The intense survival horror "Suffocate," inspired by events in Taiwan during the 1990s, will be released on October 23.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/952/G095230/20251009033/
Editorial Department: Yawaragi | 2025/10/09 06:51 (UTC)
Today (October 9, 2025), Naughty Cow announced that its PC game SUFFOCATE will be officially released on Steam at 17:00 on October 23. A new trailer has been unveiled, and a demo version is now available.
This game is a first-person survival horror developed in Taiwan. Set in modern times, it unfolds a story centered on family relationships, mysterious religion, and human desires. Players will confront terror through exploration, stealth actions, and puzzle-solving, witnessing the tragic downfall of a once-happy household.
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The game draws inspiration from films such as Blood Vulture, Greed Island, Double Vision, Children Are Not Your Possessions, and Eight Immortals Restaurant’s Human Buns, as well as numerous horror games.
The story’s background is inspired by real historical events in Taiwan, including the No-Housing Snail Movement—a social protest movement in the late 1980s against skyrocketing housing prices—and the Liu Pangyou Massacre, a shooting incident at a county governor’s residence on November 21, 1996, which resulted in eight deaths (including then-county governor Liu Pangyou) and one serious injury.
One of the game’s settings is the Lin family mansion, designed to resemble homes built between the 1980s and late 1990s. It evokes the atmosphere of luxury villas found in areas like Yangming Mountain, Beitou, and Tianmu, reflecting its era-based setting. Playing with this historical context in mind should enhance immersion.
Please note that this game contains violence, graphic content, sexual themes, and intense depictions.
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Naughty Cow’s First Survival Horror Game: SUFFOCATE
Release Date Confirmed for October 23, New Trailer Unveiled
Indie game developer Naughty Cow has announced that its survival horror title SUFFOCATE will be officially released on Steam at 17:00 on October 23. The announcement coincides with the release of a brand-new trailer.
Official Release Announcement Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcZITw0Y2Fk
Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1965270/SUFFOCATE/
SUFFOCATE is a first-person 3D survival horror game known for its realistic atmosphere. Set in modern times, the story revolves around family dynamics, mysterious religion, and human desires. This unique Taiwanese survival horror blends grotesque visuals, violence, and themes of faith to deliver an experience unlike any other. Players will gradually uncover hidden truths behind the narrative while witnessing how a once-happy family slowly deteriorates—overcoming challenges involving stealth, puzzle-solving, and conquering fear.
As players progress through the game, they’ll feel the tension build as ghostly figures from their past relentlessly pursue them, experiencing emotional conflicts rooted in each character’s differing perspectives. The story advances through exploration, solving puzzles, and hiding. Join the protagonist on a chilling journey centered around a family consumed by terror.
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Game Concept
SUFFOCATE draws inspiration from numerous horror games and films, with its story background referencing significant events in modern Taiwan—such as the No-Housing Snail Movement and the Liu Pangyou Massacre. The game also references past visual works including: Blood Vulture, Greed Island, Double Vision, Children Are Not Your Possessions, and Eight Immortals Restaurant’s Human Buns.
One of the game’s main settings, the Lin family mansion, is set in the 1980s to late 1990s. It was designed based on real homes of notable figures, evoking the luxurious villa atmosphere found in areas like Yangming Mountain, Beitou, and Tianmu.
Horror as a genre sharpens all five senses, delivering intense suspense where overcoming fear brings profound satisfaction. We’re excited to deliver this uniquely thrilling experience to players.
SUFFOCATE is scheduled for release on Steam at 17:00 on October 23. If you’re interested in the game, consider adding it to your wishlist to stay updated or join our official Discord server to interact directly with the development team.
About Naughty Cow
Naughty Cow is an indie game studio founded by two longtime friends who previously worked together at Softstar Entertainment and HTC. Driven by a passion for horror games and films, they established the studio to turn their dreams into reality. The team consists of four members: two art directors/planners and two programmers. Since its founding, the core team has remained unchanged, united under a shared vision.
Their debut title, SUFFOCATE, is the culmination of years of dedication—a survival horror game born from long-held aspirations. The name “Suffocate” symbolizes suffocating love within families—love that chokes due to lack of understanding, empathy, and cold indifference. This theme is distilled into just two characters.
Development began in September 2020 and took five years to complete. Beyond mere fright or shock, SUFFOCATE delivers a deeply memorable experience through its original story and intense gameplay.
Game Information
Title
SUFFOCATE
Steam Store Page
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1965270/SUFFOCATE/
Genre
Horror / Action / Adventure / Indie
Platform
Steam
Languages Supported
Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, German, Russian
Developer / Publisher
Naughty Cow