Responding

Simulation· Open World· Realistic· Driving

Early access since Mar 2026

Responding is an upcoming open-world Emergency Services simulator sandbox that offers a realistic and in-depth Police, Fire, and EMS experience that is set in a fictional version of New York State.

45% positive · 486 reviews

Not yet

In early access, still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Not yet

In early access, still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $24.99

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Evaluation

Responding launched into Steam Early Access on March 31, 2026 following several years of independent, self-funded development. The developer has maintained a consistent stream of updates since launch: patch 0.852 on April 7, a follow-up patch on April 11, a stability patch on April 16, and patch 0.853 on May 3, 2026. On June 22, 2026, the developer published a roadmap via Trello and shared a development update announcing the expansion of the team from a solo developer to three people, with more hires planned. That roadmap describes ongoing work including a full buildings overhaul, animation system rework, and expanded AI systems. The most recent update, posted on August 13, 2026, confirmed the team has now grown to eight people and shipped patch 0.854 — which added new callouts, a first-iteration gunshot system, a new siren system, and the foundation of a character customization system. The post explicitly describes this customization system as a starting point that "will grow across future updates" and previews upcoming citation board customization. The developer also noted the team expansion and restructured development workflow are "laying the groundwork for a much faster pace of development going forward." The game is clearly in active, ongoing development with the developer regularly communicating, shipping updates, and growing their team. It is well short of a 1.0 release.

Evidence

Developer ships patch 0.854 with new callouts, AI systems, character customization foundation, and engine upgrade to UE 5.7. Team has grown to eight people. Developer explicitly previews more customization and systems content coming in future updates.

news post · Aug 13, 2026 source development ongoing

high

Developer publishes a public Trello roadmap covering planned additions and fixes. Announces team expansion with new 3D artist and animator, with more hires intended. Describes planned buildings overhaul, animation system rework, and expanded AI post system.

news post · Jun 22, 2026 source content planned

high

Media

Details

Developer

Visionary Studios

Publisher

Visionary Studios

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Unsupported

Players

Single-player

Simulation Open World Realistic Driving Sandbox Crime Immersive Sim First-Person Automobile Sim Investigation Tactical Combat Third Person Action Exploration

About this game

What is Responding?

Responding is an upcoming open-world Emergency Services simulator sandbox that offers a realistic and in-depth Police, Fire, and EMS experience that is set in a fictional version of New York State.

In the world of Responding, you, as the player, have complete freedom to engage in pursuits, traffic stops, shootouts, 4th alarm box fires, and much more. Work together with friends or intelligent AI to keep the city and upstate suburbs safe and peaceful.

Features

Realistic and progressive scene's

Scene management plays a big role with any incident, and it's not just up to you to manage the scene, AI will take on any roles to resolve the situation, keep the scene safe or to collect evidence and witnesses statements.

Action

Besides regular traffic stops and wellness checks Responding offers unprecedented action within emergency services simulators, with mechanics seen in your favourite tactical shooters such as tactical reloads, holding your breath, ammo management and much more.

Customization

We like customization and we know you do, we desire to bring this to various aspects of Responding, beginning with the vehicles. From the equipment you store in your trunks to the placement of antennas on the roof. And it doesn't stop there!

Pull Over Vehicles

Seamlessly pull over any vehicle that you've seen breaking the law, or even when none is broken at all. Question the driver for his behavior and decide if the driver deserves a ticket, warning or a pass, but do not be surprised if the vehicle or the driver suddenly attempt to evade you and the law.

Emergency Lighting

Bringing the most in depth and realistic emergency lighting system, with customization that allows you to create unique lighting patterns by setting the on and off time for each lighting module. And it doesn't stop there, create 3 presets to switch between in real-time and set the desired text to display on your message board!

Discord

Become part of our active community on discord, this is the place to discuss the future of Responding and to voice your opinion on the desires for the ultimate emergency simulator!