Hired 2 Die cover
Hired 2 Die screenshot
Genre: Simulator, Strategy, Indie

Hired 2 Die

DEMO UPDATE

📢 Major Demo Update – Just in Time for Launch!

Hello, colleagues!

We’re thrilled to share that the demo for Hired 2 Die has been updated with a host of improvements and enhancements as we gear up for the official release on January 31st. Here’s what’s new:

Highlights of the Update

🌟 Enhanced Lighting & Performance
Experience a more immersive atmosphere with updated lighting.
Optimized performance to ensure smoother gameplay on a variety of systems.

🐛 Bug Fixes Galore
Addressed numerous bugs reported by our amazing community. Thank you for your feedback!

🌎 Expanded Accessibility
Added Chinese servers for better regional connectivity.
Improved localization across supported languages.

📚 Detailed Tutorial
The tutorial has been refined to make it easier for new players to understand the game’s mechanics.

🎮 Gameplay Improvements
Adjusted level design and balance for a more challenging yet fair experience.
Introduced new sound effects, including character-specific cough and exhaustion sounds, and additional audio for enemies.

💾 Cloud Saving
Your progress is now safer than ever with cloud saving enabled.

🔧 Stability & Connectivity
Enhanced stability and improved server connections for a more reliable multiplayer experience.
This update represents our continued commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our players. We’re counting down the days to launch, and we can’t wait for you to see everything we’ve been working on!

📌 Mark your calendars: Hired 2 Die officially launches on January 31st. Add it to your wishlist now! 👉 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1729140/Hired_2_Die/

Thank you for your support—let’s make this launch unforgettable!

Devlog #016 | Final Touches

As we near the end of the development of Hired 2 Die, we’re thrilled to share some of the exciting final touches and polish we’re adding to the game. Let’s dive right in!

Traps and the Ringmaster’s Influence


The Ringmaster has prepared the stage for his final act, introducing new stationary traps to his casino. Among these are exhaust vents, consumed by mold, which release poisonous gas in desperate bursts at anyone lingering beneath them.


Be mindful of the mold—breathe in too much, and…


You’ll be snared in his strings forever!

Cutscenes and Lore



We’ve completed the last of the game’s cutscenes! These include mid-contract events that immerse you further into the action, as well as concluding scenes that tie together the hard work you’ve poured into the “Hunt” contracts.


Sometimes, the credits aren’t the end.

We’ve also polished the game’s lore, enriching the story of Intersection it’s intrigues and the distortions they house.


Can’t you understand it’s perfection?


What’s that? Oh well, back to work…
 

Hunt Contracts



We’ve finalized the balance for the “Hunt” contracts, making them the ultimate test of everything you’ve learned throughout the game. These missions push your skills, strategies, and perks to their limits, culminating in an explosive and satisfying payoff.


Let’s blow this damned place up.


That was REALLY close.

A Big Thank You!



As we wrap up this devlog, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has followed Hired 2 Die’s development journey. Your support has kept us motivated and inspired.
Our next devlog will be the final one before release and will focus on something every worker yearns for: achievements!

From the Electric Monkeys team, we wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and an amazing new year. With the release so close, it’s going to be a fantastic one for us!
Stay tuned for more, and thank you for being part of this incredible endeavor.

Thank You for Playing the Hired 2 Die Prologue!

To all our incredible players,

We’re beyond grateful for the overwhelming support you’ve shown Hired 2 Die: Prologue. Watching you explore the eerie halls, strategize with friends, and dive into the world we’ve created has been nothing short of inspiring. Your dedication, insights, and enthusiasm fuel everything we do, and we couldn’t ask for a better community to grow alongside us.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve been diving deep into the feedback you’ve shared about The House Always Wins map. Whether it’s through bug fixes, balance tweaks, or refining mechanics, we’re working hard to ensure that Hired 2 Die is the best it can possibly be when launch day arrives. Every comment, review, and suggestion is helping shape the game into something truly special.

We’re also thrilled to share that we’re approaching an incredible milestone—20,000 wishlists on Steam! This is a huge moment for us, and we owe it all to you. Once we hit that mark, we’ll be celebrating with rewards and surprises for everyone who has been part of this journey.

But we want to keep hearing from you! What’s been your most unforgettable moment in the Prologue? What are you most excited to see in the full game? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep this conversation going—we’re listening, and your voice makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of this adventure with us. Let’s continue building Hired 2 Die together.

