DON'T SCREAM News

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Screamers, you asked, and we listened! [/p][p]We're incredibly proud to announce DON'T SCREAM TOGETHER, an improved and expanded version of DON'T SCREAM will be launching on Steam soon! You can wishlist it here.

This new version will feature online co-op for up to four players! And if you played the 2023 single-player version of DON’T SCREAM, DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER will feel like a completely new experience, with major additions and meaningful improvements across the board, including new playable characters with customization, an all-new Hunted mode, new and improved animations, fresh objectives and lore, more scares and locations, vastly improved performance, full controller support, UI and HUD updates, and much, much more! The move to co-op fundamentally changes the fear. Exploring a huge, pitch-black forest with friends is genuinely terrifying. You will need to rely on each other and stay calm, yet it is all too easy to lose your cool as the tension builds! As for some important details: [/p][p]DON'T SCREAM TOGETHER (Classic)[/p][p]You and your friends can still take on the classic challenge of DON'T SCREAM, but with key improvements. The rules remain simple: if any one player screams, the game instantly restarts for everyone. Get ready to test the bonds of your friendship!

DON'T SCREAM TOGETHER (Hunted) - New Mode[/p][p]Introducing the brand-new Hunted mode! In this mode, if a friend screams, they don't force a restart for the group. Instead, the fallen friend returns as a playable hunter! The hunter's mission is simple: track down their former teammates and finish them off before the remaining players can escape the forest.

PLAYABLE CHARACTERS[/p][p]Players will be able to select from multiple characters with some customization, all of whom have their own backstory and lore.[/p][p]
There's a lot more changes to the co-op version, and we'll be sharing more news and details regarding the release date soon!

You can wishlist the game here: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Thank you! - Joe - Digital Cybercherries Socials Twitter | Discord[/p]

Your Experience
If you are enjoying the game and haven't yet left your feedback via a Steam Review, would you consider letting others know about your experience? Reviews are super important for small developers like us, and we truly appreciate your support.
https://store.steampowered.com/recommended/recommendgame/2497900

Why hello there, Screamers!

It’s been a little while since our last update, and this one brings some of the most significant changes yet. We’ve listened closely to your feedback, fixed a ton of issues, and introduced new features that should make DON’T SCREAM scarier, fairer, and more replayable than ever.

DON'T SCREAM is now 25% off as part of Steam's Daily Deal. Spread the word to your friends!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2497900/DONT_SCREAM/
Encountered bugs or have feedback? Connect with us on our Steam Forums or Discord. Thank you!


[h3]PLEASE NOTE: TRANSLATION HOTFIX INCOMING ASAP![/h3]
One of the biggest additions in this update is the introduction of Symbols. The arrow marker now points you towards an unknown location in the forest, but it is up to you to search that area and find the symbols themselves. This creates clear objectives without revealing everything, and it heightens the tension, since focusing on a symbol can leave you exposed if you are not careful. Of course, it's still vital to find batteries and keep your camcorder powered!

We also made important adjustments to traps. They should be dangerous, but we know they were previously too hard to see. We added a camcorder-style glitch effect that fits the game’s look and makes traps easier to spot without removing the surprise.

Another major change is full controller support. Menus, interface, and gameplay now work cleanly on a controller, with improved icons for different controller types. If you prefer to play from the couch, the experience should feel much smoother.

We have also changed how time is shown in the game. The original HUD used an 18-minute countdown that only ticked when you moved. That countdown is gone. You now start at 15 : 46 : 37 and the HUD shows the in-game world clock, still advancing only when you move, until you reach 08:00 and escape the forest. Under the hood, it is still 18 minutes, but this presentation makes scares less predictable and the atmosphere much tenser. Taking away the countdown keeps you from waiting for the end and makes every step feel more unpredictable.

Alongside new content, we also wanted to address one of the biggest discussions from the last major update: the Hunters. Not everyone enjoyed the Hunters we introduced, so we added an option to remove them completely. This leaves the scares, batteries, and environmental traps as the core challenge. At the same time, we expanded this idea into new modes and options that give you more control over how you experience the game. Atmospheric Mode focuses on sound and mood with fewer direct scares, Chaos Mode delivers completely unpredictable frights, and custom intensity rules let you set the overall length of a playthrough. These additions give you more freedom to tailor the game to your own style of horror.

We’ll stop here, but this update goes further. Alongside these highlights, you’ll find lots of other small and big changes, fresh scares, and improvements across performance, readability, and stability. The full notes are below.

Oh, and yes, there are a lot more locations to find. I’ll just leave this one here...

