Escape the Backrooms
News, coverage and analysis tracking Escape the Backrooms across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Publisher Secret Mode opens development studio to support internal projects
Publisher Secret Mode has opened a new development studio in Sheffield to support its existing game portfolio with updates and DLC, manage platform ports, and assist external developers. The studio will be led by VP of technology and operations Dan Secker and technical development director Jacob Habgood. This move aims to keep Secret Mode's games thriving and players engaged post-launch.
Secret Mode opens new Sheffield studio to support internal titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together
Indie publisher Secret Mode has established a new internal development studio in Sheffield, initially comprising three people and aiming to expand to 20 within a year. This new division will focus on supporting the publisher's existing titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together, by developing new content and porting games to additional platforms like Xbox and PlayStation 5. The move aims to reduce reliance on external development and foster a culture of rapid content creation.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – August 2, 2026 – Xenoblade Chronicles 2 makes a run at Splatoon Raiders
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of August 2, 2026, show Splatoon Raiders at the top, with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and its upgrade pack also performing strongly. Final Fantasy 14 is set to launch on the platform and has already charted during its pre-load period.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 26, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders leads the way
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 26, 2026, show Splatoon Raiders leading the way after its launch. Final Fantasy 10 / 10-2 HD Remaster also debuted on the charts at number six. The article lists the top 30 games and top 30 download-only games on the eShop.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 19, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders shoots to the top before launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 19, 2026, show Splatoon Raiders topping the list due to pre-loads ahead of its imminent launch. New releases Denshattack and Go-Go Town also made strong debuts on the charts.
"If I work on that, my kids will think I'm Gandalf" – Blackbird Interactive on the highs and lows of external development
Blackbird Interactive discusses the challenges and rewards of external development, balancing work-for-hire projects with original titles. President Rory McGuire and Director Alex Delamaire highlight the importance of team excitement, client management, and leveraging diverse skill sets to succeed in the external development space.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 12, 2026 – Moonlight Peaks rises to the top, Digimon and Granblue Fantasy debut
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 12, 2026, show Moonlight Peaks taking the top spot. New entries include Digimon Story: Time Stranger and Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok, which both secured multiple positions within the top ten.
Digimon and Granblue Fantasy join this week’s eShop roundup
This week's Nintendo eShop update features new releases like Digimon Story Time Stranger and Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok, both available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The update also includes classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles on Nintendo Switch Online, along with various sales, activities, and music releases.
Escape the Backrooms just got a surprise Nintendo Switch 2 release
The co-op horror game Escape the Backrooms has been surprise-released on the Nintendo Switch. The game, which supports up to four players, tasks them with exploring over 30 levels based on creepypasta lore while avoiding hostile entities. It is available digitally for $12.99.
(For Southeast Asia) PlayStation Store: June 2026’s top downloads
The PlayStation Store has revealed the top downloaded games for June 2026 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation VR2. In Asia, sports titles like NBA 2K26 and EA SPORTS FC 26, along with DAVE THE DIVER, led the charts. Meanwhile, Escape the Backrooms dominated downloads in the US and Canada.
PlayStation Store: June 2026’s top downloads
The PlayStation Store has revealed the top downloaded games for June 2026 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation VR2. Escape the Backrooms dominated the charts in both US/Canada and EU regions for PS5, while other backroom-themed titles also performed well on PS VR2. The free-to-play charts featured popular titles like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty: Warzone.
The Backrooms: Forsaken Tries To Stand Out From The Growing Liminal Horror Collection
The Backrooms: Forsaken, a new first-person horror adventure, has been released on Xbox Series X|S for £4.99. Developed by Fred Grant Studios, the game aims to distinguish itself within the crowded liminal horror genre by featuring a stronger narrative and a companion character, offering approximately two hours of exploration, puzzles, and unsettling encounters inspired by the Backrooms mythos.
These Are The XBOX Game Pass Games Everyone’s Playing Right Now
Xbox Game Pass offers a diverse library of popular games across various genres, including racing, horror, survival, and RPGs. Titles like Forza Horizon 6, Escape The Backrooms, Mixtape, Subnautica 2, and Echo Generation 2 are highlighted as current player favorites. The service's flexibility allows players to switch between different experiences on Xbox, PC, and via cloud gaming, making it an appealing option for discovering new games.
Escape the Backrooms Review | TheXboxHub
Escape the Backrooms is a survival horror game that attempts to capture the essence of the popular Backrooms creepypasta. While it succeeds in delivering jump scares and eerie aesthetics with unique monster designs and a sanity mechanic, it is hampered by frustrating puzzles and aimless exploration. The game offers a decent, albeit divisive, experience within the crowded liminal-space horror genre.
The Backrooms Effect: Why Horror, Nostalgia and Indie Games Are Surging Again
Several recent and upcoming games available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including Escape the Backrooms, Echo Generation 2, and Forza Horizon 6, are reflecting broader cultural trends such as viral horror, nostalgic sci-fi, and AAA open-world experiences. This highlights how Xbox Game Pass is curating a catalog that aligns with current popular culture and trending topics outside of gaming.
These are the 5 games you need to check out after watching A24's Backrooms film
Following the release of A24's Backrooms film, this article recommends five games that capture similar eerie and unsettling vibes. Titles like Escape the Backrooms and Inside the Backrooms offer multiplayer horror experiences, while Pools provides a more atmospheric, solitary exploration. Portal is also suggested due to its thematic similarities and vast, inexplicable environments, and SCP: Secret Laboratory is recommended for fans of inexplicable horrors.
"We're always on the hunt for new content" – Secret Mode on the surprise acquisition of Chained Together
Secret Mode has acquired the viral co-op platformer Chained Together from Anegar Games, with backing from Emona Capital. CEO Ed Blincoe stated that acquisitions are a core pillar of their strategy, alongside signing new titles. The publisher plans to bring in a new development team to expand content for Chained Together and is also continuing its support for the previously acquired game, Escape the Backrooms.
A24's Backrooms leads to a surge in players for two co-op horror games inspired by the viral creepypasta
The success of A24's horror film 'Backrooms' has led to a significant increase in player numbers for two co-op horror games inspired by the same viral creepypasta: 'Escape the Backrooms' and 'Backrooms: Escape Together'. Both games have seen substantial player count surges, with 'Backrooms: Escape Together' reaching a new concurrent player peak and 'Escape the Backrooms' experiencing a resurgence, also launching on Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass June 2026 wave 1 adds Persona 5 Royal, Undisputed, Starseeker, and more
Xbox has announced the first wave of games coming to Game Pass in June 2026, including Persona 5 Royal, Undisputed, and Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions. The lineup also features new titles like Herdling, Total Chaos, Solarpunk, Beastro, Frog Sqwad, and Junkster across various platforms. Several games are also departing the service on June 15.
Xbox Game Pass lineup for early June 2026 announced
Microsoft has revealed the upcoming games for Xbox Game Pass in early June 2026, including titles like Herdling, Total Chaos, Solarpunk, Undisputed, Persona 5 Royal, and Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions. Several other games are also being added and removed from the service throughout June.
