time-to-kill (TTK) noticeably, fixing the issue with the previous pace, where it was easy to almost get one-shotted. Combined with the Safe Zone rework, we hope these changes create natural peaks and valleys of intensity, encouraging more communication between players and enhancing the social deduction side of the game.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]
QOL Improvements
[p][/p][h3]💠 Remapping the Controls[/h3][p]You can now customize the controls, whether you’re on a gamepad or keyboard & mouse. Nearly every input can be reassigned, so tailor the layout to what works best for your style and muscle memory![/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Elimination Screen[/h3][p]When you’re taken out, you will now see exactly what happened—the elimination screen shows who killed you, how they did it, and with what weapon. No more wondering, “Wait... how did I die?” You may even discover who tricked or betrayed you in the process![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Improving UI Readability[/h3][p]We have updated the look and layout of many UI elements.  Since so much can happen at once in KILLER INN, we have worked to keep notifications as compact as possible, so they don’t overwhelm the screen, while still making information easier to recognize at a glance.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Player Report Feature[/h3][p]This is one we hope you’ll never need! But, if you do encounter abusive language or clear instances of griefing, you can now report other players directly in-game.[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Further Optimizations[/h3][p]We have continued optimizing performance so more players can enjoy a smoother experience. The improvements are many, but here’s a noticeable one: load times when starting the game or entering a match are now about 30% faster.[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Bug Fixes[/h3][p]We have addressed many bugs, prioritizing the ones with the greatest gameplay impact. Because of all your feedback, we were able to discover and fix a wide range of issues, so thank you! Even as we write this message, the dev team is hard at work squashing more of them.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]
In Closing
[p]In preparation for the second closed beta test, we have made so many fixes and adjustments that it’s hard to list them all here. For the full details, please stay tuned for the patch notes, which we will post at a later date.[/p][p][/p][p]KILLER INN’s journey has only just begun. Our goal is to make the game’s unique blend of order and chaos the best it can possibly be, by building it hand-in-hand with the community. To that end, we would love to hear your feedback on CBT2![/p][p][/p][p]Core members of the KILLER INN team are always active on its official Discord, engaging with players directly. We have even hosted community-driven events like voting on which character will appear on the next title screen. So, if you haven’t yet, we warmly invite you to join us there! And as we count down to CBT2, we’ll be sharing more updates so that the wait doesn’t feel too long. Stay tuned—and get ready![/p][p][/p][p]—The KILLER INN Team[/p]

Announcing the Schedule for the Second Closed Beta Test!

[p]Dear Wolves and Lambs, greetings and salutations from the KILLER INN Team. Today, we’re excited to share the schedule for the second closed beta test (CBT2).[/p][p][/p][h3]📅 Schedule[/h3][p]Begins: Friday, October 3 @3pm PT / 6pm ET / 10pm GMT[/p][p]Ends: Monday, October 13 @2:59pm PT / 5:59pm ET / 9:59pm GMT[/p][p]🔔 Don’t forget to set a reminder![/p][p][/p][p]For CBT2, we’re incorporating the feedback we received during the first beta test in July, updating the game design, adjusting the balance, and adding new features. Whether it's your first or second time, we hope you participate and share your feedback![/p][p]You can request to join the closed beta test through the KILLER INN store page. Testers will be selected at random, and those chosen will receive a notification around October 1.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]For Those Who Participated in the First Closed Beta Test[/h3][p]You will automatically be able to join CBT2 as well, no new entry required. Before the beta begins, the application “KILLER INN – BETA” will automatically appear in your Steam library, and you will be able to play as soon as CBT2 starts.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]For Those New to KILLER INN[/h3][p]The tutorial that teaches you about KILLER INN’s unique rules and mechanics is still in development and will not be included in this beta. For that reason, we recommend reviewing how to play the game in advance so you can get the most out of your time with it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Additionally, many content creators who participated in the previous beta have already uploaded gameplay videos to YouTube, so definitely check them out![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]FAQ:[/h3][h3][/h3][h3]Q1. When will the second closed beta test (CBT2) be?[/h3][p]Begins: Friday, October 3 @3pm PT / 6pm ET / 10pm GMT[/p][p]Ends: Monday, October 13 @2:59pm PT / 5:59pm ET / 9:59pm GMT[/p][p]🔔 Don’t forget to set a reminder![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q2. How is this CBT different from the last one?[/h3][p]We’re implementing a range of improvements based on the feedback players gave us after the first beta. Details about changes will be announced at a later time, so be sure to follow our official channels (X, Discord, Steam News).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q3. What should I do if I run into issues? How can I give feedback?[/h3][p]Please use the official KILLER INN Discord! Feel free to report bugs, share your thoughts, or ask questions about game mechanics. Your feedback is essential to making KILLER INN a killer experience, and we truly appreciate your help![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q4. How do I join the beta?[/h3][p]Click the “Request Access” button on the game’s Steam store page. If you already gained access during the first beta, you’ll automatically be able to join CBT2 as well.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q5. How many closed beta tests will you do?[/h3][p]We’re planning to do several closed beta tests. We want as many players to experience the game as possible.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q6. Do I need to agree to an NDA to take part?[/h3][p]No, there are no confidentiality requirements. As long as you observe the Guidelines, you are free to stream, capture, and make content however you like![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q7. Will there be any differences between the beta test versions and the final version?[/h3][p]Any aspect of the game, from its design to even minor details, may be changed or tweaked. One clear difference is that in the closed beta tests, you can select any character from the start. In the release version, you’ll unlock characters as you play the game, with around half of them initially locked.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q8. Is chat required to enjoy the game?[/h3][p]No, both voice and text chat are optional. The game is designed to be fun even without them, but it’s definitely a big part of KILLER INN’s appeal. A lively chat makes the game more engaging and really stirs things up![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q9. Can I play with friends?[/h3][p]You can matchmake in a party of up to 4 players. You and your party members will always be on the same team, be it wolves or lambs.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q10. What languages will the beta interface and subtitles be available in?[/h3]
  • [p]English[/p]
  • [p]Japanese[/p]
  • [p]French[/p]
  • [p]Italian[/p]
  • [p]German[/p]
  • [p]Spanish[/p]
  • [p]LATAM Spanish[/p]
  • [p]Brazilian Portuguese[/p]
  • [p]Russian[/p]
  • [p]Korean[/p]
  • [p]Traditional Chinese[/p]
  • [p]Simplified Chinese[/p]
[p]Please note that you may encounter overflows and other language-related issues, which we will fix in future versions.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Q11. What are the system requirements to play the closed beta?[/h3][p][/p][p]Closed Beta System Requirements (Minimum)[/p]
[p]OS[/p]
[p]Windows® 10 64-bit / Windows® 11[/p]
[p]Processor[/p]
[p]AMD Ryzen™ 5 1600 or better / Intel® Core™ i5-7500 or better[/p]
[p]Memory[/p]
[p]16 GB[/p]
[p]Graphics[/p]
[p]AMD Radeon™ RX 5500 XT 8GB or better / NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 6GB or better[/p]
[p]DirectX[/p]
[p]Version 12[/p]
[p]Network[/p]
[p]Broadband internet connection[/p]
[p]Storage[/p]
[p]75 GB available space[/p]
[p]Additional Notes[/p]
[p]When using Windows 11, it is necessary to meet the Windows 11 operating requirements. SSD Required. 1920 x 1080 @ 30 FPS.[/p]
[p][/p][p]Closed Beta System Requirements (Recommended)[/p]
[p]OS[/p]
[p]Windows® 10 64-bit / Windows® 11[/p]
[p]Processor[/p]
[p]AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 or better / Intel® Core™ i7-9700K, Intel® Core™ i5-10600 or better[/p]
[p]Memory[/p]
[p]16 GB[/p]
[p]Graphics[/p]
[p]AMD Radeon™ RX 5700 or better / NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 2060 SUPER or better[/p]
[p]DirectX[/p]
[p]Version 12[/p]
[p]Network[/p]
[p]Broadband internet connection[/p]
[p]Storage[/p]
[p]75 GB available space[/p]
[p]Additional Notes[/p]
[p]When using Windows 11, it is necessary to meet the Windows 11 operating requirements. SSD Required. 1920 x 1080 @ 60 FPS.[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p][p]🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺🐏🐏🐺[/p][p][/p][p]Last but not least, be sure to follow/join our official social media channels so you don’t miss out on all the latest info on KILLER INN![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

