Velan Studios Launches New Shooter Game Midnight Murder Club from Early Access

Midnight Murder Club Officially Launches, Aiming for Thrills in the Dark

Midnight Murder Club, the latest first-person shooter crafted by Velan Studios, known for its success with Knockout City, has made a sudden departure from early access and is now available for gamers to explore.

A New Spin on Classic Games

In an inventive twist, Velan Studios reimagines childhood favorites. Just as they transformed the traditional game of dodgeball into an adrenaline-pumping competition in Knockout City, they now breathe new life into hide-and-seek with Midnight Murder Club. This title plunges players into the depths of a dark mansion where survival hinges on careful navigation using only audio cues.

Behind the Scenes: The Vision for Midnight Murder Club

According to Eric Feurstein, the game director at Velan Studios, in a recent PlayStation Blog post, the objective was to shape this more intense variant of hide-and-seek into an experience reminiscent of a party game. He describes the game as oscillating between “tense and spooky one moment, then chaotic and hilarious the next.”

Gameplay Enhancements with the Full Release

Originally launched in early access on March 13, 2025, the game has struggled to attract significant player engagement, peaking at a maximum of just 178 concurrent players on Steam. However, the launch of version 1.0 introduces exciting new features aimed at revitalizing player interest. Among these enhancements is a single-player PvE mode titled “Graveyard Shift”and the introduction of a mechanic called Wildcards, designed to inject an additional layer of unpredictability into the gameplay.

Invite Friends Without the Cost Barrier

A notable advantage of Midnight Murder Club is its accessibility. Interested players can purchase the game and then invite their friends to join through a free Guest Pass. This unique feature allows those who haven’t yet bought the game to participate without any financial commitment, thus promoting a more inclusive multiplayer experience.

A Journey from Prototype to Public Launch

Reflecting on the game’s origins, Feurstein shared, “Midnight Murder Club started out as a weird idea I had almost exactly 10 years ago to this day.” He recalls developing a basic prototype in 2015, which he shared with friends for a test run. What began as a personal project has evolved significantly over the years, culminating in today’s launch. Feurstein emphasized the value of community feedback received during early access, stating, “Very few people get to enjoy this feeling of pitching a game idea, seeing it grow, and then playing the game with the public.”

The Future of Midnight Murder Club

While the backstory of Midnight Murder Club is inspiring, its continued success hinges on attracting a robust player base. Should it fail to achieve this, it risks facing the same fate as Velan Studios’ previous major title. As the gaming community watches closely, the hope is that the game manages to captivate a larger audience and carve out its place in the multiplayer landscape.

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