Multiplayer Demo Now Always Open & Future Update Roadmap Reveal

The multiplayer demo will open as scheduled starting this Friday at 6:00 PM (KST).

Multiplayer Mode Open Period

April 24, 2026, 18:00 (KST) ~ Until Official Release

While we haven't been able to keep the multiplayer mode open at all times for various reasons, we have decided to keep it open indefinitely starting this Friday!

Regarding the Permanent Demo

Keeping the demo open was a daunting decision for a multiplayer game. We were concerned that players might find it difficult to purchase the game at launch if they had already experienced it fully during the demo.

Nevertheless, we chose to go permanent for the following reasons:

1. Expanding playdates and times allows players from various environments and regions to play more conveniently.

2. Since we will be updating continuously, the Early Access and full release versions will be significantly more advanced than the current demo build.

Regarding point #2 in particular:

Deadly Trick's core structure is now stable, and we are entering the stage of actively adding key elements to refine the experience. There is a mountain of updates ahead, which means there’s so much more we can show you!

Therefore, while the demo remains open, we plan to improve the build through steady updates every 1-2 weeks.

Roadmap

Before the system was finalized, development felt like an endless 'clinical trial' of updates with no end in sight. Just when we thought the skeleton was set, it wasn't; when we thought the system was established, chronic issues appeared.

However, we can finally see the finish line now.

There are still many elements to update, but these are not 'overhaul' updates that change the game's foundation. Rather, they are updates aimed at filling in the gaps and refining the experience.

As these updates are applied one by one, you will notice significant improvements and a major boost in the overall polish of the game.

We believe the upcoming updates are well worth the wait!

Update Summary

ESCAPE PHASE

• New Mastermind Ability: 'Infection'

This feature allows the Mastermind to interfere with White players by directly influencing Class Activity objects.

This will be implemented as soon as the work is completed.

Developer's Note: We saw interfering with class activities as a unique fun factor for the Mastermind, but felt it was limited to only a few activities. With activities becoming more fragmented, these interference elements dwindled. We hope the 'Infection' system serves as a primary tool for the Mastermind to actively hinder the White players.

• Adding New Class Activities

Adding activities beyond simple transport, including new ways of performing tasks and 'difficult' activities.

• Improved Class Activity Guidance

Adding a stylish UI that immediately explains the general flow of each class activity.

• Sound Effect Overhaul

We plan to standardize and upgrade the quality of various SFX, and add various jingles and BGM to fill in any empty sonic spaces.

• Temporary UI Revamp

We are aware of the distracting temporary UIs. They were pushed back due to the volume of other updates, but we will replace them with high-quality UI as quickly as possible.

INVESTIGATION/TRIAL PHASE

• Separation of the Voting Phase

At the end of the trial, we will create a dedicated Voting Phase to focus solely on casting votes.

New direction and screen effects specific to the Voting Phase will be added.

Developer's Note: Believing that the trial should be player-driven, we previously excluded systemic interventions. This led to somewhat dull trials, and we hope this system alleviates that flatness.

• Trial UI Improvements

The UI will be improved to enhance the sense of presence, such as character mouth movements when speaking and indicators showing who is currently talking.

• Vote Count and Truth Reveal Effects

Adding various resources and screen effects to the trial results, which were previously notified only via text.

• Execution Animation Improvements

To be honest, we've sometimes felt shy about the current executions despite our hard work. The revised executions may be less quirky but will be integrated in a more sophisticated way.

• Adding Trial Intro

A trial introduction will be added to enhance the immersive atmosphere of the proceedings.

• Adding Agree/Refute Feature

Players will be able to choose to 'Agree' or 'Refute' regarding an already submitted proposition, each with its own unique visual effects.

• Chat System Overhaul

Moving away from a bare-bones system to include a toggleable chat log and speech bubbles appearing near characters when they speak.

SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS & OTHERS

• Detailed Difficulty Settings

In addition to Standard/Hardcore/Lunatic, we are adding custom difficulty settings:

• Escape Phase Time

• Class Trial Time

• Escape Gauge gain from completing Class Activities

• Escape Gauge gain from capturing Black/Mastermind

• Corruption increase speed

• Victory Screen Revamp

A dedicated victory animation for the White team's win will be added.

• Ghost Mode

This has been delayed due to urgent updates, but we will add it as soon as we have breathing room.

• Mastermind Only: Mode to appear as Madeline to oneself

While not critical to gameplay, we will add this for a fun experience when time permits.

• Improved Tutorial Episodes & Image/Text Tutorials

The current three tutorial episodes were rushed for the demo launch. We will supplement the content and add "bite-sized" tutorials for new players to read during wait times.

• Waiting Room Redesign

The temporary waiting room design will be completely overhauled, including interactive elements (like practicing class activities).

Although we haven't set specific deadlines for this roadmap, we believe these must be reflected 'as soon as possible.'

Our goal is to implement everything on this list before the Next Fest in June through steady bi-weekly updates.

We will do our best to run toward the finish line!

We’ll work hard!!

However, the following updates will be applied immediately to this week’s demo:

• Adding Class Activities

All class activities that existed before fragmentation are now included in the build.

• Mastermind Ability & UI Rework

• Sabotaging two designated circuit breakers cuts off interactions in all areas; both must be repaired to restore power.

• Power sabotage is now a Class Activity with an increased cooldown.

• Mastermind abilities and Corruption gauge UI have been adjusted.

Developer's Note: The 'Infection' feature was planned, but delayed due to unforeseen variables. We expect a supplementary update sometime next week.

• Tutorial Episode 3: Mastermind Unlocked

• Miscellaneous Bug Fixes

From now on, a new build with updates will be showcased every Friday on a 1-2 week cycle.

We are always grateful for your interest and expectations. We will continue to improve and complete this into a great game.