Showrunner
Early access since Jan 2023
Create and run your own TV show! An isometric management game where you craft scripts, populate your world with characters and cast actors to play them. Hire and manage staff, develop your studio and gain a dedicated following.
71% positive · 114 reviews
Not yet
In early access, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Not yet
In early access, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Where to buy
Steam $8.99
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Evaluation
Showrunner is a TV studio management game that entered Early Access on January 17, 2023 and remains in Early Access as of today. The developer, Inexplicable Games, is a solo developer who has been actively updating the game since launch, shipping three major content updates (versions 0.35 in February 2023, 0.36 in April 2023, and 0.41 in December 2023), alongside numerous feature patches and bug fixes.
In January 2024, the developer published a detailed roadmap outlining a large volume of planned content, including story arcs, an awards system, staff chemistry, episode casting, actor contracts, a Tier 2 studio, and more. Several of these — such as the staff morale system — have since been implemented, but many significant systems from that roadmap remain unbuilt.
However, in May 2025, the developer posted a frank development update explaining that Showrunner has not sold enough copies to support full-time development. As a result, they have taken on paid writing work elsewhere, and updates to Showrunner will be less frequent for the foreseeable future. Critically, the developer explicitly stated that the game will not leave Early Access until it genuinely deserves a 1.0 release, and that development will absolutely continue — pointing to their previous game, This Merchant Life, as evidence of long-term commitment even under difficult circumstances.
A feature patch (version 0.47) was released on December 9, 2025, adding the morale system and staff raises — demonstrating that development did continue after the May 2025 disclosure. That said, as of June 2026, more than six months have passed since that December 2025 update with no further developer communication, which is notable given the already reduced pace of updates.
The game clearly has substantial content still planned and has not reached the state the developer considers worthy of a 1.0 release. However, the combination of reduced development pace due to financial constraints and the recent extended silence introduces real uncertainty about the timeline and cadence of future updates.
Evidence
Version 0.47 released, adding the staff morale system and wage/bonus mechanics — confirming development continued after the May 2025 slowdown disclosure. Most recent developer communication on record.
Developer disclosed the game hasn't sold enough to support full-time development; they've taken on outside writing work and updates will be slower. Committed to continuing development and not leaving Early Access until the game deserves a 1.0 release.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Inexplicable Games
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Create your show
Name your show then pick a genre (options include drama, comedy, procedural, thriller or mystery) and a theme (for example sci-fi, fantasy, medical, office or historical). Score a lucrative contract with a television or streaming company as long as you can meet the goals they set for you!
Craft scripts
Lay out episode scripts by playing scene cards, defining the overall story structure. Each card will increase the score of the script in various categories (plot, characters, visuals, comedy, drama, action) with smart selections and powerful combinations earning special bonuses. Unlock new and more powerful cards over time. Gradually define themes for each season that pair well with your scripts and characters.
Make characters and select actors
Pick an archetype for each character then try to find an actor that fits the bill. Define the character’s appearance from extensive customisation options then develop them over time to be more nuanced and unique by picking perks that further characterise them and provide major boosts.
Hire and manage staff
Hire writers to complete scripts, directors and crew to handle filming and editors to bring together the final cut. Staff have varying stats and classes which tend towards specific strengths and weaknesses and they gain experience over time. Rotate and rest your team to manage their energy and keep everyone working at their best.
Design and manage your studio
Buy items and furniture to personalise and improve your studio, gaining staff boosts in the process. Build new rooms, upgrade existing ones and increase your studio's reputation. Manage this while trying to balance your finances and keep your studio in the black!
Make episodes and gain fans
With the outline for a script ready the writing team will work their magic from there. Have your actors, directors and crew film the scenes then the editors wrap things up. Build a dedicated following for your show and grow interest with good reviews and popular characters.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 21, 2026
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