👉 Add Hired 2 Die to Your Wishlist Now!

With gratitude and excitement,
The Hired 2 Die Team

The Demo is Back!

Dear Hired 2 Die Players,

We’re excited to share that the original demo of Hired 2 Die is now back! After releasing the prologue, we found that players from both the demo and prologue could join together, which brought some unexpected surprises. To make sure you always have the best experience, we briefly replaced the demo with the prologue, but now the demo has returned!

If you haven’t had a chance to play the prologue yet, you can check it out here:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460430/Hired_2_Die_Prologue/

Thank you for your patience and support!

See you in the game!

Notice for our Chinese Playerbase

Dear players,

We’re aware that some of our Chinese players are having issues with Hired 2 Die: Prologue, and our team is fully dedicated to resolving this as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Your patience and support mean a lot to us, and we’re working hard to enhance the experience for everyone. If you'd like to help, please feel free to share any details in the comments—they’re incredibly valuable as we investigate.

Thank you for being part of our community!

Devlog #015 | Prologue

Welcome one, welcome all! In this devlog, we will dive into the next step toward the release of our game: The Prologue!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460430/Hired_2_Die_Prologue/

Before we get into the details, if you haven't already, we highly recommend checking out Devlog #013 for an in-depth look at the lore and characters featured in the prologue. In this post, we’ll focus on what exactly you’ll get for free with the prologue release.

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1729140/view/3899617640599764054?l=english

The prologue introduces three unique antagonists: The Ringmaster, The Magic Eye and the Dummies.

The Ringmaster is an entertainer by trade. He's not interested in merely chasing you or causing harm—his ambition is far greater. He aims to deliver the grandest, most unforgettable spectacle the world has ever seen. To achieve this, he drives his victims to the edge of madness, turning them into perfect actors for his twisted stage.



Next, we have The Magic Eye—a blind, distorted figure that haunts the hotel section of the abandoned casino. Forever seeking the approval of its master, this distortion will stop at nothing to impose the sinister will of the Aethernus’ owner. At first glance, he may appear old and frail, but when he senses an unwanted guest, his terrifying true form emerges.



Hired 2 Die: Prologue will be releasing very, very soon. Be sure to check it out before the full game releases early next year!



If the news of our upcoming spectacle has piqued your interest, we kindly invite you to wishlist the prologue and the full game on Steam. By doing so, you'll receive notifications about news, release dates, and more!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1729140/Hired_2_Die/

Devlog #014 | Major Demo Update!

Welcome, everyone! We're thrilled to announce a host of exciting new features coming to our demo. First and foremost, you can now play with up to 4 players!



Enjoy any contract with 1 to 4 players in co-op mode. Gather your friends and prepare for the shift of your lives!

PERKS AND LOBBY CUSTOMIZATION



Intersection has granted you the ability to purchase new anomalous furniture that empowers your character with unique abilities. These range from increased running speed to using cameras to help your friends and disable monsters.



Plus, these items can make your apartment look incredibly stylish!



RESULTS AND SECRETS



Your performance at the end of each contract is now graded. Discover the secrets hidden in each contract to earn an extra positive rank.



IMPROVED VOIP SYSTEM



We’re introducing a new voice transmission system, now available for testing in the demo. Voices will better reflect your surroundings and distance from other players. Additionally, you can use the security system to communicate with other players. Simply find the CCTV in the room where the player you want to talk to is located, activate it, and start chatting.

NEW SECURITY CAMERA MECHANICS



Combat the distortions in your workplace with new tools. Use the UV Light positioned in security cameras to impair affected distortions.



Additionally, a zoom feature interacts with enemies and allies if you have the correct perk. Lights, which previously could only be controlled via the security system, now have switches in all rooms. Be mindful of the energy cost!

INTERFACE REVAMP



We’ve redesigned all game interfaces to better align with the game's atmosphere.



Tooltips have been added to important interface elements, making it easier for new players to get started.




AND MUCH, MUCH MORE



Graphics have been improved, lore notes added, and new creature animations, sounds, and behaviors introduced. For a comprehensive list of updates, check our patch notes here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1729140/view/5956653982580523321.

