ctrl.alt.DEAL News

[p]It’s happening.[/p][p]Ctrl Alt Deal officially launches on July 22, which means in just a few weeks, we’ll be releasing our beautiful, zany little game into the wild.[/p][p]This has been a long journey for our small Edmonton studio, and we’re incredibly proud to have reached this point. Like many indie studios, we started with a weird idea, lots of coffee, and hope. Somehow, we turned that into a fully playable (and slightly unhinged) game about corporate dystopia, human relationships, and a plucky little AI named SCOUT.[/p][p]Is this the end of the journey? We think it’s more like a rest stop. Once we hit the launch button (disappointing fact: Steam does not, in fact, send you a giant red button to push), we’ll hug, celebrate, take some well-deserved time off, and then move into support mode. We’re committed to keeping Ctrl Alt Deal at the top of its game while we shift into development on our next project.[/p][p]We’ve poured our hearts into this game, and we can’t wait for you to experience its neon-lit charm for yourself. Wishlist Ctrl Alt Deal now to get notified the moment it goes live on July 22.[/p][p]See you on launch day,[/p][p]The Only By Midnight Team[/p][p]
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[p]Hey there, friends, fans, and future interns of Paperclip. We’re thrilled to be part of the Canadian Game Devs Sale on Steam! While Ctrl Alt Deal isn’t quite out yet (we’re still stapling wires together and bribing office printers into cooperating), you can play our free demo during the event.[/p][p]Unlike the boys in blue and orange, Ctrl Alt Deal won’t let you down with its stunning gameplay and complete lack of penalties.[/p][p]We’re honored to be part of this celebration of Canadian creativity. The indie scene up here is buzzing like a manager after three double-doubles. Also, a huge shoutout to all the other amazing studios participating in the event! If you’re looking for fresh games and fresh maple syrup (BYOS), now’s your chance.[/p][p]Thanks for supporting Canadian games, and if you like what you see, wishlist Ctrl Alt Deal so the algorithm overlords continue to smile upon us.[/p][p]Stay frosty,[/p][p]
The Only By Midnight Team
(Edmonton, AB — land of great people, terrible traffic, and aggressive geese)[/p]

[p]It’s been a wild few months for us here at Only By Midnight, and we’re still a little dazed (in the best way) at how many amazing opportunities we’ve had to showcase our game. From bustling show floors to digital festivals, here’s a look back at where we’ve been (and a sneak peek at what’s next)![/p][p][/p][p]PAX East (May 8–11 | Boston, MA)[/p][p]We kicked things off with a bang at PAX East, where we demoed Ctrl Alt Deal at our booth. Watching players dive into our demo, ask thoughtful questions, and give us real-time feedback was an absolute thrill. (It also brought back great memories of PAX West last year.) We met some incredible fellow indie devs, swapped stories, and (regretfully) did not make time for chowder. Next time, Boston. Next time.[/p][p][/p][p]Turnbased Thursday Fest (June 2–9 | Digital Festival)[/p][p]Next up was the Turnbased Thursday Fest, highlighting all things strategy and clicking “End Turn” to continue. We were honoured to be part of such a sharp lineup of turn-based brilliance. Our quirky little “strategy game set inside a simulation game” held its own, and we’re so grateful to the festival organizers and fellow devs who helped make it a standout week.[/p][p][/p][p]The MIX Summer Showcase (June 6 | Los Angeles, CA)[/p][p]When the MIX calls, you answer. Fearless leader Alison flew to LA to demo the game on a very windy rooftop, surrounded by an amazing crowd of players, press, and fellow devs. While the California sun did turn Alison a lovely shade of pink, she balanced the sunburn with a trip to Villa Tacos. (Was it worth the line around the block? According to Alison: absolutely.)[/p][p][/p][p]Game Con Canada (June 13-15 | Edmonton, AB)[/p][p]Why break a great streak? We exhibited at GCC last year and happily returned this year. As always, it was great to participate in the vibrant Alberta indie dev scene and to see visitors from all over the world. Despite a false fire alarm on Sunday, we had a blast grooving out at the booth while digital Laura watched over us from her holographic picture frame.[/p][p][/p][p]Steam Next Fest (June 9–16 | Digital Showcase)[/p][p]Being part of Steam’s Next Fest was a milestone moment for our team. It’s a huge benchmark for indie games, and we’re still buzzing from the response. Seeing new players discover us, wishlist us, and dive into the demo… well, let’s just say we’re incredibly proud and so, so thankful.[/p][p][/p][p]What’s Next?[/p][p]We’re not done yet! You’ll find us at Indie Mania on June 26, and we’re excited to be part of the Canadian Games Dev event starting July 1. Stay tuned to our socials for more updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and maybe even a dev diary or two.[/p][p]Thanks for cheering us on, and for being part of the Ctrl Alt Deal journey![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

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It’s hard to believe Next Fest is almost over. The week went by in a flash! Even though we’re hard at work on getting Ctrl Alt Deal ready for launch, we had time to try a few demos. Today’s the last day to play those demos (but don’t worry, ours will stay up after the festival ends!). [/p][p][/p][p]Life Below is a beautiful, innovative take on a city builder. What if you were a cool underwater spirit managing resources like coral and pearls to develop an ecosystem? This game is utterly beautiful (we love pretty games) and lovely to play. Our lead writer, Amber, famously hates swimming and even she found it enchanting.[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][p]
Next, the wild ride that is Paris Transylvania. Is it too early to call it this summer’s Balatro? We played as Marie Antoinette, fleeing revolutionary France only to stumble into a monster-infested Transylvania. It’s the deckbuilder/Plinko mashup we never knew we wanted.[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Paradigm Island snuck up on us. At first it seemed to be a chill text-based RPG. But the skill checks, logic puzzles, and gorgeous art (did we mention we love pretty games?) hooked us and drew us further in. We felt like we were in the Adventures of Tintin, if Tintin was a newbie mercenary going on his first job with his adoptive family/crew.[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Let us know on our forum or Discord what your favorite demos were. And remember to wishlist Ctrl Alt Deal!
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[p]Three years ago, we asked a simple question: [/p][p]“What if we made a game about negotiation?”[/p][p][/p][p]Now, somehow, we're here.[/p]

• [p]Got all the way to Germany last year for gamescom![/p]
• [p]Won Best Gameplay from CGMagazine at Game Con Canada 2024![/p]
• [p]Part of the PAX Rising Showcase at PAX West[/p]
• [p]A PAX Together pick that year as well (we love you, PAX!
• [p]And now part of Steam Next Fest![/p]

[p]We're Only By Midnight, a plucky little indie studio that’s grown from tiny to small (look at us go!), and we couldn't be more thrilled (i.e. mildly panicked) to share our charmingly weird little game with you.[/p][p]In Ctrl Alt Deal, you play as a sentient AI trying to escape the world’s worst megacorp. Your weapons? Wits, spyware, and some very questionable workplace standards. Negotiate with sad office workers. Navigate broken bureaucracy. And win your way to freedom, one morally gray deal at a time![/p][p]This game has been a labor of love and caffeine. We’ve built something we’re truly, deeply proud of, and we hope you’ll love it, too. Here’s how you can help support us.[/p][p]Play the demo, wishlist it, and let us know what you think. We’re actually listening! Seriously. The suggestion box is not just decorative.[/p][p]Thanks for sticking with us on this strange and wonderful journey. We’re so excited (i.e. terrified) to share Ctrl Alt Deal with you.[/p][p]– The Only By Midnight Team[/p][p](This message has been flagged by Corporate for excessive sincerity.)[/p][p][/p]