The Shattering

The Shattering

Released Apr 2020

The Shattering is a first-person, story-driven, psychological thriller. Its defining features are the dynamic environments, beautiful aesthetic and intriguing story. The gameplay is meant to submerge you in the mind of John, as you take each step forward into the twisted mystery of what happened.

86% positive · 331 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $19.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

The Shattering launched on April 21, 2020 as a complete, story-driven psychological thriller with no post-launch content cycle planned. Over the following year, the developer released a handful of bug fix and maintenance patches, then celebrated the game's first anniversary on April 21, 2021 with a free DLC called "Secret Room" — a bonus area containing developer commentary, cut content, and act replay functionality. This was announced in advance and shipped as promised on the anniversary date. Both DLC items in the store listing (the soundtrack and Secret Room) are released. The most recent developer communication was a minor graphics patch on September 10, 2022 adding a motion blur toggle. There have been no announcements of additional content, no roadmaps, and no indication of further development plans. The game shipped as a finished narrative experience and its post-launch activity consisted of polish patches and a single anniversary DLC, all of which have been delivered. The content is complete as of April 21, 2021.
Evidence
Secret Room free DLC released on the game's 1-year anniversary, containing developer commentary, cut content, and act replay features.
dlc listing · Apr 21, 2021 source content shipped
high
Developer announced and shipped the Secret Room DLC as a 1st anniversary celebration, with no mention of further content planned.
news post · Apr 21, 2021 source content shipped
high

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Released
Apr 2021

Media

Details

Publisher
Deck13
Achievements
21
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game



You can’t remember anything. All you see is white around you. You hear a voice. You see a watch, swinging slowly in front of your eyes:

“I know you think everything is alright, but tell me, how come you can’t even remember her name?”

The Shattering places you in the mind of John Evans, where you struggle to piece together the fragments of your past and present. Not remembering is one thing, but what will happen when your mind leads you down the twisted path of fake memories in order to shelter you from the truth?

Follow the voice of the Doctor as it guides you deeper into your mind, and experience the key moments of John’s life that had defined and shaped him. Discover the truth, shatter the lies, find out what happened to John… and remember her name.

The Shattering is a first-person, story-driven, psychological thriller. Its defining features are the dynamic environments, beautiful aesthetics and intriguing story. There are no failure conditions in The Shattering, nor complicated puzzles. The gameplay is meant to submerge you in the mind of John, as you take each step forward into the twisted mystery of what had happened. A serene and emotionally charged soundtrack gives life to every single moment, while the visuals delight at every corner.



A rich and constantly evolving world taking place in the mind of John, where there are no limits or rules.

Beautiful and rich realistic environments painted with a pristine white aesthetic provide a original scenery that stands apart.

An intriguing story split into 4 acts that pieces together knowledge of the past and understanding of the present as you progress.

A sublime, gripping and intense original score composed for the story of The Shattering breathes live into each moment.



The Shattering is a work of passion coming from a small group of 5 close friends lead by Marta Szymanska. Super Sexy Software started in spirit in 2013, when the first echoes of The Shattering started to take form. The project began from studying the contrast of white and black in horror and culture. The core theme draws on the premise that horrors and fear can be achieved through embracing white and the absence of information, rather than darkness and the obvious, though unseen, enemy.

Over various iterations, the game took shape and the decision was made to work on it in every spare moment that could be found. With members of the team residing in Poland, France and Switzerland, they grew in experience and efficiency as the true spirit of the studio was born. As the game progressed, the developers and Deck13 met at a networking event and the synergy between the companies resonated immediately. A publisher was found, and all the ingredients to finish The Shattering were ready.

With the full development spanning multiple years, births and deaths, tears and laughter, the only joy greater than that of the journey together as one team and family, is the joy of seeing The Shattering take shape and be played by people around the world. We’d like to thank you, the player, for taking interest in our passion. We hope our story can echo out and reach gamers around the world.

Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content