TRON, Stranger Things Pac-Man Inspired the 4-Player Co-Op Thriller 'Terrorbytes.’

Treetop :

August 29th, 2024 - Vancouver, Canada - A team of just three developers based in Vancouver, Canada are today announcing their latest game, ‘Terrorbytes’, which will be launching on Steam on October 22nd. Calling themselves “Treetop” and led by John Warner, an industry veteran of over twenty years (Company of Heroes, The Fall, The Last Hero of Nostalgaia), the team has set its sights on adding depth to the 4-player co-op space.
 
“Our main goal,” said game designer Trevor Da Silva, “was to focus on mechanics that tie players more closely together. For example, the simple goal of Terrorbytes is to collect energy. However, this energy goes into a shared pool. Many activities, including simply sprinting, drain this energy, and players can see what their teammates are spending. So sure, you could use your flashlight to feel safe, but while you do, you’ll be draining energy from your team in the process. That might be worth it though, if you can find something of value, out in the darkness”

“The whole project is about teamwork and friendship” says John Warner, the project’s coder and de-facto director. “Multiplayer games are about forming bonds and working together, and Terrorbytes is no exception… but unlike other multiplayer games, there’s a story here about that as well.” It may be unusual for a multiplayer co-op to have a story, but the team has interesting goals: “Players can pick between one of four characters, and the story they experience will change in very subtle ways depending on which characters the team picks. Different kids get along in different ways, and those relationships will be expressed spontaneously in story moments.”
 
“Connection with your team is what makes everything work” says artist and animator Gregory Brown. “Coming around a corner and finding yourself face to face with a massive snarling monster is scary in any situation, but when you’re with your friends, it’s also hilarious.” However, that’s easier said than done, and Greg explains: “I wish it were just a matter of mechanics that encourage teamwork. In Truth, in order to really have those moments work, everything needs to look fantastic, and we’ve put a tremendous amount of love into the various horrors and characters in Terrorbytes. Ms Croak-Man isn’t just big, she’s complex; limbs and tendrils flail when she pursues you. All that detail and chaotic motion barreling down at you would make anyone’s heart skip a beat”
 
“All in all, the product is pretty damn polished, but honestly, there’s still a ways to go, and we want to get a better sense for what’s connecting with players and what isn’t” adds Warner. “That’s why we’re launching in early access this October.” The team is proud and excited about the coming launch: “The gameplay experience is already very complete; our main systems are running smoothly and the game is a ton of fun to play. The big missing component right now is mostly story content. Currently the game’s intro is present, but that’s it. Over time, we hope to add much more to the story in the form of interactive holotapes that players can find, which will eventually unravel the mystery of what haunts the arcade machine and how players can ultimately escape.”
 
“As for right now,” Da Silva adds, “there’s a fair bit of content to keep players busy. “We’re launching with 5 large levels to explore, composed of 8 unique environmental sections. We’re also launching with several monsters, items, and upgrades, and hope to add more as soon as possible.

Players are invited to add the game to your Steam Wishlist and be ready when it releases October 22nd, 2024. They also hope to participate in Steam Next-Fest this year, so keep your eyes peeled for a demo!
           
View Terrorbytes’ Steam Page and Trailer here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172770/Terrorbytes/
 
Download the Terrorbytes Press Kit here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/naygr6u8c03mt7u6y85u5/AMBErWkhHNkITplt9nR7FAE?rlkey=tb2kencuc94d31kz0k1qhks9y&dl=0
 
About Treetop
 
Treetop is a development studio based in Vancouver, Canada. It consists of John Warner, Trevor Da Silva, and Gregory Brown. Together, the three of them worked on The Last Hero of Nostalgaia, a recent release by John’s other company, Over The Moon Games. John is a 20 year industry veteran who has worked in the AAA, Mobile, and indie sectors. Trevor Da Silva  has had a similarly varied 12 year career. Greg is a rare artistic talent whose career is just getting started!
 
MEDIA CONTACT
John Warner
[email protected]
 

Note to Editors