PATCH NOTES
[h3]MAJOR CHANGES[/h3]

• Added Atmospheric Mode: Less in your face scares, more audio horrors and no Hunters
• Added Chaos Mode: No rules, just random scares with no build-up or suspense
• Added No Hunters option: Disable Hunters from spawning in the world
• Added Custom game intensity rules for changing the length of play time
  
• Added Unique Symbols to reveal forest secrets and unlock locations
  
• Added Achievements to the in-game menu to better track progress
  
• Added Better ending page showing new discoveries and game progress
  
• Added Microphone calibration screen to make setup easier
  
• Added New locations with story snippets to find
  
• Added Player power batteries at locations where you previously died
  
• Added New locations: Castle Ruins, Abandoned Tower, The Pit, Greenhouse, and Hellscape
  
• Added Restart button in the in-game menu to quickly start a new session with different rules
  
• Added More trail markers and paths around the forest to help guide players
  
• Added Full controller support (menus + gameplay; improved controls)
  
• Added Many new scares — world, camera, creatures, and hunters
  
• Added Day counter showing how many days you’ve been trapped in the forest
  
  
• Improved Audio device support — more devices and better mic compatibility
  
• Improved Tutorial for new players
  
• Improved Hunters’ hearing when sprinting and not entering some interiors
  
• Improved Controller icons for different controller types (PS & XB)
  
• Improved Mic input peaks/dips to help prevent false-positive deaths
  
• Improved Overall performance; DLSS & FSR updates
  
• Improved Picking up batteries and symbols
  
• Improved Trap visibility — traps now highlight in the dark
  
  
• Fixed Many scares not showing properly or appearing where they shouldn’t
  
• Fixed binding-key issues with controllers
  
• Fixed Numerous community-reported crash bugs
  
• Fixed Tape preview mode causing crashes or huge frame-rate drops
  
• Fixed End-of-level screen not receiving inputs after alt-tabbing
  
• Fixed Cases where the menu wouldn’t show (e.g., when dying)
  
• Fixed Scroll menus for Locations and Relics to loop properly
  
• Fixed Blurry screen when picking up batteries and symbols
  
• Fixed Window-resolution changes not applying instantly
  
• Fixed Spots where players could get stuck or fall through the floor
  
• Fixed Loud bear voices when inside closed rooms
  
• Fixed Hunter animals sometimes not updating state while roaming
  
• Fixed Steam forcing a restart outside of the shipping build
  
• Fixed Crash in game state classes during tape preview
  
• Fixed AudioThread not ticking audio commands while the game is paused
  

Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend ahead! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord

Your Experience
If you are enjoying the improved 1.0 version of the game and haven't yet left your feedback via a Steam Review, would you consider letting others know about your experience? Reviews are super important for small developers like us, and we truly appreciate your support.
https://store.steampowered.com/recommended/recommendgame/2497900/

Hello, Screamers!

Just a quick note to let you know we've fixed some bugs that were causing problems for some of you. Apologies for the inconvenience! We're always working to improve the game, and we appreciate your patience.

We want to give a massive shout-out to everyone for supporting us through the 1.0 launch. The response has been incredible, and we're happy so many of you are enjoying the game! We're already working on some exciting new things, so stay tuned for more updates soon. As always, if you encounter any issues, please let us know on Discord or the Steam forums.

• Fixed low battery achievement
  
• Fixed Hunters not being removed when entering the chopper and killing players after escaping
  
• Fixed corruption portal issues
  
• Fixed lanscape and reported stuck-issues
  
• Fixed some broken cable actors
  
• Fixed game engine stalling when picking up a new relic or location due to save-file updating
  

All the best - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Hey, Screamers!

Halloween is creeping up, and we've got a real treat for you. We're incredibly proud to announce that DON'T SCREAM has officially launched out of early access and into its full 1.0 release! We've been carefully reviewing all your feedback, and this update is packed with massive improvements, fixes, exciting changes, and terrifying new features! Everything, and we mean everything about the game, has significantly improved.

A huge thank you to all of you who have helped us shape DON'T SCREAM into what it is now. We truly couldn't have done it without your incredible support and feedback! The forest has undergone a serious transformation since your last visit, so let me walk you through some of the biggest changes: (TL;DR version below)

[h3]TL;DR[/h3]

• Vastly improved performance for smoother gameplay
  
• Enhanced scares with better models, animations, effects, and sounds
  
• Improved pacing of scares, with a greater focus on tension and buildup
  
• Each playthrough is much more dynamic - no two games will be the same!
  
• Dozens of new places to explore in the forest, and existing areas look much better
  
• Additional gameplay and graphics settings
  
• Completely redesigned sound for a more immersive experience (including binaural audio scares)
  
• Hugely improved microphone calibration
  
• Hunters can now kill the player
  
• New environmental dangers
  
• Relics to find to incentivise replayability
  
• Steam Trading Cards and Steam Achievements
  
• New battery mechanic to make things more challenging
  
• Completely overhauled user interface that's easier to use
  
• Progress page where players can track their discoveries
  
• Improved environmental storytelling
  
• Game now has much more replayability
  
• Added Arachnophobia mode to the Gameplay options
  
• Whispering or triggering sounds in the environment can alert nearby hunters
  
• Many fixes
  

[h3]IMPROVED SCARES[/h3]
We've put a tremendous amount of effort into making the game more focused on tension and suspense, rather than relying on constant jump scares. With the new "Scare Director" system, each playthrough is unique and far more dynamic. Expect to be on the edge of your seat for the entire 18-minute experience. We've also enhanced the scare sequences with improved character models, animations, visual effects, and sounds!



