Protocol
Released Nov 2018
By signing below, you agree to follow the Protocol. Protocol is a program of strict rules created to make first contact with an alien life form that got shot down in the Arctic Circle.
74% positive · 339 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $8.99 Green Man Gaming Steam key $8.99
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Evaluation
Protocol launched on November 20, 2018 as a complete, self-contained sci-fi comedy adventure. Its only DLC — a digital artbook and digital OST — both released nine days after launch on November 29, 2018, and were clearly always part of the launch package rather than post-launch expansions. No additional content was ever announced or released for the game itself.
Post-launch activity consisted of maintenance and quality-of-life patches: VR support was added in February 2019, a Halloween update with audio improvements arrived in October 2019, and a handful of bug-fix patches followed through May 2023. None of these introduced new story content or signaled an ongoing content roadmap.
The most meaningful signal about the studio's direction comes from an October 2, 2023 developer post announcing the release of their new game "Noch." In that post, the studio wrote: "Whether we can continue making narrative cooperative games in the future or not, we don't even know ourselves. We've done everything within our power." This statement, while referring to the studio's future in general, confirms that the team's creative energy has moved entirely to new projects, and there is no indication of any further content planned for Protocol.
Protocol shipped as a finished single-player narrative experience with a defined 9–12 hour runtime, and all available evidence confirms it has been complete since its launch date.
Evidence
Developer announces their new game 'Noch' is fully released, and expresses uncertainty about whether they can continue making narrative games — signaling no active development pipeline for Protocol.
Store description presents Protocol as a complete 9–12 hour narrative experience with no mention of ongoing updates, seasons, or planned expansions.
Content
2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Sad Horse studio
Achievements
51
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player
About this game
Gameplay time: 9-12 hours
In this game, you may find yourself in many deadlocks the only way out of which is DEATH. This game may make you angry more than once. This game may make you re-play some moments over and over.
You were chosen to carry out the Protocol program.
Your objective is to make "first contact" with an alien life form.
Any violation of the Protocol will lead to the elimination of you and the entire operation.
Remember, the fate of the humanity may depend on your actions.
Once signed, the Protocol must be promptly implemented.
Have a nice day!
Plot
The action of Protocol, most likely, takes place in the near future. You are a flippant soldier who signs up for the Protocol program implementation. Packed in a landing box and dropped off somewhere in the Arctic Circle, not far from the Terminus research complex, your main objective is to follow a mysterious AI's orders, who uses you to make ""first contact"" within the Protocol program framework. Any deviation from AI's orders is considered to be a violation of Protocol; leading to the elimination of the complex and staff.
Features
Protocol is a sci-fi comedy with a hint of horror, action and a twisted love story.
Uncover an intriguing plot filled with conspiracies, plot twists, countless expletives, dark humour, and some light-hearted mockery.
Have a Nice Day!
This is a phrase you will love AND hate because you have violated the Protocol AGAIN. If you think that hardcore is when you can defeat the biggest bosses, then try not to die when taking a snowball.
Genre ambiguity
We still can't decide which genre suits this game. Adventure? Puzzle? Shooter? Immersive sim (seriously?)? Walking simulator? Crazy trip? Or, maybe... All in one?
Our other projects:
Horror LOCO PARENTIS
Startup Valley Adventure - Episode 1
Horror Noch
In this game, you may find yourself in many deadlocks the only way out of which is DEATH. This game may make you angry more than once. This game may make you re-play some moments over and over.
You were chosen to carry out the Protocol program.
Your objective is to make "first contact" with an alien life form.
Any violation of the Protocol will lead to the elimination of you and the entire operation.
Remember, the fate of the humanity may depend on your actions.
Once signed, the Protocol must be promptly implemented.
Have a nice day!
Plot
The action of Protocol, most likely, takes place in the near future. You are a flippant soldier who signs up for the Protocol program implementation. Packed in a landing box and dropped off somewhere in the Arctic Circle, not far from the Terminus research complex, your main objective is to follow a mysterious AI's orders, who uses you to make ""first contact"" within the Protocol program framework. Any deviation from AI's orders is considered to be a violation of Protocol; leading to the elimination of the complex and staff.
Features
Protocol is a sci-fi comedy with a hint of horror, action and a twisted love story.
Uncover an intriguing plot filled with conspiracies, plot twists, countless expletives, dark humour, and some light-hearted mockery.
Have a Nice Day!
This is a phrase you will love AND hate because you have violated the Protocol AGAIN. If you think that hardcore is when you can defeat the biggest bosses, then try not to die when taking a snowball.
Genre ambiguity
We still can't decide which genre suits this game. Adventure? Puzzle? Shooter? Immersive sim (seriously?)? Walking simulator? Crazy trip? Or, maybe... All in one?
Our other projects:
Horror LOCO PARENTIS
Startup Valley Adventure - Episode 1
Horror Noch
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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