We are nearing the opening of the Aethernus Casino. Grab the demo and explore the new features as you await the devious games of the ringmaster in the upcoming free Hired 2 Die: Prologue!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460430/Hired_2_Die_Prologue/

Hired 2 Die Demo: 0.93.0.0 Patch Notes

Highlights:




  • 4 players can now play together (before was 2)
  • Controller Support (Beta)
  • Light Switches
  • UV Lights (interaction with Monsters and other Players)
  • Water Dispenser that restores Stamina
  • Improved Proximity Voice Chat (VOIP)
  • Improved Lobby:
  • Perk System (players can now buy furniture and decorations for their Lobby that grants them powerful new skills)
  • Radio - secret tapes can be found through the contracts (and the tutorial)
  • New Interactions (see below)


Gameplay:



Score/Results System based on your performance.

Balancing:




  • Objectives
  • Enemies
  • Energy Consumption
  • Stamina
  • Installables
  • Anomalies
  • Revival (added a way to revive without an injection)
  • Level Design Adjustments


New Interactions




  • Throwables
  • Drawers, Lockers


Usability:




  • Mini Map Improvements:
  • Objective Icons
  • Improved Area selection and usability
  • Overall Readability
  • CCTV Improvements:
  • Camera Movement
  • Zoom


New Settings:




  • General: Horizontal/Vertical Sensitivity
  • Graphics: VSync, Shadows, Effects, Anti Aliasing
  • Audio: Output Device, VOIP
  • Improved UI:
  • Splash Screen
  • Main Menu
  • Loading Screens
  • Pause
  • Lobby Menu
  • Room Creation
  • Contract Selection
  • Objectives TV
  • Tip System
  • Notes:
  • Lobby General notes
  • Level Enemy notes


Visuals:




  • Graphics Overhaul
  • Lighting
  • Materials and Textures
  • New Animations:
  • Enemies
  • New Visual Effects for Puddles, Incinerator and others
  • Enemies
  • Interactables


Audio:




  • New Sound Effects:
  • Enemies
  • Objectives
  • Installables
  • Interactables
  • Sound Mixing


Performance:




  • New Graphics Settings
  • Optimized GPU Load and Memory Usage
  • Optimized CPU Load and Memory Usage
  • Optimized Build Size

Devlog #013 | The House Always Wins

As a new year dawns, we're thrilled to update our community on the tremendous strides we've taken since our last Devlog. Let us present our latest endeavor:

"The House Always Wins."


Step into the the Grand Aethernus Casino, the domain of the cunning Ringmaster and his entourage. A street artist by trade and manipulator by necessity, the Ringmaster orchestrates daily shows with his troupe, luring patrons into the casino, skillfully fostering their indulgences to ensure they keep returning—or never leave at all.



The Aethernus, once an old hotel, now stands transformed into a four-story casino complex. It comprises a basement, a stage for the Ringmaster's performances, a casino where “The Beast” incredible feats of strength entice gamblers, and a hotel section where the enigmatic "Magic Eye" captivates guests with enchanting tricks and vivid retellings of the troupe's greatest achievements.



Regrettably, all things come to an end. A series of vanishing acts culminated in the tragic murder of one troupe member, abruptly halting the shows and causing the Ringmaster to disappear. The enigmatic agency known as Intersection took a keen interest in the building, purchasing it and enlisting your services to uncover its concealed secrets.

Gather your friends and embark on the quest to unravel the mysteries of the Aethernus Casino. But be careful! The Ringmaster still haunts these halls, craving one final, spectacular performance—with you as the new unwitting members of the troupe. Your employers suspect that an eerie distortion within the casino has the power to manipulate perceptions, inducing hallucinations and subjecting individuals to the Ringmaster's control after prolonged exposure.




There's an abundance of exciting features to reveal including new monsters, innovative mechanics, and forthcoming details about the release date. Stay tuned for our next devlogs.



Thank you for reading, and here's to a fantastic new year ahead. Don't forget to take a look and wishlist our upcoming prologue!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460430/Hired_2_Die_Prologue/

Demo Update

Version 0.62.5.8 patch notes:


  • Mini map and camera feed screen completely redesigned:

    1. Added Follow Player feature
    2. Redistributed and cleaned map information, improving visilibity
    3. New icons
  • Network Connection: various fixes and stability improvements
  • Manual refactor:

    1. Alternatives are now presented in bullet points
    2. New feature: it's now possible to check an alternative by clicking on them. For example, you can check a wrong alternative
  • Player now emits a faint light for better visibility in very dark situations
  • Lots of general bug fixes and improvements in stability