In a crowded field of open-world games with similar structures and mechanics, Hell is Us takes a contrarian and almost radical approach. The game does not provide indicators telling players what to do in the open world, lacks a map for location tracking, and eschews a compass for navigation guidance. Jonathan Jacques-Belletête’s next project (he is the artistic director on Deus Ex: Human Revolution) places trust in the player. It is up to them to figure things out, be curious, listen carefully to what non-player characters say, and observe their surroundings for orientation cues. This does not mean that progress will always be difficult; rather, the game aims to be intuitive in its exploration, guiding players toward the right areas. Hell is Us’ philosophy is straightforward: if your instincts suggest something can be done in a given area, it likely can. The game rewards curiosity, although some secrets will require meticulous observation and deduction for discovery. This approach marks a significant departure from what video games have traditionally offered over the past three decades, setting this project apart.
The release of “Hell is Us” is anticipated for September 4, 2025, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
