Dead Format

Horror· Survival· Survival Horror· Psychological Horror

Released Dec 2025

Dead Format is a survival horror game set in iconic film eras. It's 1990s Scotland, and your brother has gone missing after becoming obsessed with a mysterious new VHS format. Follow his trail through the tapes and uncover why the government wants to ban "Video Ghastlies".

80% positive · 205 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

Medium confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

Medium confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $16.99 IndieGala Steam key Updated 12 Oct 2026 $16.99

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Evaluation

Dead Format launched on Steam on December 10, 2025. The game shipped as a complete survival horror experience spanning three distinct VHS tape worlds — Silent Era Cinema, Italian Giallo, and 1980s Body Horror — with no post-launch content additions announced or implied. In the days immediately following launch, the developer pushed two patches addressing stalker AI behavior and a GPU compatibility issue, but these were maintenance-focused fixes rather than content expansions. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no roadmap, no season pass, and no developer statements indicating additional content is planned. The game appears to have launched as a finished, self-contained product. No further content has been announced as of June 18, 2026, and the developer has not posted any updates since December 12, 2025.

Evidence

Dead Format officially launched on Steam as a first-person survival horror game with three horror film era worlds, combat, puzzles, and stealth mechanics.

news post · Dec 10, 2025 source content shipped

high

Store description presents the game as a complete experience across three tape worlds with no mention of future DLC, seasons, or additional content.

description source ambiguous

medium

Media

Details

Developer

Katanalevy

Publisher

Oro Interactive

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Survival Horror Psychological Horror Horror Survival Action Story Rich Mystery 1990's Atmospheric 3D First-Person Violent Dark 1980s Puzzle

About this game

A lost brother. A cursed VHS format. A government cover-up.

Dead Format is a survival horror game that takes you on a nightmarish journey through iconic eras of film. Set in 1990s Scotland, you play as a desperate sibling searching for their missing brother who was last seen obsessing over a mysterious VHS format. Dive into the tapes, fight your way through cinematic worlds, and find your brother before it’s too late.

Survive the cursed tapes

Your apartment is the hub. Here you can review clues, catch your breath, and prepare for the journey ahead. Use the Television set and insert VHS tapes to open the door to new worlds, each one with its own inspiration. Search for clues and face the nightmares in universes inspired by Silent Era Cinema, Italian Giallo films, and 80s Body Horror.

Classic Film meets Survival Horror

Search for supplies to stay alive and uncover key items to solve puzzles, unlocking your path forward.
Arm yourself with weapons and tools inspired by the film worlds you’ll explore.
Discover homemade VHS footage that blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Your apartment is the only place you can save the game. Find shortcuts and new paths to progress on your journey.
Each world comes with its own enemies, puzzles, and unique areas to explore.

A Mixed Media Game

Everything in Dead Format is created just for the game. This includes the VHS footage, which is recorded and edited by Katanalevy. Each tape provides a nostalgic window into the worlds players will explore.

About the Developer

Chris Evry (Katanalevy) is a Scottish solo developer drawn to creating experiences that are a blend of the darkly visceral and gothic sublime. He is the creator of Cardiac, Symphony of Seven Souls and Daemonologie.