KILLER INN: Looking Back on the First Closed Beta Test

[p]The KILLER INN team would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the first closed beta test.
[/p][p]We gained a tremendous amount of valuable insight from your feedback, and we’re so glad you were able to try the game. This experience reminded us that development on an online multiplayer competitive game can never be completed without feedback from real players.
[/p][p]We intend to share concrete plans for addressing individual issues mainly through Discord, but in this post, we’d like to share some of the major points we are focusing on as we look ahead to future closed beta tests:[/p][p][/p]
  • [p]Design of Safe Zones[/p]
  • [p]Lamb-on-Lamb Retaliation Kills[/p]
  • [p]Tutorial elements[/p]
  • [p]UI/UX improvements[/p]
  • [p]Balance improvements (items, weapons, grappling and instant kills)[/p]
[p][/p][p]We will continue to post updates, including statistical data from the first closed beta test, mainly through Discord. In the meantime, above all, we will keep listening to your input.
[/p][p]Thank you, again, for participating in the first closed beta test. We were blown away by your support and enthusiasm, and so we are committed to taking your feedback onboard and bringing various improvements and refinements to the game. We’re excited to share more soon, so please keep an eye on this page and our official Discord.[/p][p][/p][p]—The KILLER INN Team[/p]

KILLER INN Hands-On Preview – An Ambitious Take On Multiplayer Whodunnit


I’ve had my eye on KILLER INN since it was announced, as the concept of an online murder mystery experience sounds right up my street, with detective-style games being my newfound genre of choice. With the Closed Beta last weekend, I got the chance to jump in and see how the game is shaping up, and this is how it went.





First of all, the premise of KILLER INN is quite simple: an initial body is found, and you, among the rest of the players in the game, must try to figure out who did the deed and take them out. Players are divided into two teams: Lambs and Wolves. The Lambs are the ones trying to figure out the identity of the killer and survive, while the Wolves are trying to kill all the Lambs. It seems like a simple concept, and that’s largely because it is. Each game has more Lambs than Wolves, so it sounds like it should be a lopsided victory for the Lambs every game, but surprisingly, the games I took part in were evenly split between both sides for victories.








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Thank You for Participating in the First KILLER INN Closed Beta Test!

[p]The first KILLER INN closed beta test has concluded. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and to all those who showed interest in the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Through the beta test, we received a great deal of feedback, bug reports, and constructive opinions. The development team will review all of this information and carefully consider it. We will utilize your opinions to further refine KILLER INN.[/p][p][/p][p]The official Discord and forums will remain open, and we will continue to share development updates regularly. We encourage you to join the discussions.[/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, the feedback survey will remain open until August 2. We would greatly appreciate your input.[/p]