[h3]BATTERIES[/h3]
To survive the night, you'll need to find batteries scattered throughout the environment. Batteries are used to discover new locations, encourage exploration, and provide a clear objective. However, we didn't want finding them to become frustrating. We've carefully balanced the number of available batteries with the need to stay vigilant about your power levels, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience.



[h3]HUNTERS[/h3]
The forest is a living entity, and it's watching your every move... Multiple enemy types now inhabit the woods, each with unique hunting styles. Some will stalk you from the shadows, others will charge with terrifying speed, and some might even do both! We won't spoil the surprises, but be prepared to encounter new threats... Remember, whispering or making noise can alert nearby hunters!



[h3]ENVIRONMENTAL DANGERS[/h3]
Watch your step! The forest is riddled with hidden dangers that can end your journey in an instant. Your voice isn't the only thing you need to worry about now...



[h3]ENVIRONMENTAL STORYTELLING[/h3]
One of the biggest takeaways from early access was the need for stronger environmental storytelling. We've built a world that draws you in and makes you question, "What happened here?" This deeper level of immersion creates a greater sense of tension and intrigue as you explore the unsettling remnants of the forest's past.



[h3]LOCATIONS[/h3]
The forest has expanded significantly, with over 40 locations to discover. Each location has its own piece of history, which you can unlock and read about on the new Progress Page.



[h3]PROGRESS [/h3]
A brand new Progress Page has been added to the game's UI, allowing you to track your discoveries, unlock lore entries, and monitor your overall progress.



[h3]RELICS[/h3]
To further enhance replayability, we've hidden relics throughout the forest. Find them all and uncover their lore on the Progress Page.



[h3]USER INTERFACE[/h3]
We've dedicated significant time to refining the user interface, ensuring it's both intuitive and still captures the classic feel of old-school VHS camera aesthetics, adding to the game's atmosphere.



[h3]STAMINA[/h3]
We've introduced a simple stamina mechanic to the game. Managing your stamina is can be crucial for survival, especially when hunters are nearby...



[h3]MICROPHONE CALIBRATION[/h3]
Developing a game where the player's microphone is the core mechanic presents unique challenges. With countless microphone variations and software customizations, it's impossible to cater perfectly to every setup. However, we've invested considerable effort in improving the microphone calibration process. Our new "automatic calibration" feature checks your microphone and adjusts the settings for optimal gameplay. You can still fine-tune the calibration manually, but we're confident that the automatic process will be accurate for most players.



[h3]PERFORMANCE[/h3]
We've made significant performance enhancements, particularly for those with lower-spec systems, making the game more accessible to a wider audience. We've also implemented DLSS (Nvidia) and FSR (AMD) technologies to boost frame rates and visual fidelity further.

[h3]SOUND[/h3]
We've completely revamped the game's audio for a more realistic and terrifying experience. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, and every distant growl will have you thinking, "what was that?"

[h3]STEAM ACHIEVEMENTS[/h3]
A variety of Steam achievements are now available, challenging you to complete specific tasks in-game. Yes, there's even an achievement for pushing over a scarecrow! See some of them below:



[h3]STEAM TRADING CARDS[/h3]
No 1.0 release would be complete without Steam trading cards! These include badges, emoticons, and profile backgrounds.



[h3]LOCATION SYSTEM[/h3]
While we want you to somewhat experience the feeling of being lost in the woods, we also don't want you wandering aimlessly forever. A compass, arrow marker and coordinate system have been added to the in-game HUD to provide subtle guidance and encourage exploration. (SEE TOP LEFT OF HUD)



That's all for now! We hope you love this update. As always, we'll be keeping an eye out for any bugs and listening to your feedback. Thanks again, everyone!

Have fun, and remember, DON'T SCREAM! Warm regards - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]1.0 RELEASE ON OCTOBER 28, 2024![/h3]

Screamers,

You thought we forgot? It's nearly time for round two! Halloween is quickly approaching, and we've spent the last year listening to your feedback and improving the game. DON'T SCREAM leaves Early Access for its 1.0 release on October 28, 2024!

The 1.0 release will come with a whole host of improvements, including:

• Improved performance for smoother gameplay
  
• Enhanced scares with better models, animations, effects, and sounds
  
• Improved pacing of scares, with a greater focus on tension and buildup
  
• Dozens of new places to explore in the forest, and existing areas look much better
  
• Completely redesigned sound for a more immersive experience
  
• Hugely improved microphone calibration
  
• Some enemies can now kill the player
  
• New environmental dangers
  
• Relics to find to incentivise replayability
  
• New battery mechanic to make things more challenging
  
• Completely overhauled user interface that's easier to use
  
• Progress page where players can track their progress
  
• Improved environmental storytelling
  
• Game now has much more replayability
  
• Steam Achievements and Trading Cards
  
• And much more!
  

The game has really improved since last Halloween! We'll show off more content on the 28th - until then, tell your friends, family, and favourite streamers to be ready to scream!

Digital Cybercherries - Joe